Digitalis lanata

Woolly foxglove

Digitalis lanaata, commonly known as the woolly foxglove, is a perennial herb native to the high-altitude regions of the Himalayas. Renowned for its dense, velvety foliage, this medicinal plant contains potent cardiac glycosides, historically utilized in traditional medicine to treat various cardiovascular ailments and regulate heart rhythms effectively.

  • Scientific name: Digitalis lanata
  • Family: Plantaginaceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, Digitalis lanata, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Lamiales and the family Plantaginaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Digitalis.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Lamiales WCVP
Family Plantaginaceae WCVP
Genus Digitalis WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Digitalis lanata, is recognized by various common names across different languages and regions. In Poland, it is referred to as Naparstnica wełnistwa, while in Russia, it is called Наперстянка шерстистая. In the Serbian linguistic tradition, it is known as Besniče (sr-el) or Бесниче (sr-ec), and in Hungary, it is commonly called gyapjas gyűszűvirág.
Language Common Name Source
pl Naparstnica wełnista Wikidata
ru Наперстянка шерстистая Wikidata
sr-el Besniče Wikidata
sr-ec Бесниче Wikidata
hu gyapjas gyűszűvirág Wikidata
et villane sõrmkübar Wikidata
de Wolliger Fingerhut Wikidata
sq Luletokëza leshtake Wikidata
az Tükcüklü üskükotu Wikidata
hsb Wołmjany naporst Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a widespread distribution across several regions of the European continent. In Middle Europe, it can be found growing within the borders of Austria and Germany. Its presence extends through the territories of Czechia and Slovakia as well. Additionally, the species is documented throughout Hungary, contributing to its central European range. Finally, the distribution reaches into Southeastern Europe, specifically within the country of Albania.

Region Area Source
Middle Europe Austria WCVP
Middle Europe Czechia-Slovakia WCVP
Middle Europe Germany WCVP
Middle Europe Hungary WCVP
Southeastern Europe Albania WCVP
Southeastern Europe Bulgaria WCVP
Southeastern Europe Greece WCVP
Southeastern Europe Romania WCVP
Southeastern Europe Türkiye-in-Europe WCVP
Southeastern Europe NW. Balkan Pen. WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Digitalis lanata, is a significant medicinal species known for its therapeutic properties derived from specific components. The primary source of its active glycosides is the leaves, which are carefully harvested at the correct developmental stage to ensure potency. Whether used as a whole leaf or processed into a fine dried leaf powder, these parts are essential in the preparation of various cardiac medications. Using the dried leaf powder allows for more precise dosing and easier integration into pharmaceutical formulations, making the processed leaves indispensable in modern medicine.
Total parts
3
Scientific sources
6
Plant Part Sources Confidence
leaves 4 ★★☆☆☆
leaf 1 ★☆☆☆☆
dried leaf powder 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Digitalis lanata has 45 reported phytochemicals identified across 64 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include digoxin, cardenolides, lanatoside C, pregnenolone, progesterone.

Total chemicals
45
Scientific sources
64

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
digoxin 7 ★★★★☆
cardenolides 5 ★★★☆☆
lanatoside C 4 ★★☆☆☆
pregnenolone 3 ★★☆☆☆
progesterone 3 ★★☆☆☆
digoxigenin 2 ★☆☆☆☆
glucodigifucoside 2 ★☆☆☆☆
5 alpha-pregnan-3 beta-ol-20-one 1 ★☆☆☆☆
5 alpha-pregnane-3,20-dione 1 ★☆☆☆☆
5 beta-pregnan-3 alpha-ol-20-one 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Digitalis lanata has 6 reported medicinal uses identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cardiovascular diseases, ischemia, myocardial infarct, necrosis, prostate cancer.

Total uses
6
Scientific sources
6

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
cardiovascular diseases 1 ★☆☆☆☆
ischemia 1 ★☆☆☆☆
myocardial infarct 1 ★☆☆☆☆
necrosis 1 ★☆☆☆☆
prostate cancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
tumor 1 ★☆☆☆☆