Foxglove (digitalis purpurea) can aid in the tone and rythmn of the heart. What is the primary ingredient which is so conducive to the heart?
Digoxin(e) may be the one that you are looking for in this question, although there are more than one cardiac glycosides found in this plant.
Definitely a plant with a yin and a yang. The family of extracts derived this plant is called Digitalin. From the species Digitalis purpurea comes an extract containing cardiac glycosides used to control heart rates. Specifically atrial fibrillation. On the other side of the equation other species of Foxglove is so toxic as to cause death from eating or prolonged inhalation of the flower. A word of caution to those unfamiliar with the various species. Jerry
Spoiler My answer is Digitalin which is a white crystalline glycoside, C36H56O14, that is obtained from the seeds of the common foxglove - digitalis purpurea. This is one of several mixtures of digitalis glycosides that are extracted from the leaves or seeds of the common foxglove. Digitalis preparation is used to treat congestive heart failure or cardiac arrhythmia.
You all sound like doctors or pharmacists... I knew it was digitalis, but not the chemical composition or exactly how it worked. When My grandmother needed her nitroglycerin patch.... I was afraid I would drop the tube and blow us all up. Funny how our childhood memories can come back in a flash. Just thinking about the heart medicine.
