Foxglove
Digitalis
Digitalis, commonly known as foxglove, originates from traditional European medicine. It has been traditionally used for various conditions, though specific applications are not well-documented in historical records. Scientific evidence suggests that digitoxin at low serum concentrations may reduce all-cause mortality and heart-failure-related hospitalizations in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Additionally, digitalis glycosides eye drops showed improvements in ocular surface disease symptoms compared to sodium hyaluronate, though the evidence is not strongly conclusive. Cardiac glycosides did not significantly reduce all-cause mortality but both digoxin and digitoxin reduced hospitalizations for worsening heart failure in patients with HFrEF. The distal venous access (vena digitalis dorsalis communis II) showed a higher vessel count compared to the proximal venous access, enhancing vascular filling in tarsal venography. No major safety issues or drug interactions have been recorded, but caution is advised due to the potent nature of these compounds.
- Best evidence
- B
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- The study found that digitoxin at low serum concentrations reduced all-cause mortality and heart-failure-related hospitalizations in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction.
- Esculin and digitalis glycosides eye drops showed greater improvements in OSDI, TBUT, CFS, tear secretion, FVA accuracy, and TMH compared to sodium hyaluronate, with similar tolerability.
- Cardiac glycosides did not significantly reduce all-cause mortality but both digoxin and digitoxin reduced hospitalizations for worsening heart failure in patients with HFrEF.
- The distal venous access (vena digitalis dorsalis communis II) showed a significantly higher vessel count compared to the proximal venous access, enhancing vascular filling in tarsal venography.
Frequently asked questions
What is Foxglove?
Foxglove (Digitalis) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about Foxglove?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Foxglove; the strongest carries evidence grade B. For example: The study found that digitoxin at low serum concentrations reduced all-cause mortality and heart-failure-related hospitalizations in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction.
How strong is the evidence for Foxglove?
The strongest finding for Foxglove carries evidence grade B — moderate evidence. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Foxglove safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Foxglove in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Foxglove interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Foxglove in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Foxglove?
Foxglove is also known as: Наперстянка, digitale.
Is Foxglove a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 Efficacy and tolerability of esculin and digitalis glycosides eye drops versus sodium hyaluronate in pediatric digital screen-related visual fatigue and dry eye. literature abstract metadata
- T2 The anterograde tarsal venography enhances vessel visualization compared to the retrograde approach in horses. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Therapeutic Impact of Cardiac Glycosides (Digoxin and Digitoxin) in Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction: A Systematic Review. literature abstract metadata
- T2 [Digitalis and Heart Failure]. literature abstract metadata