Digitalis (Cardiac Glycosides)

General Introduction to Digitalis (Cardiac Glycosides) :

• Digitalis is a primary source of potent cardiac glycosides (e.g., digoxin and digitoxin), used to treat heart failure and arrhythmias.
• These compounds are derived from the dried leaves of Digitalis purpurea and Digitalis lanata.

Synonyms of Digitalis (Cardiac Glycosides):

• Common Name: Foxglove
• Scientific Names: Digitalis purpurea, Digitalis lanata
• Other: Foxglove glycosides

Biological Source & Family:

• Source: Dried leaves
• Family: Plantaginaceae

Composition:

• Cardiac Glycosides:
  • Primary: Purpurea glycosides A and B, Lanatosides A, B, and C
  • Active Forms: Digoxin, Digitoxin
• Other Compounds: Flavonoids (e.g., luteolin) and sterols (cholesterol, sitosterols)

Chemistry:

• Class: Cardiac glycosides
• Structure: Steroid nucleus with a lactone ring at C-17 and sugar residues at C-3. The unsaturated (α,β-unsaturated) lactone ring is key for activity.
• Solubility: Mainly lipophilic; glycosylation enhances water solubility.

Therapeutic Uses & Commercial Applications:

• Cardiotonic Effects: Increases cardiac contraction (positive inotropy) and slows heart rate (negative chronotropy), benefiting patients with congestive heart failure and atrial fibrillation.
• Antiarrhythmic: Particularly effective for atrial flutter/fibrillation management.
• Market Forms: Available as oral and injectable formulations (e.g., Lanoxin for digoxin).

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