10 Medicinal Constituents Of Digitalis Purpurea (Foxglove)

Digitalis purpurea has active constituents such as digoxin and digitoxin, cardiac glycosides that increase the force of heart contractions and reduce the heart rate.

These constituents have diuretic and anti-arrhythmic properties, which can be beneficial for people with congestive heart failure or atrial fibrillation.

Regular consumption of foxglove extracts can improve the quality of life for these individuals by reducing symptoms such as edema and shortness of breath.

This article explains in details the 10 best active constituents of Digitalis purpurea.

1. Digoxin

Digitalis purpurea digoxin is a cardiac glycoside extracted from the leaves of the plant Digitalis purpurea.

It is used to treat various heart conditions, including atrial fibrillation and congestive heart failure. Digoxin works by increasing the force of contractions in the heart, thereby improving its pumping efficiency.

It is often prescribed as a medication to control abnormal heart rhythms and reduce symptoms such as fatigue and shortness of breath.

2. Digoxigenin

Digitalis purpurea digoxigenin is a naturally occurring cardiac glycoside extracted from the leaves of the plant.

It has been used for centuries to treat various heart conditions, including atrial fibrillation and congestive heart failure. Digoxigenin works by increasing the contraction force of the heart, allowing it to pump blood more efficiently.

Its precise mechanism of action is through the inhibition of sodium-potassium ATPase pumps in cardiac cells, which increases calcium ions and enhances contractility.

3. Digitoxin

Digitalis purpurea digitoxin is a glycoside extracted from the leaves of the plant.

It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat cardiac arrhythmias and congestive heart failure. Digitoxin works by slowing down the heart rate and increasing its pumping efficiency, allowing the heart to function more effectively.

Its effects can be long-lasting, making it a commonly prescribed medication for chronic heart conditions.

4. Gitoxin

Digitalis purpurea gitoxin is a potent cardiac glycoside extracted from the leaves of the plant.

It is used therapeutically to treat various heart conditions, such as atrial fibrillation and congestive heart failure, by regulating the heartbeat.

Gitoxin works by inhibiting the Na+/K+ pump in cardiac cells, resulting in an increase in calcium ion levels that strengthens the heartbeat.

5. Gitaloxin

Digitalis purpurea gitaloxin is a cardiac glycoside extracted from the leaves of the plant.

It has been used for centuries to treat various heart conditions, including atrial fibrillation and congestive heart failure.

Gitaloxin slows the heart rate and increases its contractions, allowing it to pump blood more efficiently.

6. Digitonin

Digitalis purpurea digitonin is a glycoside compound extracted from the leaves of this plant.

It has been used in medicine for centuries to treat heart conditions, particularly atrial fibrillation and congestive heart failure. Digitonin works by increasing the force and efficiency of the heart's contractions, reducing blood pressure and improving circulation.

Its use requires careful monitoring due to potential toxic side effects if administered incorrectly.

7. Digitalisaponin

Digitalis purpurea digitalisaponin is a type of glycoside extracted from the leaves of the plant.

It is responsible for the cardiac effects of Digitalis, including its ability to increase the force and efficiency of heart contractions by slowing down the electrical conduction system of the heart.

This property makes it an essential component in the treatment of various heart conditions, such as atrial fibrillation and congestive heart failure.

8. Digitoflavin

Digitalis purpurea digitoflavin is a bioactive flavonoid compound isolated from the leaves of this plant.

It has been found to possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a potential therapeutic agent for various diseases.

Digitoflavin has been reported to have protective effects against oxidative stress, which can contribute to the development of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders.

9. Isodigitoxigenin

Digitalis purpurea isodigitoxigenin is a naturally occurring cardiac glycoside compound extracted from the leaves of the plant.

It has been used in traditional medicine for centuries to treat various heart conditions, including atrial fibrillation and congestive heart failure.

Isodigitoxigenin works by slowing down the heart rate and increasing its efficiency, helping to regulate blood pressure and improve overall cardiovascular health.

10. Digitoxigenin-3-monodesmoside

Digitalis purpurea digitoxigenin-3-monodesmoside is a naturally occurring cardiac glycoside found in the leaves of the plant.

It belongs to the group of cardenolides, which are responsible for the plant's toxic properties. Digitoxigenin-3-monodesmoside has been shown to have potent cardiotoxic and antitumor activities, making it an important compound for further research and potential therapeutic applications.

Its unique molecular structure also makes it a valuable tool in the study of cardiac physiology and pharmacology.