Foxglove is a plant that has many healing properties. For years it has been used in medicine to fight, among others, with heart disease or bladder problems. It should be noted, however, that digitalis, taken in too high doses, is highly poisonous. You cannot, at home and without consulting a doctor, try to take medicines based on the extract of this plant's leaves. What are the side effects of an overdose of digitalis medications? Is digitalis poison? Which diseases does digitalis prevent?

Foxgloveis a plant whosehealing propertieswere discovered at the end of the 17th century. In the past, two types of this plant were used - foxglove and purple foxglove. Currently, in Poland, only woolly foxglove is used for pharmacological purposes, because the common and purple foxglove, in addition to its medicinal properties, are highly poisonous. On the other hand, woolly foxglove is safer to use in the production of drugs, because it is less toxic.

The name digitalis comes from the Latin word "digitalis". In our language, it means a finger and is a direct reference to the shape of the plant's flowers, as they develop from the bottom up on the inflorescence. Foxgloves can often be found in Polish gardens. It is classified in the category of dicotyledonous plants of the goby family, and the number of its species is approximately twenty-five.

Contents:

  1. Foxglove and heart
  2. Foxglove can be poisonous
  3. Foxglove - contraindications
  4. Digitalis as a diuretic
  5. Digitalis and hypertension

Foxglove and heart

Digitalis owes its properties to substances called glycosides, which affect the work of the heart. They cause, among others slowing down the heart rate, relief of venous stagnation in organs with a simultaneous increase in the strength of contractions of the heart muscle.

Digitalis dilates the coronary vessels, increasing the ejection capacity of the heart's ventricles. As a result, it works much more economically. Glycosides obtained from digitalis leaves and seeds are components of preparations recommended for the treatment of certain heart diseases.

Heart disease in which digitalis medications will help include:

  • circulatory failure
  • atrial fibrillation
  • heart failure
  • angina
  • supraventricular arrhythmias
  • heart weakness after infectious diseases
  • heart block

Foxglove can be poisonous

The properties of digitalis are appreciated by many people. However, it is worth remembering that during heart treatment it is easy to overdose, which poses a he alth risk. For this reason, glycoside-based medications are only sold with a prescription and should be taken as prescribed by your he althcare professional.

Digitalis overdose can even lead to cardiac arrest, which is life-threatening.

Digitalis poisoningcan manifest itself in many ways. It can cause, for example :

  • tinnitus
  • depression symptoms
  • various types of muscle paralysis
  • visual impairment
  • cyanosis
  • nausea and vomiting
  • contractions
  • shortness of breath
  • gastrointestinal colic

Digitalis overdose can even lead to cardiac arrest, which is life-threatening.

Therefore, you cannot make digitalis medicine at home. Besides, digitalis is not only toxic when ingested. Even the slightest contact of the skin with the leaves of this plant can cause dizziness and reddening of the skin. In such a situation, you should immediately see a doctor.

Foxglove - contraindications

Digitalis has a low therapeutic index. This marks a thin line between the therapeutic and toxic properties of substances obtained from this plant. In addition, they have a tendency to accumulate in the body and treatment with such agents must be under the control of a specialist. You should never exceed three grams as a single dose of the dried plant and twenty grams in the case of tinctures.

List of examples of active substances that must not be combined with digitalis extract

  • chinidine
  • verapamil
  • calcium preparation
  • theophylline
  • vitamin C
  • salicylates
  • penicillin
  • neomycin
  • corticosteroids
  • theophylline
  • spironolactone

Digitalis as a diuretic

When using standard preparations obtained from the dry extract of this plant, blood flow in the kidneys is increased, which in turn also increases diuresis, i.e. urine output. As a result, swelling may be reduced.

Digitalis and hypertension

Scientistsin the journal "Molecular Pharmacology" argue that the glycoside obtained from digitalis, called digoxin, is a good protection against hypertension. Researchers from the University of Michigan have proven that this ingredient activates protective mechanisms in the blood vessels that prevent this disease. You can also fight hypertension by increasing physical activity, reducing the amount of s alt consumed, etc.

Other ailments that are helped by digitalis medications include:

  • pulmonary congestion with bronchitis
  • mild liver and spleen diseases
  • skin diseases such as ulcers, boils or abscesses
  • weakness with fainting
  • nausea at the sight or smell of food
  • neurosis
Worth knowing

Foxglove is mainly found in the Mediterranean area, incl. in West Asia, Europe and North Africa. The most famous of its species is the purple foxglove (Digitalis purpurea). The foxglove can adapt to the existing weather conditions, finding itself well in an extremely dry and seemingly unfavorable climate - it is often sown spontaneously in various types of ditches or agricultural wastelands. The shade or decay between shrubs and trees is also not a major obstacle for this species. Foxglove often grows wild on forest edges. The color of the flowers can be pink, red, white, but also purple or apricot. They flourish in June and end at the end of September. It happens that this time is extended when new shoots grow out of the leaf axils. This plant can reach a height of up to 150 centimeters. The digitalis is currently under protection.

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