Evidence supporting the use of: Lily of the Valley
For the health condition: Arrhythmia

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis) has a long history of use in traditional European herbal medicine as a remedy for heart ailments, including arrhythmias. The plant contains cardiac glycosides, such as convallatoxin, which have effects similar to those of digitalis (foxglove). These compounds act on the heart by inhibiting the Na+/K+-ATPase pump, increasing intracellular calcium, and thereby strengthening heart contractions and affecting heart rhythm. Historically, Lily of the Valley was employed as a milder alternative to foxglove for treating “dropsy” (edema due to heart failure) and irregular heartbeat.

However, scientific validation for its efficacy and safety specifically in the treatment of arrhythmia is limited. While the pharmacological action of its glycosides is understood—mirroring the mechanism by which digoxin affects cardiac rhythm—there have been few rigorous clinical trials. Most of the evidence comes from historical use and early pharmacological studies rather than modern randomized controlled trials. Furthermore, due to the plant’s narrow therapeutic index and potential for toxicity (including inducing dangerous arrhythmias), its use has largely been supplanted by standardized pharmaceutical cardiac glycosides, which are more predictable and manageable in a clinical setting.

In summary, Lily of the Valley’s use in arrhythmia management is primarily rooted in traditional practices and early pharmacology, with limited contemporary scientific validation.

More about Lily of the Valley
More about Arrhythmia

Products containing Lily of the Valley

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