Colchicine is a plant-based alkaloid, extracted from Colchicum autumnale (autumn crocus, meadow saffron) and Gloriosa superba (glory lily) used to treat gout and some other inflammatory conditions. It is considered a high-risk medicine because it is associated with significant toxicity when not used correctly.

Where is colchicine extracted from?

Colchicine is one of the oldest remedies still in use today. It is derived from the bulb-like corms of the Colchicum autumnale plant, also known as autumn crocus.

What is a natural form of colchicine?

One of the best known biologically active compounds from ancient times is colchicine (Figure 1), an alkaloid naturally occurring in Colchicum autumnale a plant of Liliaceae family and also in Gloriosa superba . In the past, extracts from these plants containing colchicine were useful in gout therapy and still are [1].