EFFECT OF NITROGEN AND MAGNESIUM NUTRION ON THE LOBELINE PRODUCTION OF INDIAN TOBACCO (LOBELIA INFLATA L.)

Abstract

Lobelia inflata, native to North America, seems to possess various pharmaceutically significant properties. It contains several piperidine alkaloids. Interest in Lobelia alkaloids, and in particular lobeline, the most active of them, has increased in recent years due to their activity on the central nervous system. As lobeline can ast as a competitive nicotinic receptor antagonist, it is frequently used in antismoking preparations.
Our experiments implemented in randomized blocks with 4 repetitions indicate the favourable effects of Mg-fertilization and are in harmony with our previous in vitro and in
vivo experiments. Based on our results, it can be estimated that under the influence of Mg treatment an established population of L. inflata can produce some 3.2 kg/ha total
alkaloids.