Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea), X-ray

Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) X-rayed on to full plate X-ray film and then digitally false-coloured. Foxgloves are a source of digitoxin and digoxin extracts which form the basis of the drug digitalis. Digitalis is used to control abnormal rhythms of the heart (cardiac arrhythmias) and heart failure, and works by increasing the intensity of heart muscle contractions. Overdosing on digitalis or ingesting foxgloves can be toxic.