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| Colchicine |
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| Colchicine is a toxic natural product and secondary metabolite, originally extracted from plants of the genus Gloriosa. It is Pale yellow to white Powder, darkens on the exposure to light. Its chemical name is Acetamide,N-(5,6,7,9-tetrahydro-1,2,3,10-tetramethoxy-9-oxobenzo[a]heptalen-7-yl) acetamide. Its molecular formula C22H25NO6. It was used originally to treat rheumatic complaints, especially gout. It is also prescribed for its cathartic and emetic effects. |
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| Source |
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| Colchicine is extracted from the seeds of Gloriosa. |
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| Pharmacology |
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| Colchicine inhibits the deposition of uric acid (urate) crystals. Since the formation of such crystals is enhanced by a low pH in the tissues, it is surmised that Colchicine raises the tissue pH by inhibiting the oxidation of glucose, thereby reducing the production of lactic acid in leukocytes. The inhibition of uric acid crystals is a vital aspect of the mechanism of gout treatment. Colchicine also inhibits neutrophil motility and activity, leading to a net anti-inflammatory effect |
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| Colchicine inhibits micro tubule polymerization by binding to tubulin. Availability of tubulin is essential to mitosis, and therefore Colchicine effectively functions as a "mitotic poison" or spindle poison. Since one of the defining characteristics of cancer cells is a significantly increased rate of mitosis, this means that cancer cells are significantly more vulnerable to Colchicine poisoning than are normal cells. However, the therapeutic value of Colchicine against cancer is (as is typical with chemotherapy agents) limited by its toxicity against normal cells. |
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| Therapeutic Applications |
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- To treat rheumatic complaints, especially gout.
- Colchicine also has cathartic and emetic effects
- Colchicine can also be used as initial treatment for pericarditis and preventing recurrences
- It is also being investigated for its use as an anticancer drug
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| Dosage & Administration |
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| Colchicine given by the oral& Intravenous. For Acute Goute , Adult Initial dose:1mg, reduce to 0.5mg every 2-3 hours until pain relief is achieved. Max. dose:6mg/course |
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