Evidence supporting the use of: Foxglove
For the health condition: Congestive Heart Failure

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 5

Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) is the source of cardiac glycosides, notably digoxin and digitoxin, which have a long history of use in the treatment of congestive heart failure (CHF). The use of foxglove in heart conditions dates back to the late 18th century, when Dr. William Withering documented its effects in patients with "dropsy" (now known as edema due to heart failure). The key active compounds in foxglove increase the force of cardiac contraction (positive inotropy) by inhibiting the sodium-potassium ATPase pump, which leads to increased intracellular calcium in cardiac muscle cells. This mechanism can improve cardiac output and reduce symptoms in selected patients with heart failure.

Modern clinical practice utilizes purified forms of these glycosides, most notably digoxin, rather than raw foxglove, due to the narrow therapeutic window and potential toxicity of the plant. Numerous controlled studies and systematic reviews have demonstrated that digoxin can reduce symptoms, hospitalizations, and improve quality of life in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, though its effect on mortality is limited. Because of well-established pharmacological effects and clinical trial data, the use of foxglove-derived compounds in heart failure is supported by strong scientific evidence.

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