Introduction to Poisonous Plants

Indian tobacco
Lobelia inflata L
FAMILY: Lobeliaceae

Lobelia inflata is the source of the alkaloid lobeline used medicinally as a respiratory stimulant and in veterinary science as a respiratory stimulant and ruminatonic.

DISTRIBUTION:
Lobelias are found in wet soil, along streams, ponds, shores, and in swamps. They are also cultivated for garden use.

DESCRIPTION:
In Lobelia the corolla is characteristically split to the base on the upper side; bilabiate, having 2 lobes above and below, the upper lobes erect, the lower lobes usually spread; stamens: protrude through the split in the corolla; the 2 lower stamens bearded at the tip; inflorescence: a terminal bracteate raceme, flowers alternately inserted; leaves: decurrent.

TOXIC PARTS:
All parts of Lobelia are poisonous. Lobelia is toxic to animals at 0.5% of body weight.

TOXICITY:
Toxicosis develops within 3 days. In livestock, symptoms are sluggishness, salivation, diarrhea, anorexia, ulceration around the mouth, nasal discharges, and eventually coma. Also, lesions of hemorrhage and mild gastroenteritis may be present. In humans, symptoms include vomiting, sweating, pain, paralysis, depressed temperature, rapid but weak pulse, collapse, coma, and death.

TOXIC PRINCIPLE:
Toxins are pyridine alkaloids, especially lobeline.

TREATMENT :-

Contact physician and /or poison control centre.
Gastric lavage, emesis ; treat symptoms as they appear, supportive therapy ; Artficial respiration and oxygen , atropine 2 mg IM .