digoxin sennosides diosgenin strophanthin and barbaloin

 

1. Digoxin

   • Chemical Structure: Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside composed of a steroid nucleus attached to a lactone ring and sugar moieties. It has a steroidal backbone with three sugar molecules (digitoxose).
   • Biological Source: Digoxin is derived from the leaves of the plant Digitalis lanata (commonly known as woolly foxglove).

2. Sennosides

   • Chemical Structure: Sennosides are anthraquinone glycosides, where two anthraquinone units are linked via a C-C bond. The two main sennosides are sennoside A and B.
   • Biological Source: Sennosides are found in the leaves and pods of the plant Senna alexandrina (also known as senna).

3. Diosgenin

   • Chemical Structure: Diosgenin is a steroidal sapogenin with a spirostan structure. It has a cyclopentanoperhydrophenanthrene ring system, typical of steroid structures.
   • Biological Source: Diosgenin is primarily sourced from species of the plant genus Dioscorea, such as Dioscorea villosa (wild yam).

4. Strophanthin

   • Chemical Structure: Strophanthin, like digoxin, is a cardiac glycoside. It consists of a steroid nucleus with a lactone ring and sugar moieties.
   • Biological Source: Strophanthin is obtained from the seeds of plants in the Strophanthus genus, particularly Strophanthus kombe and Strophanthus gratus.

5. Barbaloin (Aloe-emodin anthrone 10-C-glucoside)

   • Chemical Structure: Barbaloin is an anthraquinone glycoside, specifically a C-glucoside of aloe-emodin anthrone.
   • Biological Source: Barbaloin is found in the Aloe vera plant, specifically in the latex (aloe sap).

These compounds are known for their medicinal properties, often used in treating various ailments like heart conditions, constipation, and inflammation.