Botanical Overview
Digitalis purpurea, commonly known as Foxglove or Purple foxglove, is a biennial or short-lived perennial plant from the Plantaginaceae family. It is native to Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa. The medicinal parts chiefly used are the leaves and flowers which contain potent cardiac glycosides.
Energetics
The plant is considered cooling and drying with a bitter taste and descending directionality. It is tonifying in nature and mainly influences the blood.
Primary Actions
- Cardiotonic
- Digitalis glycoside activity
- Inotropic effects on the heart
Indications
Western
- Symptoms: congestive heart failure symptoms, palpitations, tachycardia
Syndromes
- Congestive heart failure
- Atrial fibrillation
- Supraventricular tachycardia
TCM
Not traditionally used or documented.
Ayurveda
Not traditionally used or documented.
Unani
Not traditionally used or documented.
Constituents & Mechanisms
Digitalis purpurea contains cardiac glycosides including digitoxin, digoxin, digitoxigenin, and lanatosides which increase cardiac contractility by inhibiting the sodium-potassium ATPase pump, leading to increased intracellular calcium in cardiac muscle cells.
Dosage & Preparations
- Standardized leaf extract used medically under prescription only; dosage is individualized and strictly monitored clinically.
Safety & Contraindications
Digitalis purpurea is highly toxic if misused due to its narrow therapeutic index. Overdose may cause nausea, vomiting, arrhythmias, and cardiac arrest. Contraindicated in ventricular fibrillation, certain types of heart block, and in individuals hypersensitive to digitalis compounds. Pregnancy category C: should be used only if clearly needed under medical supervision. Requires monitoring of blood levels and interactions with other cardiac and electrolyte-altering drugs must be considered.
Astrological Correspondences
No well-documented planetary or elemental rulers found with sufficient credible sources.
Selected References
- Assessment report on Digitalis purpurea L., folium – European Medicines Agency (2011)
- Cardiac glycosides: Pharmacology and toxicology – Alabed & Alfarhan (2016)
- WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants: Volume 2 – WHO (2002)
- Digoxin Clinical Pharmacology – Drugs.com