[Chemical constituents of Lobelia chinensis]

[Chemical constituents of Lobelia chinensis]

Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2009 Sep;34(17):2200-2

Authors: Han J, Zhang F, Li Z, Du G, Qin H

OBJECTIVE: To study the chemical constituents from Lobelia chinensis. METHOD: The constituents were extracted with 95% EtOH, partitioned with different solvents, and isolated and purified by silica gel column chromatography and crystallization, their structures were elucidated by physico-chemical properties and spectroscopic data. Result: Seven compounds were isolated from the titled plant. They were identified as 5-hydroxy-4′-methoxyflavone-7-O-rutinoside (1), n-butyl-O-beta-D-fructopyranoside (2), 5,7-dimethoxycoumarin (3), cirsiumaldehyde (4), diosmetin (5), 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furancarboxaldehyde (6), and 6-hydroxy-7-methoxycoumarin (7). CONCLUSION: Compounds 2-4, 6, and 7 were obtained from the titled plant for the first time.

Dr.Steve’s BOTTOM LINE: There are 48 species of Lobelia, with chinensis (Chinese) being the subject of this study.  It is one of the 50 fundamental herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and  has been used to treat inflammation and fever primarily.  Studies such as this, although not fully supported by purists in naturopathy, may help us understand which of the components are actually the active agents in producing positive effects vs. side effects.