The plant contains alpha-and betaspinasterol.
Digitalis lanata Ehrh.
Family Scrophulariaceae.
214 Digitalis purpurea Linn.
LD)
Habitat Native to Europe. Now cultivated mainly in Kashmir
(Yarikhah), also occurs wild. English Grecian Foxglove.
Ayurvedic Hritpatri, Tilapushpi (non-classical). (Yellow var.)
Action See D. purpurea.
Earlier, the herb was used to treat ulcers, boils, abscesses, headaches and paralysis. William Withering, an 18th century English country doctor, explored the plant’s hidden properties. His work led to the production of digoxin, a life-saving medicine.
Safety of the herb cannot be established due to variable amounts of cardiac glycosides. The powder is toxic at 520 mg.
Digitalis purpurea Linn.
Family Scrophulariaceae.
Habitat Native to West Europe. Cultivated in Tangmarg and
Kishtawar in Kashmir, Darjeeling and the Nilgiris.
English Digitalis, Foxglove.
Ayurvedic Hritpatri, Tilapushpi (non-classical). (Purple var.)
Action Main source of digoxin for the pharmaceutical industry. Digitalis glycosides increase the force of contraction of heart without increasing the oxygen consumption and slow the heart rate when auricular fibrillation is present. To be used only under strict medical supervision.
Dillenia indica Linn.
Synonym Dillenia speciosa Thunb. Family Dilleniaceae.
Habitat The Himalayas from Nepal to Bhutan; north Bengal, Bihar,
Orissa and Madhya Pradesh.
English Elephant Apple.
Ayurvedic Bhavya.
Folk Uva, Chaaltaa.
Action Fruit—laxative, carminative, bechic, febrifuge, antispasmodic
