Colchicine is a medication most commonly used to treat gout. It is a toxic natural product and secondary metabolite, originally extracted from plants of the genus Colchicum (autumn crocus, Colchicum autumnale, also known as "meadow saffron"). 

The plant source of colchicine, the autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale), was described for treatment of rheumatism and swelling in the Ebers Papyrus (circa 1500 BC), an Egyptian medical papyrus. Colchicum extract was first described as a treatment for gout in De Materia Medica by Pedanius Dioscorides, in the first century AD. 

Colchicine was first isolated in 1820 by the French chemists P. S. Pelletier and J. B.Caventou. In 1833, P.L. Geiger purified an active ingredient, which he named colchicine.

Adverse effects are primarily gastrointestinal upset at high doses. In addition to gout, colchicine is used to treat familial Mediterranean fever, pericarditis and Behçet's disease.

Colchicine

Chemical Name

N-[(7S)-1,2,3,10-tetramethoxy-9-oxo-5,6,7,9-tetrahydrobenzo[a]heptalen-7-yl]acetamide

Plant Part Used

Gloriosa Superba Seeds

CAS Number

64-86-8

EINECS Number

200-598-5

Molecular Formula

C22H25NO6

Molecular Weight

399.437

Melting Point

150-160℃

Boiling Point

726℃ at 760 mmHg

Density

1.25g/cm3

Flash Point

392.9℃

Vapour Pressure

6.21E-21mmHg at 25℃

Appearance

White to yellowish white amorphous/crystalline powder

Hazard codes

T+: Very toxic

Specification

USP,98%min HPLC

Water solubility

45 g/L (20℃)

Solubility

Very soluble in cold water, ethanol and chloroform. Slightly soluble in ether. Not soluble in hot water.

Package

HDPE drum outside and aluminum foil bag inside. Or as required

Storage

Store in cold, dry, ventilated and sealing area.

Shelf life

Two years