Cardiac Glycosides and Their Sources

Digitalis Leaf

• Family: Scrophulariaceae
• Source: Dried leaves of Digitalis purpurea and Digitalis lanata
• Active Constituents: Cardiac glycosides (e.g., digoxin, digitoxin)
• Structure: Glandular hairs, epidermal, bi-cellular and uni-cellular stalks
• Uses: Cardiotonic (treating congestive heart failure). In small doses, expectorant; in large doses, emetic action.

Squill

• Family: Liliaceae
• Source: Dried, sliced leaves of Urginea maritima
• Active Constituents: Cardiac glycosides (e.g., Scillaren A, Scillaren B)
• Properties: Contains mucilage (4-11%), and other constituents like Japonin. Epidermal layer characteristics noted include upper slightly thickened walls and lower wavy walls showing stomata.
• Uses: Diuretic, other properties include acting as a poison for rats.

Cardiac Glycosides

• Structure: Lactone ring with sugar groups.
• Mechanism of Action: Increase the force and strength of heartbeats
• Types: Various types exist (Digitalis, Squill derived).

Other Plant Extracts/Uses

• General:

  • Many plants have active constituents with diverse uses.
  • Some are used as diuretics, antiseptics, or in wound healing.
  • Several plant extracts are used topically or systemically (generally as medicines) for various effects.

• Uva Ursi:

  • Family: Ericaceae
  • Source: Dried leaves of Arctostaphylos uva-ursi
  • Active constituents: Phenolic glycosides (e.g., arbutin) and potentially flavonoids/triterpenoids
  • Mechanism of action: Arbutin hydrolyses to hydroquinone creating antiseptic activity on the urinary tract
  • Uses: Antiseptic effects on urinary tract, diuretic, treating hyperpigmentation.

• Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel):

  • Family: Hamamelidaceae
  • Source: Dried leaves of Hamamelis virginiana
  • Active constituents: Tannins (gallotannins, ellagitannins)
  • Uses: Astringent, hemostatic, and in various health applications
  • Characteristics: Blue color when tested with Ferric chloride

• Boldo Leaf:

  • Family: Monimiaceae
  • Source: Dried leaves of Peumus boldus
  • Active constituents: Boldine (alkaloid) and other lesser-named compounds.
  • Uses: Cholagogue (increases bile secretion). Choleretic (promotes bile flow). Astringent.

• Henna:

  • Family: Lythraceae
  • Source: Dried leaves of Lawsonia inermis
  • Active Constituents: Lawsone (naphthoquinone)
  • Uses: Fungicide, treating skin burns, cosmetic use

• Coca Leaf:

  • Family: Erythroxylaceae
  • Source: Dried leaves of Erythroxylum coca
  • Active Constituents: Tropane Alkaloids (e.g., ecgonine, hygrine, tropine)
  • Uses: Local anesthetic.

• Tea Leaf:

  • Constituents: Caffeine, theobromine, theophylline (purine alkaloids), tannins and other constituents.
  • Uses: various, including CNS stimulant properties, diuretic, asthma relief, and potentially fat burning activity.

Explore the world of cardiac glycosides, focusing on the plants Digitalis and Squill. Learn about their active constituents, structures, and medicinal uses. This quiz provides a comprehensive overview of their pharmacological implications and mechanisms of action.