Common Foxglove
Digitalis purpurea
Digitalis purpurea, commonly known as foxglove, is a traditional plant associated with European herbal medicine. Traditionally, its use has not been extensively documented in specific medical practices. Scientific evidence for Digitalis purpurea is limited; one study engineered the plant-derived P450scc enzymes to produce pregnenolone in yeast, achieving a titer of 1.46 g/L, and another found that gitonin, a compound from foxglove, enhanced antigen-specific mucosal IgA and systemic IgG responses in mice without significant local inflammation. Genetic differences linked to flower color and morphology were identified, including an insertion in the anthocyanidin synthase gene associated with white flowers; however, these findings do not strongly correlate with pollinator visitation or soil conditions across native and introduced populations. No major safety issues have been recorded for Digitalis purpurea, nor are there any known significant drug interactions reported.
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- Gitonin enhanced antigen-specific mucosal IgA and systemic IgG responses in mice without significant local inflammation.
- The study identified genetic differences linked to flower color and morphology in Digitalis purpurea.
- Floral color variation in Digitalis purpurea did not strongly correlate with pollinator visitation or soil conditions across studied populations.
- This study engineered plant-derived P450scc enzymes to efficiently produce pregnenolone in yeast, achieving a titer of 1.46 g/L.
Frequently asked questions
What is Common Foxglove?
Common Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about Common Foxglove?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Common Foxglove; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Gitonin enhanced antigen-specific mucosal IgA and systemic IgG responses in mice without significant local inflammation.
How strong is the evidence for Common Foxglove?
The strongest finding for Common Foxglove carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Common Foxglove safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Common Foxglove in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Common Foxglove interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Common Foxglove in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Common Foxglove?
Common Foxglove is also known as: Наперстянка пурпурная.
Is Common Foxglove a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 Gitonin, a spirostanol glycoside, acts as a mucosal adjuvant to enhance antigen-specific mucosal and systemic immune responses in mice. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Engineering of plant-derived P450scc for de novo biosynthesis of pregnenolone. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Flower color variation in Digitalis purpurea: Pollination and soil influences across native and introduced populations. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Genome sequence of the ornamental plant Digitalis purpurea reveals the molecular basis of flower color and morphology variation. literature abstract metadata