Which plant is Digitalis obtained from?

Digitalis is primarily obtained from the plant Digitalis purpurea, commonly known as foxglove. This plant is well known for its medicinal properties, especially its role in the management of heart conditions. The active compounds, called cardiac glycosides, extracted from Digitalis purpurea, are crucial in the treatment of various cardiac issues as they help to increase the force of heart contractions and regulate heart rhythms. The significance of Digitalis purpurea in pharmacology stems from its historical and contemporary use in medicine, emphasizing the importance of this plant in therapeutic applications.

The other plants mentioned, such as Digitalis lanata, although it is also a source of cardiac glycosides, is not as widely recognized or utilized as Digitalis purpurea. Cinchona officinalis is known for its alkaloids, specifically quinine, used in treating malaria, while Quercus robur, the English oak, does not have medicinal properties linked to cardiac treatment. Thus, Digitalis purpurea stands out as the primary source of Digitalis due to its proven efficacy and historical significance in medical practice.