Pharmacological investigations on asclepin--a new cardenolide from Asclepius curassavica. Part I: Cardiotonic activity and acute toxicity.

3'-O-Acetylcalotropin (asclepin), a new glycoside was evaluated for its cardiotonic activity by various in vitro and in vivo procedures in cat, guinea pig, dog, monkey, pigeon and mouse. It was found to posses the properties of a cardenolide. It was more potent than digoxin and had a wider safety margin. It increased the myocardial contractility both in normal and hypodynamic heart muscles.