Efficacy of Red Foxglove-derived Digitalis in Managing Heart Failure Confirmed by Clinical Research

A groundbreaking clinical study has confirmed the beneficial effects of an active ingredient derived from red foxglove in treating heart failure, specifically in patients with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Digitalis, a centuries-old medication used to manage heart conditions, includes digitoxin as one of its key components. Historically, digitalis has been used for over 200 years, but scientific validation of its benefits in heart failure has been limited until now.

The recent extensive trial, known as the DIGIT-HF study, was conducted over a decade and involved more than 1,200 participants across Germany, Austria, and Serbia. Led by Professor Dr. Johann Bauersachs and Professor Dr. Udo Bavendiek from Hanover Medical School, the research evaluated the safety and effectiveness of digitoxin as an adjunct therapy. The findings demonstrated that supplementing standard heart failure treatments with digitoxin significantly reduces mortality rates and hospitalization frequency among patients with advanced HFrEF.

This large-scale study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, highlights that digitoxin, which is mainly excreted via the liver and intestines, can be safely used even in patients with impaired kidney function—a common issue in those with severe heart failure. Unlike other digitalis drugs like digoxin, which are eliminated mainly through the kidneys and can pose risks for such patients, digitoxin offers a safer alternative.

Current heart failure treatments focus on medications like beta blockers, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors, diuretics, and devices like implantable defibrillators. The introduction of digitoxin into this therapeutic landscape could enhance management, especially given its affordability and ease of dosing. The study confirms that low doses (around 0.07 mg daily) effectively reduce symptoms and improve survival without significant safety concerns.

Moreover, digitoxin is considered a cost-effective option, costing just a few cents per dose, making it an accessible treatment in various healthcare settings. It also holds promise for patients with atrial fibrillation, as it can help control heart rate effectively.

In summary, this research provides strong scientific evidence supporting the use of digitoxin from red foxglove for heart failure management, potentially transforming treatment protocols and improving outcomes for many patients.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-08-ingredient-red-foxglove-heart-failure.html