Strophanthin is a natural plant compound that is an ingredient in medications used to prevent heart disease and heart attacks. Although discovered over 150 years ago, this substance is no longer available as a ready-to-purchase drug, and modern medicine is gradually forgetting about it. However, many experienced doctors still consider strophanthin the best herbal heart remedy, with the fewest side effects.What exactly is strophanthin? Is strophanthin the same as ouabain? How does this natural plant-derived chemical work? Read on to find out.
What is strophanthin?
Strophanthin (also known as ouabain) is a natural cardiac glycoside obtained from the seeds, stems, and leaves of specific species of *Strophanthus gratus*. This plant originates from East Africa and was discovered in 1861 during one of the famous expeditions of the Scottish missionary, physician, and explorer — David Livingstone.
The British physician and botanist John Kirk, who participated in the expedition, noticed that he no longer experienced the heart problems he had suffered from for years. He linked this improvement to brushing his teeth with a toothbrush that had previously come into direct contact with ouabain seeds.
In this way, the extract from *Strophanthus gratus*, which African tribes had long used to poison arrows, became a subject of interest for modern physicians specializing in the treatment of heart diseases.
Interestingly, since 1991 it has been known that ouabain (another commonly used name for this substance) is produced by the human body. It is therefore considered an endogenous compound, which has significant implications for assessing its toxicity and clinical use.
History of use
After the discovery in Africa that strophanthus extracts worked on heart problems, it was introduced into the production of heart drugs. Its discovery was considered a huge success and was compared to the discovery of penicillin or insulin.
The primary area of interest in strophanthin was Germany, where for a solid 50 years — from the 1930s to the late 1980s — it was the first-choice medication for treating heart disease patients.
In 1905–1906, the German physician Albert Fraenkel began research on the intravenous administration of the glycoside strophanthin.
Subsequently, Professor Ernst Edens from the University Hospital in Düsseldorf, along with cardiologist Dr. Berthold Kern, presented their findings to the medical community regarding the positive effects of administering strophanthin to patients suffering from heart failure or ischemic heart disease.
Although patients receiving strophanthin reported no side effects and their health condition improved, neither Professor Ernst Edens nor Dr. Berthold Kern were able to explain its mechanism of action. As a result, their discoveries and conclusions were ignored.
Despite the promising effects of treatment, from 1960 onward, strophanthin was gradually replaced by other cardiac medications. In 1971, it was authoritatively declared ineffective, despite the reported benefits.
You can read more about the history of this substance's use in medicine here: Strophanthine's forgotten history
How does strophanthin work?
Strophanthin exhibits a positive inotropic effect by improving the contractile abilities of the heart muscle. This occurs through the inhibition of the sodium-potassium pump and its role in stabilizing its proper function. As a result, intracellular sodium levels increase, leading to the retention of calcium ions within the cell. This mechanism enhances the strength of heart muscle contractions, exerting a positive inotropic effect.
Like other cardiac glycosides, strophanthin affects the parasympathetic nervous system by activating it. The increased tone of the vagus nerve, which is primarily responsible for regulating the heart, respiratory, and digestive systems, slows and calms the heart rhythm. By dilating the coronary vessels, strophanthin also helps lower blood pressure, thereby preventing damage caused by hypertension.
In summary, strophanthin may protect the heart and blood vessels by:
- Increasing the strength of heart muscle contractions (enhancing its pumping ability)
- Dilating coronary vessels
- Lowering blood pressure
- Normalizing heart rhythm
- Preventing cell damage in the event of a heart attack
- According to the DrugBank database, Strophanthus gratus with ouabain exhibits beneficial effects in addressing vascular fibrosis, arrhythmia/atrial flutter, and other heart-related issues. You can find the link to the informational page in the sources at the end of the article.
How to use?
Strophanthin dosage It is advisable to consult someone experienced in the use of strophanthin when determining the appropriate dosage. There are contraindications — including absolute contraindications — for the use of strophanthin. This substance may interact with certain medications and should not be combined with them. Although strophanthin extract is a completely natural product, it is important to remember that improper use — especially excessive use at the wrong time — can be harmful to your health.
Always consult a physician before deciding to incorporate such preparations into your individual treatment plan. The real challenge, however, arises when you try to find a doctor who has any knowledge or experience with the use of ouabain. In the United States, this is difficult — but not impossible. In Poland, however, it borders on a miracle. Every medical professional — from freshly graduated students to more or less respected professors — will typically follow official guidelines and medical protocols (which should not be confused with healing), and as we know, those protocols do not include the use of strophanthin.
Also keep in mind the crucial fact that the preparation, which until just a few decades ago was still used by medical personnel during interventions, was administered intravenously due to its faster onset of action. However, this does not change the fact that a harmful myth has formed around the oral absorption of this substance—a myth I have addressed and debunked in this article: What is the truth about ouabaine bioavailability?
- Tinctures
Strophanthin Tincture 0,6% over 100 ml (7x15ml) - Set of 7 bottles
Pierwotna cena wynosiła: €280.00.€140.00Aktualna cena wynosi: €140.00. Read more - Tinctures
Strophanthin Tincture 0,6% over 50 ml (4x15ml) - Set of 4 bottles
Pierwotna cena wynosiła: €160.00.€95.00Aktualna cena wynosi: €95.00. Read more - Tinctures
Strophanthin Tincture 0,6% 30 ml (2x15ml) - Set of 2 bottles
Pierwotna cena wynosiła: €80.00.€65.00Aktualna cena wynosi: €65.00. Add to cart
Comparison: Strophanthin vs Digitalis
| Characteristic | Strophanthin (Ouabain) | Digitalis (digoxin, digitoxin) |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Strophanthus gratus | Digitalis purpurea / Digitalis lanata (foxglove) |
| Onset of action | Very rapid (especially sublingual or intravenous) | Slower |
| Accumulation risk | Lower accumulation potential, shorter half-life | Higher accumulation potential, longer half-life |
| Toxicity | Lower toxicity when properly dosed | Higher toxicity – narrow therapeutic index |
| Routes of administration | Oral (drops), sublingual, intravenous | Oral, intravenous |
| Mechanism of action | Also acts as a signaling molecule (ouabain = endogenous ligand of Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase) | Primarily mechanical effect on the Na⁺/K⁺ pump |
| Metabolic effects | Regulates cellular metabolism, apoptosis, and cell proliferation | Primarily positive inotropic effect |
Frequently asked questions:
Is strophanthin the same as digitalis?
No. Strophanthin (ouabain) has a different mechanism of action, a different half-life, and a lower risk of accumulation and toxicity.
Was strophanthin effective?
Yes, hundreds of thousands of patients were treated with it over several decades. Its effectiveness was clinically confirmed, especially in the treatment of angina pectoris and heart attacks.
Why did its use decline?
Due to regulatory and market-related reasons—not because of inefficacy or the allegedly dangerous toxicity, often exaggerated and labeled as a "narrow therapeutic index." The registration trial requirements introduced in the 1990s led to the elimination of many older drugs. There were also ambiguities, suspicions, and lobbying involved. Of course, the official stance of regulatory authorities is that we now have more effective, modern, and safer drugs available for medical procedures in which strophanthin once played — and could still play — a valuable role.
Does the body produce ouabain naturally?
Yes. It has been found in the adrenal glands, hypothalamus, and pituitary gland. Since 1991, it has been recognized as an endogenous substance.
Why has it never returned to clinical use as a registered drug?
There has been no manufacturer with both the financial resources and the willingness to undertake the complex and costly regulatory procedures. Additionally, its reputation was severely damaged after the Heidelberg Tribunal. It has not been the subject of modern clinical trials in the 21st century.
Is strophanthin legal?
It is by no means banned, but there are currently no registered preparations or approved medications containing g-strophanthin in the EU or the USA.
What are the contraindications?
You will find a detailed answer with explanations in this article: When should strophanthin not be used? Contraindications.
In conclusion
The purpose of this article is solely to explain what strophanthin is and how it works. Under no circumstances is it intended to convince anyone that natural strophanthin/ouabain, as a herbal compound with cardiac effects, is a better solution than medical procedures and prescription pharmaceutical treatments recommended by specialist doctors.
As with every piece of work into which I invest my time and energy, I strive to present historical, scientific, and anecdotal facts, as well as an alternative for those who, fully within their rights, consciously choose to rely on the achievements of modern scientific natural medicine in taking care of their health.
Strophantine is not a solution for everyone. Its use carries risks that you should be aware of, drawing knowledge from reliable sources and from competent specialists. This does not change the fact that strophanthus tinctures are a very sensible solution and valuable products that are worth having at hand, and it is certainly worth saving them from oblivion.
Sources:
Ewa Jaźwińska-Tarnawska, Katedra i Zakład Farmakologii Klinicznej, Leki stosowane w chorobach układu krążenia
https://www.zentrum-der-gesundheit.de/bibliothek/naturheilkunde/alternative-mittel/strophanthin
Eberhard J. Wormer: Strophanthin. Kopp Verlag. 1. Auflage 2015
Rolf-Jürgen Petry, Hans Schaefer: Strophantin-Über die Abwehr der optimalen Vorbeugung und Behandlung, Verlag Florilegium 2017
www.herzinfarkt-alternativen.de/strophanthin-eine-reise-in-eine-unbekannte-welt
https://go.drugbank.com/categories/DBCAT001260
https://www.wrf.org/complementary-therapies/g-strophantin-heart-disease
Disclaimer:
The content in this article is for informational and educational purposes only. The purpose of the material is to increase awareness of the substance discussed, and not to promote any specific product. The information presented in the text is based on available scientific research and does not constitute medical advice. It should also not be considered an encouragement to self-diagnose or treat any ailments. In case of any health problems or concerns, it is recommended to consult a doctor or other qualified specialist.
