Pharmacological investigation on asclepin--a new cardenolide from Asclepias curassavica. Part II. Comparative studies on the inotropic and toxic effects of asclepin, g-strophantin, digoxin and digitoxin).

The cardiac effects of asclepin, a new glycoside from the plant Asclepias curassavica, were studies in vitro (isolated atrium and heart of guineapig) and in vivo (anaesthetized cat) and were compared with g-strophanthin, digoxin, digitoxin, or digitoxigenin, resp. Asclepin showed a marked positive inotropic effect as evidenced by the increase in the force of contraction, measured by (dp/dt)max and (formula: see text). It was found to be more active than the other glycosides.