It is notable for its concentrations of two pyridine alkaloids&colon; lobeline and nicotine. The plant contains a number of toxic alkaloids including lobelamine and lobeline. Lobelanine is a chemical precursor in the biosynthesis of lobeline. Members of subfamily Lobelioideae contain the alkaloid lobeline. Lobelanidine is a chemical analog of lobeline. Many members of the genus are considered poisonous, with some containing the toxic principle lobeline.