Question

[How could Lobelia inflata be effective in treating a problem with the neuromuscular junction? Provide a mechanism of action given what you know about this herb.] .

Answer 1

Answer :

Lobelia inflata, also knon as indian tobacco or puke weed, is a species of Lobelia native to eastern North America. It has long use as a medicinal plant, as an entheogenic, emetic and a dermatological and respiratory aid. Native Americans used it for respiratory and muscle disorders, as a puragative, and as a ceremonial medicine. The leaves were chewed and smoked. The plant was used as a traditional medicinal plant by the cherokee, Iroquois, Penobscot, and other indigenous people.

Treating neuromuscular junction and mechanism of action:

The alkaloids in Lobelia exert paradoximal effects. Lobeline is a powerful respiratory stimulant by stimulating the respiratory centers and exerts this effects even in relatively small doses. Isolebaline is an emetic and respiratory relaxant (relax smooth muscle) that most powerfully exerts it's action at higher doses. The combined action of both of these alkaloids make Lobelia a stimulating relaxant. The net effect in the lungs will be promotion of mucus secretion, expectoration and a reduction in bronchial spasm.

The leaves and seed pods are the most commonly used medicinal parts of Lobelia. They have been shown to have antiasthmatic, antipasmodic, emetic, expectorant and respiratory stimulant effects.

-Lobeline is the most biologically active and frequently investigated alkaloid in Lobelia, out of the more than 20 piperidine alkaloids that have been identified. -Lobeline has been shown to be a partial nicotine agonists with effects on the CNS, neuromuscular system, and peripheral circulation. It is known as a strong respiratory stimulant, activating the carotid and aortic body chemoreceptors.

It is still used medicinally in the present day; however , there are adverse effect that limit its use, Side effect can include :

• sweating
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhoea
• tremors
• rapid heart beat
• mental confusion
• convulsions
• hypothermia
• coma and
• posibly death