This blog may help people explore some of the 'hidden' issues involved in certain media treatments of environmental and scientific issues. Using personal digital images, it's also intended to emphasise seasonal (and other) changes in natural history of the Swansea (South Wales) area. The material should help participants in field-based modules and people generally interested in the natural world. The views are wholly those of the author.
Thursday, 12 August 2021
Plants We Used to Use 8. Foxglove
Foxglove (Digitalis as it looks like a finger) extract contains a glycoside, digoxin. This chemical has a powerful effect on the cardiac muscle of animals. Although it has long had medical uses (in the treatment of the heart), digoxin is very toxic and has to be employed with great care. The plant, of course, produces the chemical to stop animals eating it.
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