Digitalis purpured

Commonly known as Foxglove. Digitalis containing a number of glucosides, three of which are cardiac stimulants: digitoxin, digitalin and digitalun. The other glucoside is digitonin, a cardiac depressant.

Digitalis has been used from early times for its properties on the heart and circulation. Its first action is to increase blood pressure due to contraction of the heart and arteries.

In toxic doses it causes disturbances of the senses, blurs the visual field. Low dose poisoning leads to slow and irregular pulse. Higher concentrations of poisoning leads to rapid heart beat and arrest.