Digitalis lanata

Digitalis lanata (digitale laineuse)

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Digitalis lanata 001

Digitalis lanata. Wooly Foxglove (30755195067)

Digitalis lanata LC0053

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Digitalis lanata, commonly known as woolly foxglove, is a species of flowering plant in the Plantaginaceae family, native to Eastern Europe and parts of Asia. It is well-known for its medicinal properties, particularly for the cardiac glycosides it produces, which are used in the treatment of heart conditions. This article provides an overview of Digitalis lanata, including its description, habitat, cultivation, and medical uses.

Description

Digitalis lanata is a biennial or short-lived perennial plant that can grow up to 0.5-1 meter in height. It has a rosette of basal leaves that are lanceolate, woolly, and gray-green in color. The plant produces a spike of tubular, white flowers with brown or purple veins, which are covered in fine hairs, giving the plant its characteristic woolly appearance. The flowers are hermaphroditic, having both male and female organs, and are pollinated by bees. The fruit is a capsule containing numerous small seeds.

Habitat

Digitalis lanata is native to Eastern Europe and Western Asia, with a range extending from Romania and Bulgaria to Turkey and the Caucasus. It prefers well-drained soils and can be found in open woodlands, scrub areas, and grasslands. The plant is adapted to a temperate climate with moderate water availability.

Cultivation

While Digitalis lanata is primarily grown for its medicinal properties, it is also cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens. It requires well-drained soil and a sunny to partially shaded location. The plant is relatively low-maintenance but does require some care to prevent over-watering and diseases. Seeds can be sown directly in the ground in late summer or early fall, and plants will typically flower in their second year.

Medical Uses

The primary medical application of Digitalis lanata is in the production of digoxin, a cardiac glycoside used to treat heart conditions such as atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, and sometimes heart failure. Digoxin works by increasing the force of heart contractions and regulating heart rate. The leaves of Digitalis lanata are harvested, dried, and processed to extract the glycosides. It is important to note that while digoxin is a valuable medication, it must be used under strict medical supervision due to its narrow therapeutic index and potential for toxicity.

Toxicity

All parts of Digitalis lanata are toxic if ingested, containing a variety of cardiac glycosides that can cause symptoms ranging from nausea and vomiting to cardiac disturbances and potentially death. Handling the plant may also cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals.

Conservation

While Digitalis lanata is not currently listed as endangered, its habitat is under threat from agricultural expansion, urbanization, and over-collection in the wild for medicinal use. Conservation efforts are necessary to ensure sustainable harvesting and preservation of natural populations.