Herba Lobeliae
Chinensis
Source
The whole plant of Lobelia chtriensts Lour., family Campanulaceae.
Characteristics
A small herb with fibrous roots at the nodes. Leaves alternate, linear
in 
shape.
Flowers solitary, growing from the leaf axillae. Corolla reddish purple,
with a cylindric base and an apex divided into 5 lobes which deviate to
one side, like a half of a lotus flower. Acrid in taste, mild in nature,
and attributive to heart, small intestine and lung channels.
Indication
1. Promote diuresis to relieve edema: For ascites and edema.
2. Clear away heat and toxic material: For snake-bite poisoning, skin
infection and bee or scorpion injuries.
Pharmacological
Action
1.
Its decoction or its active component lobeline stimulates the chemical
receptor in common carotid artery and exaggerates respiration.
2. Gastric infusion of its infusion (1g/kg) exerts a strong and prolonged
diuretic effect in rats and LD50 is 75g/kg.
3. Single or combined preliminary feeding of succinic acid, fumaric acid
and p-hydroxybenzoic acid to the mice is protective against cobra intoxication.
Administration
Decoction: 9-15g.
External use: Crushed fresh herb mixed with salt for bee or scorpion injuries.