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| Description. Lobelias are herbs, annual or perennial plants, that grow to 3-4 feet tall. Leaves are alternate. Flowers range from scarlet to light blue. |
| Geographic range. Lobelias thrive in moist, fertile soil in most of the southern United States. |
| Toxic principle. Pyridine alkaloids similar to nicotine are found within the plant. Lobeline is common to most species. |
| Toxicity. Poisonous to cattle, sheep, and goats, lobelia also affects humans. Intoxication usually occurs in late winter to early spring. In sheep, a dose of 0.6 - 2.2% body weight may cause development of clinical signs within one to two days and death in three to nine days. |
| Mechanism of toxicologic damage. Lobeline stimulates the carotid body, decreasing heart rate and often causing arrhythmias. |
| Diagnosis
Clinical signs. Clinical signs include excessive salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, and dilated pupils. Corneal and oral ulceration may be seen. Coma and death, possibly due to cardiopulmonary arrest, has been seen. Laboratory Diagnosis. During the first several hours of intoxication, marked elevation of serum hepatic enzyme activity (AP, AST) may be seen. Lesions. Brain and lung congestion, splotchy hemorrhages, and excess reddish peritoneal fluid may be found. Ulceration of the mucosa of the rumen and abomasum may be extensive. |
| Treatment. No specific treatment. Atropine may relieve some of the signs. Mineral oil and saline laxatives, if given soon after ingestion, may decrease absorption of the toxins. |
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| University of Pennsylvania |
| Created by: Alexander Chan (2003), Daphne Downs (2002), Chris Tsai (2001), Brett Begley (2000), Janet Triplett (1997) |
| Faculty Advisor: Dr. Robert Poppenga |