DIGITALIN [FOX GLOVE]

 DIGITALIN  [FOX GLOVE]       

Botanically, the plant ‘Fox glove’  is Digitalis purpurea

The general public know this plant as an ornamental herb in gardens of cooler ambience. The plant is noticed by its flowers which compensate for its short size.  

Flowers are in dense terminal clusters, each with a long hollow canal, resembling a glove, hence ‘Fox glove’ though unrelated to fox. Flowers are highly attractive and the short herb is about a foot and a half in height , still captivating by the bright crimson/pink coloured flowers.

Though pleasant to eyes, the herb is poisonous. 

Its alkaloid ‘Digitalin’ can be profitably exploited; If appropriately processed in a scientific protocol,   excellent medicines are derived for heart patients. As such ‘Digitalin’ is a cluster of different alkaloid components, some of which can rescue patients from fatal cardiac [heart] disorder.

Cardiac ailment –Congestive heart failure [CHF] and Heart rhythm disorder [Atrial arrhythmias ]are treated with ‘Digitalin’ drugs.

Digitalin can yield –‘DIGITOXIN’ and ‘DIGOXIN’ Both are glycosides. Their functional capabilities differ

Important criterion

 Critical levels of Calcium are essential for strengthened heart muscles. During a pathologic state, Calcium ‘escapes’ from these muscles through Potassium-Sodium pumps. The drug[ Digitoxin] binds such pump sites discouraging calcium escape. Consequent calcium elevation in heart tissue helps to strengthen the tissue and favours beats that help circulation.

Digitoxin impedes the Potassium-Sodium pump activity that helps the escape of Calcium and thus manages to protect from Congestive heart failure.

Digoxin has a different mode of action. The reason for Calcium escape from heart cells is induction by certain signals. It can cause disturbances to heart rhythm pattern. Digoxin can slow down such signals and thus it  serves to modulate the heart beat rhythm.

Thus, Fox glove alkaloids help to tide over heart problems.