Evidence supporting the use of: Foxglove
For the health condition: Heart Valves

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) is the source of cardiac glycosides such as digoxin and digitoxin, which have been used in medicine primarily to treat certain heart conditions, most notably heart failure and some arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats). The scientific basis for its use originates from the work of William Withering in the late 18th century, who first documented its effectiveness in treating "dropsy" (now known as edema, often due to heart failure). Foxglove-derived compounds increase the force of heart muscle contractions and help manage heart rate, providing symptomatic relief in cases of heart failure and atrial fibrillation.

However, there is no direct evidence or recommendation for the use of foxglove or its derivatives specifically to treat or support heart valve disorders such as stenosis or regurgitation. While heart valve disease can lead to heart failure, the benefit of digitalis relates to its effects on cardiac contractility and rhythm control, not on the structure or function of the valves themselves. Thus, the use of foxglove is scientifically validated for certain heart conditions, but not directly for heart valve disease.

Clinical guidelines do not recommend digitalis for primary management of valve disorders unless the patient develops atrial fibrillation or heart failure symptoms as a consequence. Use of digitalis requires careful dosing and monitoring due to its narrow therapeutic window and risk of toxicity.

More about Foxglove
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Other ingredients used for Heart Valves

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Products containing Foxglove

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.