Digitalis Glycosides are derived from which plant?

Digitalis Glycosides are derived from which plant?

• A. Belladonna
• B. Purple Foxglove
• C. Ginseng
• D. Nerium

Answer: (B)

Digitalis glycosides are the cardiac glycosides derived from the foxglove plant, with purple foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) being the classic source. These compounds, such as digoxin and digitoxin, come from Digitalis species and are known for their ability to inhibit the Na+/K+-ATPase pump in heart cells, increasing intracellular calcium and producing a stronger, more efficient heartbeat (positive inotropy). This distinguishes the digitalis family from other plants listed: belladonna provides anticholinergic agents, ginseng yields ginsenosides with adaptogenic effects, and Nerium oleander contains toxic cardioactive glycosides but not the digitalis-specific glycosides. Therefore, purple foxglove is the source.

Digitalis glycosides are the cardiac glycosides derived from the foxglove plant, with purple foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) being the classic source. These compounds, such as digoxin and digitoxin, come from Digitalis species and are known for their ability to inhibit the Na+/K+-ATPase pump in heart cells, increasing intracellular calcium and producing a stronger, more efficient heartbeat (positive inotropy). This distinguishes the digitalis family from other plants listed: belladonna provides anticholinergic agents, ginseng yields ginsenosides with adaptogenic effects, and Nerium oleander contains toxic cardioactive glycosides but not the digitalis-specific glycosides. Therefore, purple foxglove is the source.