Digitalis
Botanical Name: Digitalis purpurea
Pharmacognosy & Source
Plant Part Used
Dried leaves
Geographical Source
Europe, UK, India (Kashmir)
Macroscopic Features
Ovate-lanceolate leaves, pubescent surface, distinctly bitter.
Constituents & Pharmacology
Active Constituents
Cardiac glycosides (Digitoxin, Gitoxin, Gitaloxin)
Pharmacological Actions
Positive inotropic, negative chronotropic (Na+/K+ ATPase inhibitor)
Traditional Uses
Congestive heart failure, dropsy (edema)
Safety & Warnings
Contraindications
Ventricular fibrillation, bradycardia, hypokalemia