Evidence supporting the use of: Foxglove
For the health condition: Tachycardia
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4
Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) is scientifically validated for use in certain types of tachycardia, most notably atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter, both forms of supraventricular tachycardia. The active compounds in foxglove, called cardiac glycosides (most famously digoxin and digitoxin), have a well-established mechanism of action: they inhibit the sodium-potassium ATPase pump in cardiac cells, which leads to increased intracellular calcium and thus stronger cardiac contractions. More importantly for tachycardia, these compounds increase vagal (parasympathetic) tone, thereby slowing conduction through the atrioventricular (AV) node. This slows the heart rate and helps control ventricular response in atrial tachyarrhythmias. The use of digitalis glycosides began in the late 18th century after William Withering published his observations on foxglove’s efficacy in treating dropsy (congestive heart failure), but their application for arrhythmias became clear with later research. Modern clinical guidelines still include digoxin for rate control in atrial fibrillation, particularly in patients with concurrent heart failure. However, its use is more limited in other forms of tachycardia (e.g., ventricular tachycardia), due to lack of efficacy and potential for toxicity. In summary, there is strong scientific evidence for foxglove-derived compounds in managing certain forms of tachycardia, though their use must be closely monitored due to a narrow therapeutic window and risk of toxicity.
Other health conditions supported by Foxglove
ArrhythmiaCardiovascular Disease
Congestive Heart Failure
Heart (weakness)
Heart Fibrillation or Palpitations
Heart Valves
Tachycardia
