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common foxglove
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foxglove as a source of cardiac glycoside digitalis Cluster of purple, tubular common foxglove flowers (Digitalis purpurea) with spotted white interiors, growing outdoors with blurred greenery in the background. Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea).
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common foxglove

plant
Also known as: Digitalis purpurea, purple foxglove
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foxglove as a source of cardiac glycoside digitalis
foxglove as a source of cardiac glycoside digitalis Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) is the source of the cardiac glycoside digitalis. The therapeutic use of digitalis was first described in the late 18th century, when it was used to treat edema, a condition associated with heart failure.

The common foxglove, or Digitalis purpurea, is a genus of herbaceous plants native to Europe and surrounding regions. These plants are known for their tall spikes of bell-shaped flowers, which can be purple, yellow, or white and are often spotted inside. Foxgloves are typically biennials, meaning they flower in their second year before dying.1

Crucially, all parts of the foxglove plant contain toxic cardiac glycosides. Despite their toxicity, foxgloves are cultivated for their attractive flowers and as a source for the heart-stimulating drug digitalis. Digitalis, derived from the dried leaves, is used in medicine to strengthen heart muscle contractions and treat conditions like congestive heart failure.123

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