What kind of a drug is colchicine?”
Colchicine is a toxic natural product and secondary metabolite, originally extracted from plants of the genus Colchicum (Autumn crocus, Colchicum autumnale, also known as the “Meadow saffron”). Originally used to treat rheumatic complaints and especially gout and still finds use for these purposes today, it was also prescribed for its cathartic and emetic effects. Its present medicinal use is mainly in the treatment of gout; as well, it is being investigated for its potential use as an anti-cancer drug. It can also be used as initial treatment for pericarditis and preventing recurrences of the condition. In neurons, axoplasmic transport is disrupted by colchicine.
Colchicine, a drug commonly used to treat gout is made from the bulb of the autumn crocus flower (scientific name: Colchicum autumnale) and is a “natural” treatment that has been used for over 2000 years. Despite this, Colchicine is a highly toxic substance that causes nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea in 100% of people that take it at a high dose.
