cardiotonic steroid

chemistry

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Last updated

June 22, 2026

Quick Summary

Cardiotonic steroids are a class of naturally occurring steroids that affect heart function. These compounds, often found in plants like foxglove, are glycosides, meaning they contain sugar residues attached to a steroid core called an aglycone.12

Medicinally, cardiotonic steroids such as digitoxin, gitoxin, and digoxin are used to strengthen the heart's contractility and slow its rate, making them crucial in treating heart failure. While the aglycone itself has some activity, the glycosides are generally more potent. Small modifications to steroid structures can significantly alter their biological effects.231

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steroid
Cardiotonic steroids
) Preparations in which cardiotonic steroids of both vegetable and animal origin are the active principles have been used as emetics, diuretics, and arrow poisons for centuries. The use of digitalis, ouabain, and strophanthin glycosides to slow the rate and strengthen the contractility of…
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) Preparations in which cardiotonic steroids of both vegetable and animal origin are the active principles have been used as emetics, diuretics, and arrow poisons for centuries. The use of digitalis, ouabain, and strophanthin glycosides to slow the rate and strengthen the contractility of…
Read More