|
| Botanical Name |
Digitalis
lanata |
|
| Common Name |
Scrophulariaceae |
| Family |
English:
Fox glove |
| Parts Used |
Leaves |
| Medicinal Property |
A
very bitter diuretic herb that strengthens heart contractions. Internally
for heart failure and irregular heart beat. Excess causes nausea,
vomiting, slow pulse and fainting. |
| Chemistry |
It
is the major source of digitoxin, digoxin, gitoxin and various other
glycosides. Nearly 70 different glycosides have been reported. Principal
glycosides are the tetra glycosides, lanatoside A, B, C, D, & E. Out
of these lanatoside C and digoxin are two important glycosides used in
medicine. Other minor constituents are diglycosides, digitalinum, verum,
gitorin, monoglycoside, strospeside, saponins and the enzyme digilanidase.
The seed contain viscosus fatty oil and glycosides. |
| Description |
A
half hardy biennial herb, plants attain a height up to 70 cm. Leaves are
15 to 22 cm long and 2.5 to 3 cm broad. Flowers are 5 to 6 cm long, hairy,
creamy, yellow or purple colored. |
| Distribution |
Cultivated
in Kashmir and some pockets on south Indian hills at an elevation of
1000-2500 m. |
| Economics |
Aqueous
syrup, an alcoholic tincture, vinegar and ointments are prepared. |
| Warning |
|
|
|