Strophanthin, an excellent cardiac drug

Abstract

There are cardiac glycosides obtained from various plants. One is the group of digitalis drugs and the other is Strophanthin (= ouabaine). They all have a positive inotropic effect, i.e. they strengthen the heart muscle, lower the heart rate and have an anti-arrhythmic effect. All glycosides are potentially toxic in overdoses, but digitalis is more so than Strophanthin. We have never experienced a toxic effect with Strophanthin. In contrast, we have found that Strophantin in the form of gastric juice-resistant capsules containing 3 mg has excellent effects in heart failure. The usual cardiological agents can thus be replaced by Strophanthin in many cases.