Digitalis purpurea L.: a concise drug review with probable clinical uses

ABSTRACT

The exclusively important Digital is purpurea L. [Foxglove] belongs to the family Scrophulariaceae and is distributed throughout the European continent. The phytochemical screening showed the presence of cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, anthraquinones and also triterpenes. But the most important of the phytoconstituents contributed by D.purpurea is the striking presence of numerous cardioactive glycosides that has proven to be the most important drugs in treating congestive heart failures. The glycosides of D. purpurea are not only considered to possess cardiac stimulant but also it has wound healing, hepatoprotective, antioxidant and cytotoxic activities too. Many of them exhibit slowing ventricular rate in atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, supraventricular tachycardia and premature extra systoles. The present review is therefore, an effort to present a detailed survey o f literature on pharmacognosy, phytochemistry and pharmacological activities of D. purpurea