Hritpatri (Digitalis purpurea), commonly known as foxglove, holds a unique place in Ayurveda, especially in managing heart-related conditions. While it’s potent and medicinal, its use requires careful dosing due to its strength and possible toxic effects.

1. Botanical Name

• Digitalis purpurea

2. Family

• Plantaginaceae

3. Description

Hritpatri is a biennial or perennial plant that can grow up to 5 feet tall. It has large, lance-shaped, fuzzy leaves and bell-shaped purple to pink flowers with a characteristic spotted interior. The plant is visually attractive and often cultivated for its beautiful flowers as well as medicinal uses.

4. Occurrence

Native to Europe, Digitalis purpurea is now also found in parts of North America and India, especially in cooler, temperate regions. It often grows in woodland areas, rocky slopes, and gardens.

5. Chemical Constituents

The primary active components of Hritpatri are:

• Cardiac glycosides: Digoxin, digitoxin, and lanatoside
• Saponins
• Flavonoids These glycosides directly affect heart function, making the plant both potent and potentially toxic.

6. Guna (Properties)

• Rasa (Taste): Tikta (bitter), Kashaya (astringent)
• Guna (Quality): Laghu (light), Ruksha (dry)
• Virya (Potency): Ushna (heating)
• Vipaka (Post-digestive effect): Katu (pungent)

7. Uses in Ayurveda

Hritpatri is primarily used for:

• Heart support: It strengthens and supports heart function, particularly in cases of arrhythmia and congestive heart failure.
• Circulatory stimulation: Improves blood circulation, helping those with poor peripheral circulation.
• Diuretic effect: Its mild diuretic properties support the management of edema.

8. Mode of Action

The cardiac glycosides in Hritpatri act by inhibiting the enzyme Na+/K+-ATPase, which increases intracellular calcium levels in heart muscle cells. This effect enhances the force of heart contractions, supporting efficient blood flow. It also has a mild diuretic effect, reducing fluid buildup associated with certain heart conditions.

9. Home Remedies

Given its potency, Hritpatri is generally not recommended for self-medication and should be used under professional supervision. However, mild forms can be used:

• Heart Health: Under strict guidance, a carefully prepared tincture or decoction may be utilized in minimal doses for heart strength.
• Edema Relief: In some traditional practices, Hritpatri is used in conjunction with other herbs in decoctions for mild edema.

10. Dosage

• Fresh Leaf Powder: 50–150 mg per day, only under supervision.
• Tincture/Extract: Commonly prepared to contain a specific concentration of cardiac glycosides, and dosage is highly individualized.

Due to its potent cardiac effects, accurate dosing and medical supervision are essential.

11. Caution

• Toxicity Risk: Overdosing can lead to severe side effects such as nausea, vomiting, vision changes, and dangerous arrhythmias. Digitalis toxicity is life-threatening.
• Not for Self-Use: Should be used only under qualified Ayurvedic or medical supervision.
• Pregnant and Nursing Women: Avoid use due to potential toxicity.
• Contraindications: Not recommended for patients with certain types of heart conditions, kidney disease, or electrolyte imbalances.

Hritpatri’s use in Ayurveda showcases the delicate balance between potency and toxicity. When used carefully, it offers substantial benefits for heart health, though its powerful cardiac effects mean it’s not suited for general or unsupervised use.