STROPHANTHUS HISPIDUS--AN EFFECTIVE HEART REMEDY

The name strophanthus is derived from the Greek stophos means a twisted cord or rope and anthos , a flower, thus expressing the chief peculiarity of its appearance, the limb of the corolla being divided into five , long, tail-like segments. Strophanthus has been used as an arrow poison in 

Africa.

It is an evergreen woody climbing  shrub belongs to Apocynaceae family. Stem 90cm long , with hanging festoons and dichomatous branches. Leaves mucronate and acuminate. Flowers cream colored or yellow at the base, purplish –spotted above, and in terminal cymes, appearing during February-March. Corolla with long tailed and twisted lobes. Fruit, a thick skinned lance-ovate follicle, occurring in divergent pairs and containing numerous closely packed hairy seeds with long awns attached to an end. Odor heavy when the seeds are crushed and moistened. Taste strongly bitter

Distribution- It is widely distributed in Tropical Africa.

Part used—Ripe seeds are used for the preparation of mother tincture.

Seed 7-25 mm long, 2.5 to 5 mm broad, 0.5 to 2 mm thck oblong-lanceolate, somewhat compressed , with obtuse – base and acute to narrowly acuminate apex. A light brown to dark without greenish tinge, with a few, silky hairs bearing a distinct raphe on one side. Fracture soft and short, the broken surface white and oily.

Chemical constituents—Strophanthus hisp.  contain three vital glycosides namely K- strophanthoside, K-strophanthride b and cymarin. All these glycosides undergo hydrolysis to yield Strophanthidin. Along with strophanthidin a triose sugar known as strophanthotriose is formed that comprise of one molecule of cymarose and two molecules of glucose.  It also contain kombic acid, choline, trigonelline, fixed oil , resin and mucilage.

HOMOEOPATHIC USES—Strophanthus his. is a valuable heart  remedy. It is an effective remedy for congestive heart failure, angina pectoris , hypertension,  arteriosclerosis etc.  Strophanthus hispidus increases the contractile power of all stripped muscles especially heart increasing the systole and diminishing the rapidity. It can be used with advantage to tone the heart and run off dropsical effusions. Heart’s action weak , rapid , irregular, due to muscular  debility and insufficiency. Mitral regurgitation. Cardiac pain and dyspnea. Stitches and twitches at apex beat. Weak heart with aching and anguish. Pulse rapid, alternating with slow, weak, small irregular. Violent palpitations, worse by emotion and exercise.

Swelling of legs due to heart failure.  Strophanthus is a powerful diuretic. Arteriosclerosis , rigid arteries of the aged.  It has no cumulative action , safe for corpulent , aged persons with rigid arteries. Good for irritable heart of tobacco smokers.

Prescribed dose—Mother tincture  and 6X potency.

Side effects—Frequent uses of mother tincture produces some side effects , such as nausea, vomiting, headache, disturbance of vision and heart problems. It is unsafe for pregnant and breast feeding woman. Strophanthus might make the uterus contract , and this could cause miscarriage. It will also interact with allopathic medications, such as calcium supplements, quinine, quinidine, digoxin, corticosteroids , laxatives, diuretic drugs etc.

Storage—Preparations below 3x to be kept in well- closed container protected from light.