MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)

Skip navigation

Medical Encyclopedia

Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)

Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) is a common garden plant that contains digitalis and other "cardiac glycosides". These chemicals affect the heart. Foxglove is poisonous, although recorded poisonings from this plant are very rare.

Update Date: 2/27/2008

Updated by: Stephen C. Acosta, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, Portland VA Medical Center, Portland, OR. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2008, A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.