Strophanthus

Clinical Notes. Non-cumulative (unlike digitalis) direct action on heart muscle fibers historical use in acute heart failure (e.g., strophanthin injections) narrow therapeutic window arrow poison origin African traditional uses include myocardial infarction, skin diseases, gonorrhea, dysentery, leprosy, diabetes, edema, malaria, ulcers, rheumatism, urine retention but primarily verified clinically for cardiac uses in materia medicas King's Dispensatory 2024

Therapy. Strophanthus is a remedy for weak heart from debility of the cardiac muscle, with lack of proper contractile power, as shown by a rapid, weak pulse, and very low blood pressure. The disordered action of the heart is due to lack of tonicity and not from weak walls due to deposition of fat, in which case the drug must be used with extreme circumspection, though in small doses it has been recommended by some as a remedy for cardiac fatty degeneration, as it has also in atheroma of the arteries in the aged.

Therapy. In rapid and feeble heart strophanthus reduces the pulse and increases the power. In some cases it also reduces the temperature. Dyspnea is relieved in a few minutes after its administration, and the pulse becomes stronger and more regular in less than an hour.

Action, Medical Uses, and Dosage. Curare, or woorara, produces its poisonous effects only when it has penetrated into the circulation, either by means of a wound, by rectal injection, or by inhalation (Pelouze and Bernard). When applied to the skin it powerfully irritates.