Cardiac glycosides Research Reference

Catalog classification, reference sizes, lab math links, and source-backed data. Educational use only — not medical advice.

Researched for: PepTools vendor-neutral scientific reference catalog

Cardiotonic glycoside class compound Reference needs_revision Best effort · source review pending

Also known as: Glycosides, Cardiac, Cardiac Glycoside, Cardiotonic steroids, Steroid, Cardiotonic, Digitalis glycosides, Cardenolides, Bufadienolides

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Best-effort research profile: this record has not passed full two-source scientific verification. Descriptive fields, research protocols, storage/handling notes, and interaction guidance below are shown with their evidence labels, but calculator presets and exact dosing math remain hidden until the record is verified or reaches Community-Supported status.

Quick Facts

Reference Sizes

Not standardized / source review pending

Best-Effort Research Profile

Cardiac glycosides are a chemical and pharmacological class that includes cardenolides and bufadienolides. MeSH describes them as cyclopentanophenanthrene derivatives with a five- or six-membered lactone ring at the steroid 17-position and sugars attached at the 3-position. Representative members include digoxin, digitoxin, ouabain, oleandrin, and bufalin. Structural variation among the lactone and sugar portions produces substantial differences in potency, pharmacokinetics, tissue selectivity, and toxicity.

Source review pending. This descriptive profile is shown from the available source material as a best-effort educational reference. It has not passed the full verification bar and is not a dosing instruction, medical claim, or treatment recommendation.

Research Profile

Reported Research Effects

Inhibition of Na+/K+-ATPase is the principal pharmacological mechanism described for many cardiac glycosides.
In cardiac tissue, Na+/K+-ATPase inhibition can increase intracellular sodium and indirectly increase intracellular calcium through altered Na+/Ca2+ exchange.
Many members produce positive inotropic effects and can reduce heart rate or slow atrioventricular conduction through combined myocardial and autonomic effects.
The class has a narrow safety margin and members can cause serious cardiovascular toxicity, including arrhythmias, at excessive or otherwise toxic exposure levels.
Cardiac glycosides are also used as experimental Na+/K+-ATPase inhibitors in cell and molecular biology research.

Reflects preclinical/research literature context only. Not a medical claim, dosing instruction, or treatment recommendation.

Research Notes

Because cardiac glycosides comprise multiple distinct natural and semisynthetic molecules, evidence for any individual member should be recorded on a separate compound-specific record. The class-level record should not be used for dose selection, route selection, pharmacokinetic calculations, or formulation decisions.

Supplementary research context only. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation.

Registry Identifiers

MeSH Unique ID: D002301; MeSH Tree Numbers: D04.210.500.155.580, D09.408.180

Source-Backed Observations

This record represents a chemical class rather than a single molecular entity. Molecular formula, molecular weight, CAS number, solubility, half-life, storage requirements, and administration details are compound-specific and should not be generalized across the class. Common reference package or study sizes are not an appropriate class-level scientific attribute.

Reflects published research. Educational reference — not a recommendation for use.

Sources Under Review

Cardiac Glycosides - MeSH
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/68002301 (accessed 2026-09-20)

A review of cardiac glycosides: Structure, toxicokinetics, clinical signs, diagnosis and antineoplastic potential
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30529380/ (accessed 2026-09-20)

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Research Use Only. All content is for educational and research reference only. Not medical advice, a treatment recommendation, or guidance on human use. Compounds are not FDA-approved drugs unless specifically noted.