Cardiac glycosides
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The main source of cardiac glycosides is from the foxglove family.
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Their effectiveness in cardiac failure was, described by William Withering in 1775. He published his classic monograph ‘An account of the foxglove and some of its medicinal uses: with practical remarks on dropsy on used by an old woman of Shorpshireand other diseases’ in 1785.
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Initially kidney was thought to be the target organ
- The cardiac glycosides are unique in that they not only improve the contractility of the myocardium, but also reduce the heart’s demand for energy and oxygen.
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These drugs also decease the conduction of certain impulses within the heart and therefore decrease the heart rate.
Source of glycosides
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Digitalis purpurea or Purple foxglve (leaf) - Digitoxin, Gitoxin, Gitalin
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Digitalis lanata or White foxglove (leaf) - Digitoxin, Gitoxin, Digoxin
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Strophanthus kombe (seed) - Strophanthin K
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Strophanthus gratus (seed) - Strophanthin G (Ouabain)
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Thevetia neriifolia (nut) - Thevetin
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Convallaria majalis - Convallotoxin
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Bufo vulgaris (Toad skin) - Bufotoxin
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Last modified: Wednesday, 25 April 2012, 10:48 AM