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Treatment
Strophanthin therapy
By Sugeesh at ml.wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0
Context
Strophanthin is a plant-derived cardiac glycoside. In this practice it is used only after an indication review and is not understood as a substitute for guideline-based standard therapy. Whether it is appropriate depends on diagnosis, concomitant medication and tolerability.
Does it always have to be pharmaceutical chemistry? Plant-derived agents such as hawthorn, Strophanthus or Spartium scoparium are a blessing, and Strophanthin is probably the most potent of them. The most commonly used varieties are Strophanthus gratus and Strophanthus kombé. Strophanthin stimulates the sodium-potassium pump of the heart muscle cells and thus supports a healthy membrane potential without increasing oxygen consumption. Patients with angina pectoris or heart failure may benefit. Whether it can be taken together with other medicines must be assessed in each individual case.
When the topic is discussed
The conversation may take place in selected patients with angina or heart failure when conventional options are already in place or not tolerated. It is not a standard offering for every heart symptom.
What must be checked
Before any prescription we review ECG, electrolytes, kidney function and existing drugs, especially other glycosides or agents that affect potassium. Combined use is not always possible.
What to expect
Effect and tolerability are individual. There is no promise of a particular improvement. Follow-up visits are for safety. The botanical image on this page shows Strophanthus gratus and illustrates the plant’s origin.
Related pages
The information on this page does not replace individual medical advice, examination or treatment. Whether any measures are appropriate is decided in a personal consultation. Courses differ from person to person.
