Compound Monograph
Lobelidine
Lobelidine is a minor piperidine alkaloid of Lobelia, structurally related to lobeline.
Classification
Lobelidine is a piperidine alkaloid, part of the alkaloids class. Nitrogen-containing, often bitter and physiologically potent compounds — the group behind many of the strongest plant medicines and poisons.
Where Does It Come From? (1)
Lobelidine is a naturally occurring piperidine alkaloid, found in Lobelia. It is flagged as moderately toxic.
Research & Evidence
Lobelidine is a minor piperidine alkaloid of Lobelia inflata, one of a family of related Lobelia alkaloids that includes lobeline, lobelanine and lobelanidine. (Although some records cross-label it with lobeline, lobelidine is a distinct compound.) Little is established about it independently of the wider alkaloid group.
Toxicity & Safety
Like the other Lobelia alkaloids, lobelidine warrants caution given the genus’s history of emetic and nicotinic effects. Its individual safety profile has not been characterised.