Limited evidenceStress & mood

Lobelia

A traditional herb whose alkaloid lobeline resembles nicotine and was long promoted for quitting smoking. Cochrane found no evidence that it works, and the plant is genuinely toxic at higher doses.

What the science says

No evidence for smoking cessation Moderate evidence
A Cochrane review of lobeline for smoking cessation found no trials showing a benefit on long-term abstinence, with the available studies too small and too short to detect an effect. The conclusion was that lobeline cannot be recommended.
Pharmacological rationale without clinical support Limited evidence
Lobeline interacts with nicotinic receptors and vesicular monoamine transport in laboratory studies, which is the basis of interest in it for stimulant and nicotine dependence. Reviews of Lobelia species note that this preclinical activity has never translated into clinical benefit.

Dosage & safety

Studied doseNo effective or safe supplemental dose has been established. Traditional emetic use relies on doses that reliably cause vomiting.

SafetyLobelia is emetic and toxic in overdose: nausea, vomiting, sweating, tremor, rapid heartbeat, hypotension, seizures and coma have been reported. Avoid entirely in pregnancy, breastfeeding, children, and in people with heart disease or high blood pressure. Several countries restrict its sale.

How to take it

TimingNot applicable — no safe supplemental dose has been established, and traditional use relies on doses that cause vomiting.

With food?Not applicable, and food does not prevent the toxicity.

Worth knowingSeveral countries restrict its sale for good reason: seizures and coma have been reported in overdose, and the gap between an active and a toxic dose is narrow.

Interactions

With medications

nicotine replacement products and varenicline
Lobeline acts on the same nicotinic receptors, so effects and side effects can add up. Do not combine
blood pressure and cardiac medication
Lobelia can cause hypotension and rapid heartbeat, interfering with treatment. Do not use it if you take these drugs

Well-established interactions only — this is not a complete list. Always tell your doctor and pharmacist what you take.

Frequently asked questions

Does lobelia help you quit smoking?

No: a Cochrane review of lobeline, lobelia's nicotine-like alkaloid, found no trials showing a benefit on long-term abstinence and concluded it cannot be recommended. That is moderate-grade evidence against lobelia for smoking cessation.

Is lobelia safe to take?

Lobelia is emetic and toxic in overdose, with nausea, vomiting, sweating, tremor, rapid heartbeat, hypotension, seizures and coma reported. The gap between an active and a toxic dose is narrow, and several countries restrict its sale.

How much lobelia is safe per day?

No effective or safe supplemental dose of lobelia has been established; traditional emetic use relies on doses that reliably cause vomiting. Avoid lobelia entirely in pregnancy, breastfeeding, children, heart disease and high blood pressure.

Can I take lobelia with nicotine patches or varenicline?

Do not combine lobelia with nicotine replacement products or varenicline, because lobeline acts on the same nicotinic receptors and effects and side effects can add up. Lobelia can also cause hypotension and rapid heartbeat, so avoid it if you take blood pressure or cardiac medication.

Scientific references

Lobeline for smoking cessation
Stead LF, Hughes JR — Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 2012
Beyond Alkaloids: Novel Bioactive Natural Products From Lobelia Species
Zheng Q, Wang Y, Zhang S — Front Pharmacol, 2021

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