Anti-rheumatics: Colchicum

1. ANTI-RHEUMATICS
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P r e p a r e d B y : M s . D i v y a K a n o j i y a
A s s i s t a nt P r o f e s s o r i n P h a r m a c o g n o sy
D e p a r t m e nt o f P h a r m a c y, S u m a n d e e p V i d y a p e et h
D e e m e d t o b e U n i v e r s i t y, P i p a r i a , Va d o d a ra .

2. Content
 C O LC H I C U M S E E D
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3. Anti-rheumatic drugs:
 The drugs usedfor treatment of rheumatism are known as Antirheumatics.
 Condition of rheumatism is characterized by increased level of uric acid in blood,
recurrent attacks of inflammation of joints due to deposition monosodium urate
crystals in the cartilage, tendons and sinova resulting in spontaneous pain, often
severe but lasting for a few days and followed by complete remission.
 The pain may be precipitated by injury, unaccustomed exercise or application of
pressure to the region.
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4. Colchicum seed
 Synonyms: Autumn Crocus, Cigdem, Colquico, Meadow Saffron, Naked Boys,
EuropeanColchicum Seed.
 Biological source: Colchicum consists of dried ripe seeds and corms of Colchi cum
autumnale Linn., belongingto family Liliaceae.
 Geographical source: It is mainly found in Central and South Europe, Germany,
Greece, Spain, Turkey and England.
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5. Morphology:
 Size: Seeds are 2–3 mm in diameter
 Shape: Globular
 Colour: Outer Surface is dark reddish-
brown, pitted, very hard
 Odour: Odourless
 Taste: Bitter & acrid in taste
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6. Chemical constituents:
 The active principle is said to be an alkaline
substance of a very poisonous nature called
Colchicine. Besides colchicine, demecolcine
and other alkaloids are present. They also
contain resin, called colchicoresin, fixed oil,
glucose and starch.
Chemical test:
 Colchicum corm with sulphuric acid (70%) or conc. HCl produces yellow
colour due to the presence of colchicines.
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7. Uses:
 Both the corm and the seeds are analgesic, antirheumatic, cathartic and emetic.
 They are used mainly in the treatment of gout and rheumatic complaints, usually
accompaniedwith an alkaline diuretic.
 Leukaemia has been successfully treated with autumn crocus, and the plant has
also been used with some success to treat Bechet’s syndrome, a chronic disease
marked by recurringulcers and leukaemia.
 A very toxic plant, it should not be prescribed for pregnant women or patients
with kidney disease, and should only be used under the supervision of a qualified
practitioner.
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8. Marketed products:
 It is one of the ingredients of the preparation known as Aujai capsules (Crown
PharmaExports).
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9. T h a n k y o u !
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S U C C E S S I S N O T F I N A L , F A I L U R E
I S N O T F A T A L : I T I S T H E
C O U R A G E T O C O N T I N U E S T H A T
C O U N T S .