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.