Experts warns, that beloved flowering plant can trigger heart attack

PTC News Desk: Foxglove, known scientifically as Digitalis, is a captivating flowering plant admired for its tubular blossoms and rich history in herbal medicine. Originating in Europe and Asia, this elegant plant has gained global popularity among garden enthusiasts. With its tall spikes adorned by pendulous, trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white, Foxglove adds enchantment to any garden. Yet, beneath its aesthetic allure lies a potentially perilous secret - the presence of potent compounds, including digoxin, a cardiac glycoside with a profound impact on the heart.

One popular saying suggests that Foxglove can induce a heart attack. But is there any truth to this claim? Let's hear what experts have to say.

"Foxgloves contain extremely potent compounds called cardiac glycosides," explains Dr. Zhen Wang. The term 'cardiac' signifies their impact on the heart muscle, while 'glycosides' indicates that these compounds are paired with sugar molecules to enhance absorption within the body.

A healthy heart efficiently pumps blood throughout the body, thanks to thousands of cardiac cells that contract in a synchronized manner. These cells possess ion channels and transporters for sodium, potassium, and chloride, allowing them to generate electrical currents. Among these, the sodium-potassium pump plays a crucial role in maintaining electrical balance.

Dr. Zheng Wang further elaborates, stating, "All foxglove species produce cardiac glycosides like digoxin, which tightly bind to the sodium-potassium pump, inhibiting its function. This disruption results in the accumulation of ions, leading to the heart contracting harder and faster than normal."

This disruption in the heart's natural rhythm can cause a severe type of arrhythmia called ventricular fibrillation, potentially resulting in sudden cardiac arrest and even death. However, it is essential to note that digoxin, found in Foxglove, is also recognized for its valuable role as a heart medication. "Digoxin is clinically prescribed for heart failure when other drugs have proven ineffective," Dr. Wang highlights.

Dr. Wang advises that if someone accidentally ingests any part of the Foxglove plant, they should seek immediate medical attention at a hospital. This underlines the importance of recognizing the hidden dangers of this botanical beauty and the crucial need for caution when dealing with Foxglove.

In summary, while Foxglove's visual charm is unquestionable, its potent cardiac glycosides present a potential risk to human health, making it vital to approach this captivating plant with respect and knowledge.