Abstract

DIGITALIS PLANT, ARJUNA BARK –AN ANCIENT CARDIOTONIC NATURAL DRUG

Sonali Y. Shitole* and Sonali B. Kotwal

ABSTRACT

Cardiotonic are the drugs which give strength or energy to the activity of the heart. The cardio tonic increases the contraction of cardiac muscle and stimulates overall activity of heart. Digitalis, Strophanthus, Squill, Thevetia, and Arjuna bark are examples of Cardiotonic natural drugs.The presented review summarizes the information concerning the botany, ethno pharmacology, photochemistry, collection and preparation of market of the Digitalis, Arjuna bark is acting of Cardiotonic natural drug. The glycosides of D. purpurea are not only considered to possess cardiac stimulant but also it has wound healing, hepatoprotective, antioxidant and cytotoxic activities too. Digitalis also contains 0.2 to 0.45% cardenolides, purpura glycoside A and B. Arjuna contains 15% tannin, saponin, arjunolic acid, calcium, magnesium salts, aluminium along with colouring matter and sugar are the constituent of Arjuna.

Keywords: Cardiotonic, Heart, cardiac muscle, Digitalis, Arjuna bark, glycoside A & B.