Digitalis

Digitalis lanata

Digitalis lanata is a plant species used within various traditional medical systems. It has been historically applied as a cardiotonic, diuretic, and stimulant to address heart complaints, renitis, and dropsy. Scientific research suggests that lanatoside C may inhibit prostate cancer cell proliferation via the TNF/IL-17 signaling pathway, and some studies consider its potential anti-HIV properties in traditional Chinese medicine. Research also identifies specific enzymes involved in its digoxin biosynthetic pathway. No major safety issues or notable drug interactions are currently recorded in the provided data.

At a glance
Traditionally for
cardiotonic · diuretic
Traditions
Ayurveda · Unani · traditional
Best evidence
D
Cautions
—

Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.

Traditional use

What the science says

  • Lanatoside C from Digitalis lanata inhibits prostate cancer cell proliferation and induces apoptosis through modulating the TNF/IL-17 signaling pathway. D PMID
  • The study reviews 60 years of research on plant progesterone metabolism, highlighting known enzymes from Digitalis lanata and other species. D PMID
  • Digitalis lanata is among the medicinal plants with anti-HIV properties considered in traditional Chinese medicine. D PMID
  • The subcellular localizations of P450scc, 3βHSD, and P5βR2 in the digoxin biosynthetic pathway were identified as ER, cytosol, and cytosol, respectively. D PMID
  • Digitalis lanata is among the natural products discussed for potential use in managing cardiovascular diseases. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is Digitalis?

Digitalis (Digitalis lanata) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.

What is Digitalis traditionally used for?

Traditional sources record Digitalis for: cardiotonic, diuretic, cardio stimulant, dropsy (edema), heart complaints, renitis. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.

Which traditions use Digitalis?

Digitalis appears in these traditions in our sources: Ayurveda, Unani, traditional.

What does the scientific evidence say about Digitalis?

5 sourced findings are recorded for Digitalis; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Lanatoside C from Digitalis lanata inhibits prostate cancer cell proliferation and induces apoptosis through modulating the TNF/IL-17 signaling pathway.

How strong is the evidence for Digitalis?

The strongest finding for Digitalis carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).

Is Digitalis safe? What are the side effects?

No major safety issues are recorded for Digitalis in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.

Does Digitalis interact with medications?

No drug interactions are recorded for Digitalis in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.

What are the common names of Digitalis?

Digitalis is also known as: Наперстянка шерстистая, Digitale laineuse.

Is Digitalis 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

  1. T3 Dr. Duke's Ethnobotanical Database public domain (USDA ARS — attribute Dr. Duke's)
  2. T2 The Importance of Traditional Chinese Medicine in the Intervention and Treatment of HIV while Considering its Safety and Efficacy. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Progesterone Metabolism in Digitalis and Other Plants-60 Years of Research and Recent Results. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 The Potential of Natural Products in the Management of Cardiovascular Disease. literature abstract metadata
  5. T2 Lanatoside C Inhibits Proliferation and Induces Apoptosis in Human Prostate Cancer Cells Through the TNF/IL-17 Signaling Pathway. literature abstract metadata
  6. T2 Subcellular localization of enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of digoxin in Digitalis lanata. literature abstract metadata