In cardiology practice, medicines made from the alkaloids of the Strophanthus Kombe plant are often used. These drugs are indispensable in the treatment of heart failure. They help restore blood circulation and normalize myocardial function. What are beneficial features this plant? How do its alkaloids act on the body? We will answer these questions in the article.
plant description
Strophanthus Kombe is a high liana. The length of the stem can reach 4 m. The plant belongs to the Kutrov family. The leaves of the vine are elliptical in shape. The flowers consist of five long narrow cream-colored petals.
This plant brings large fruits, which can reach a value of up to 1 m. They consist of two slices. In pharmacology, liana seeds are used. From one end they have a rounded shape, and from the other - pointed, turning into an awn with a fly. One creeper fruit contains a huge amount of greenish-gray seeds. Their length is from 1 to 2 cm.
Liana seeds are poisonous in their pure form. In the manufacture of medicines, useful substances are isolated from them, which are used in very small doses. These alkaloids are powerful heart stimulants.
Spreading
Liana Strophant Kombe grows only in East Africa. Its habitat is the edges of tropical forests. This plant loves a humid and warm climate.
This vine cannot be cultivated in climatic conditions Russia. The plant does not take root even in the southern regions of our country and can only live in the tropics. In this regard, pharmacological scientists have repeatedly tried to find an analogue among domestic herbs.
alkaloids May lily of the valley and adonis also stimulate the work of the heart. However chemical composition Strophantha Kombe and medicinal herbs middle lane Russia is significantly different. Medicines based on lily of the valley and adonis have a completely different effect on the myocardium. Therefore, at present, a full-fledged analogue among the domestic flora has not been found, and liana seeds have to be imported from Africa.
alkaloids
Consider healing properties liana alkaloids. The seeds of the plant contain a large number of glycosides. What it is? These are steroid natural substances that consist of two components: non-sugar and carbohydrate.
The non-sugar portion of glycosides includes aglycones. These substances have the main therapeutic effect on the heart muscle. The composition of the carbohydrate component includes:
- alpha glucose;
- beta glucose;
- cymarosa.
These components enhance the effect of aglycones on the myocardium.
The main alkaloid of the seeds of the plant is the glycoside K-strophanthoside. This substance is used in pharmacology. It is subjected to hydrolysis and K-strophanthin is obtained, which is the active component of drugs used in cardiology practice.
Also, the composition of the seeds of the plant includes other useful substances:
- saponin;
- choline;
- fatty oil;
- resins;
- trigonelline.
Seeds of creeper Strofant Kombe are stored in pharmacy warehouses in tightly sealed containers. Them medicinal properties tested regularly. On the basis of strophanthin K, preparations are made - cardiac glycosides. They belong to list A. This pharmacological list includes narcotic and poisonous substances. Preparations based on strophanthin K do not have psychotropic properties, but they are quite toxic. Therefore, doctors prescribe such drugs only in extreme cases.
Action on the body
Strofantin K has the following effects on the body:
- increases the concentration of sodium in the heart muscle;
- improves the absorption of calcium by myocardial cells;
- enhances the filling of the heart chambers with blood;
- slows down the contractions of the heart;
- promotes the outflow of blood from the ventricles;
- increases myocardial tone.
The effect of the use of strophanthin is quick, but short-lived. This substance begins to act approximately 5 to 10 minutes after ingestion. Its effect on the work of the heart reaches a maximum after 30 - 60 minutes. Strophanthin does not accumulate in the body and is excreted in about a day.
This substance has a very weak effect when taken orally. It is poorly absorbed by the digestive tract. Therefore, preparations based on strophanthin K are used only for injections.
Use in medicine
Pharmacological preparations "Strophanthin K" and "Strophanthidine acetate" are obtained from the seeds of the creeper Strophanthin Kombe. The use of these drugs is indicated for the following diseases:
- heart failure;
- flicker and atrial flutter;
- arrhythmias;
- supraventricular tachycardia.
The drugs are used intravenously, while the introduction of the solution should be very slow. Otherwise, the patient may experience a state of shock. Intramuscular administration of the drug is also allowed. In this case, it is necessary to use an anesthetic - procaine, since an injection into the muscle is quite painful.
Medicines based on strophanthin K cannot be used for inflammatory heart diseases (pericarditis, myocarditis), as well as for cardiosclerosis. These drugs are prescribed with caution to the elderly, patients with thyrotoxicosis, obesity and cardiac complications of lung diseases.
Precautionary measures
We have already mentioned that the seeds of the creeper Strofant Kombe are toxic. Therefore, cardiac glycosides should be used with great caution. They are released from pharmacies strictly by prescription. During the course of treatment, the patient must be under close medical supervision.
It is necessary to strictly adhere to the dosage prescribed by the doctor. The introduction of an excess amount of glycosides is deadly. This can lead to cardiac arrest and instant death.
Even a small overdose of preparations based on strophanthin K causes severe and unpleasant symptoms:
- severe arrhythmia;
- nausea and vomiting;
- throbbing headaches;
- confusion;
- dizziness;
- visual impairment;
- severe weakness.
In case of intoxication with strophanthin, the patient needs immediate health care. As antidotes, the drug "Unithiol" and medicines with potassium are used.
Cardiac glycosides should never be administered alone. Injections can only be given under conditions treatment room clinic or hospital. In this case medical worker will be able to provide the necessary assistance to the patient in the event of side effects.
Medicinal plants containing glycosides
Strophanthus seeds - Semina Strophanthi
Strophanthus Kombe - Strophanthus Kombe
Sem. kutrovye - Apocynaseae
Botanical characteristic. A tree-like liana with oppositely arranged oval-shaped leaves and creamy small flowers collected in small umbrellas. The fruit is a complex leaflet, consisting of two opposite spindle-shaped lobes, up to 1 m long, containing numerous silky seeds.
Spreading. In the wild in East Africa along the river. The Zambezi lives in tropical rainforests. In small quantities introduced into the culture in Africa and India. Harvesting of other types of strophanthus is allowed. In our country, the cultivation of tropical vines is impossible, so scientists are looking for analogues in the domestic flora. Plants have been found in which the aglycone of glycosides is, like in strophanthus, strophanthidine. These are May lily of the valley, spreading jaundice, golden adonis, etc. However, the sugar component of the glycosides of these plants differs from the carbohydrate part of strophanthus glycosides and therefore the effect of these glycosides on the heart muscle is somewhat different than that of strophanthus glycosides.
Habitat. In tropical forests along the edges.
blank. The fruits are harvested at the time of ripening, the seeds are released and the awn with the fly is removed.
Drying. In the shadow.
External signs. The seeds are oblong-elongated, flattened in shape, with a rounded lower end and a pointed upper end, turning into an awn of a volule, usually broken off at the base. Seed length - 12-18 mm, width - 3-6 mm, thickness 2-3 mm. They are covered with silky appressed hairs. Seed color is greenish gray; after erasing the hairs, the seeds become yellowish-brown or light brown. The smell is weak. Due to the strong toxicity, the taste is not determined.
Chemical composition. The seeds of Kombe strophanthus contain glycoside K-strophanthoside, which is a trioside (2-3%).
Storage. In pharmacies in well-corked jars, in warehouses - in boxes. The biological activity of the seeds is monitored annually.
pharmacological properties. Strofantin is characterized high efficiency, rapid and short duration of action. The effect at intravenous administration is shown in 5-10 minutes, reaches a maximum in 15-30 minutes. The systolic effect is especially pronounced in strophanthin; it has relatively little effect on heart rate and bundle branch conduction.
Medicines. Preparations are obtained from the seeds: Strophanthin K (0.025% solution for injection in 1 ml ampoules) and K-strophanthin-b. The drugs are produced in ampoules.
Application. Strofantin K - used in acute cardiovascular failure, including on the basis of acute myocardial infarction; in severe forms of chronic circulatory insufficiency II and III degree, especially with the ineffectiveness of treatment with digitalis preparations. Strofantin due to a weak effect on the function of the vagus nerve can be prescribed for cardiac decompensation with normal frequency heart rate or bradysystolic form of atrial fibrillation. In the tachycardic form of atrial fibrillation, digoxin and isolanide are more effective.
Strophanthus Kombe - Strophanthus Kombe
Kutrovye family - Apocynaceae
Botanical characteristic. A tree-like liana with oppositely arranged oval-shaped leaves and creamy small flowers collected in small umbrellas. The fruit is a complex leaflet, consisting of two opposite spindle-shaped lobes, up to 1 m long, containing numerous silky seeds.
Spreading. In the wild in East Africa along the river. The Zambezi lives in tropical rainforests. In small quantities introduced into the culture in Africa and India. Harvesting of other types of strophanthus is allowed. In our country, the cultivation of tropical vines is impossible, so scientists are looking for analogues in the domestic flora. Plants have been found in which the aglycone of glycosides is, like in strophanthus, strophanthidine. These are May lily of the valley, spreading jaundice, golden adonis, etc. However, the sugar component of the glycosides of these plants differs from the carbohydrate part of strophanthus glycosides and therefore the effect of these glycosides on the heart muscle is somewhat different than that of strophanthus glycosides.
Habitat. In tropical forests along the edges.
blank. The fruits are harvested at the time of ripening, the seeds are released and the awn with the fly is removed.
Security measures. Not being developed.
Drying. In the shadow.
Standardization. The quality of raw materials is regulated by the GF X. Authenticity is established by external signs (see above) and microscopy. Characteristic anatomical features are epidermal cells with annular thickened side walls; outer wall almost every cell is elongated into a long hair with a characteristic swollen base, bending at an acute angle to the surface (Fig.). When a drop of an 80% solution of sulfuric acid is applied to the cut, both the endosperm and the cotyledons of the embryo turn green.
Benignity is determined on the basis of numerical indicators. In particular, 1 g of strophanthus seeds must contain at least 2000 ICE or 240 CU.
External signs. The seeds are oblong-elongated, flattened in shape, with a rounded lower end and a pointed upper end, turning into an awn of a volule, usually broken off at the base. Seed length - 12-18 mm, width - 3-6 mm, thickness 2-3 mm. They are covered with silky appressed hairs. Seed color is greenish gray; after erasing the hairs, the seeds become yellowish-brown or light brown. The smell is weak. Due to the strong toxicity, the taste is not determined.
Chemical composition. The seeds of Kombe strophanthus contain glycoside K-strophanthoside, which is a trioside (2-3%). The letter prefix K means a source of raw materials (Kombe). With stepwise hydrolysis, a secondary glycoside K-strophanthin-b is obtained, which is a valuable drug. Upon further hydrolysis, the glycoside cymarin is formed. Ultimately, the cymarose sugar is cleaved off and the aglycone strophanthidine remains, containing the aldehyde group at the C10 position.
Storage. List A. In pharmacies in well-corked jars, in warehouses - in boxes. The biological activity of the seeds is monitored annually.
pharmacological properties. Strofantin is characterized by high efficiency, speed and short duration of action. The effect at intravenous administration is shown in 5-10 minutes, reaches a maximum in 15-30 minutes. The systolic effect is especially pronounced in strophanthin; it has relatively little effect on heart rate and bundle branch conduction.
Medicines. Preparations are obtained from the seeds: Strophanthin K (0.025% solution for injection in 1 ml ampoules) and K-strophanthin-b. The drugs are produced in ampoules.
Application. Strophanthin K (Strophanthinus K) is a mixture of cardiac glycosides isolated from the seeds of Kombe strophanthus, and contains mainly K-strophanthin-b and K-strophanthoside. K-strophanthin-b consists of strophanthidin aglycone and a sugar residue (glucose and cymarose); K-strophanthoside has an additional one part of a-D-glucose. Strofantin K in 1 g contains 43000-58000 ICE or 5800-7100 KED. It is the main representative of "polar" cardiac glycosides.
Applied in acute cardiovascular failure, including on the basis of acute myocardial infarction; in severe forms of chronic circulatory insufficiency II and III degree, especially with the ineffectiveness of treatment with digitalis preparations. Strofantin, due to its weak effect on the function of the vagus nerve, can be prescribed for cardiac decompensation with a normal heart rate or a bradisystolic form of atrial fibrillation. In the tachycardic form of atrial fibrillation, digoxin and isolanide are more effective.
Strofantin is injected into a vein in the form of a 0.025% solution, usually 0.25 mg (1 ml), less often 0.5 mg. A solution of strophanthin is diluted in advance in 10-20 ml of 5%, 20% or 40% glucose solution or isotonic sodium chloride solution. Enter slowly (within 5-6 minutes), as a quick introduction can cause shock. Enter once (rarely 2 times) a day. You can enter a solution of strophanthin drip in 100 ml of isotonic sodium chloride solution or 5% glucose solution. With drip administration, toxic effects are less common.
If intravenous administration is not possible, strophanthin is sometimes prescribed intramuscularly. To reduce pain (intramuscular injections are sharply painful), 5 ml of a 2% solution of novocaine is first injected, and then through the same needle - the required dose of strophanthin diluted in 1 ml of a 2% solution of novocaine. With intramuscular injection, the dose is increased by 1.5 times.
The highest doses of strophanthin K for adults in a vein: single 0.0005 g (0.5 mg), daily 0.001 g (1 mg) or, respectively, 2 and 4 ml of a 0.025% solution. Due to the high activity and rapid action of strophanthin, caution and accuracy in dosage and indications are required.
With an overdose of strophanthin, extrasystole, bigeminia, dissociation of the rhythm may appear; in these cases it is necessary to reduce regular introductions dose and increase the intervals between individual infusions, prescribe potassium preparations. With a sharp slowdown in the pulse, the injections are stopped. Nausea and vomiting are possible.
Contraindications: abrupt organic changes in the heart and blood vessels, acute myocarditis, endocarditis, severe cardiosclerosis. Caution is required for thyrotoxicosis and atrial extrasystole due to the possibility of its transition to atrial fibrillation.
Strophanthus is one of the most unusual and beautiful exotic plants. The genus of the plant includes about 40 species. Some species differ significantly from each other. In nature, a flower can be found in the dry forests of East Africa, in India, China.
The strophanthus was first brought to Europe in the mid-19th century by the Scottish missionary David Livingstone. The plant is a vine or shrub with original star-shaped flowers. The flowers differ in that the tips of the petals fall in long threads, reaching a length of up to 35 cm. For the shape of the flowers, they called spider braids or spider hair. Strophanthus can be quite successfully grown as houseplant, but most often the flower can be found in the greenhouses of various botanical gardens. Some species are used in pharmacology, seeds are used to make medicines for the treatment of heart failure.
If suddenly there is a desire or an opportunity to grow a flower on your own, then you need to follow the simple rules of growing.
Care and cultivation of strophanthus
Strophantus prefers sunny places. Plant the vine in fertile and well-drained soil (universal flower soil will do). The plant is provided with regular watering, which is enhanced in summer period time, especially in hot weather. At the same time, the flower is drought-resistant and can easily recover after prolonged absence glaze. Reduce watering in autumn and winter. When growing at home, it is necessary to provide color protection from drafts. To form a bush, the flower is cut off. It is recommended to repot the plant every year.
reproduction
Strophanthus is propagated by green cuttings or seeds. Before sowing, the seeds are soaked in warm water for 1-2 hours. The seeds are then planted in a well-drained mixture of earth, sand or perlite. Strophan seeds are germinated in a well-lit place at an air temperature of about 25 degrees. Seeds are watered so that the substrate always remains moist, but not waterlogged.
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