Pharmacognosy - 5.8 Antirheumatics

Anti-rheumatic Drugs: Colchicum

Anti-rheumatics

By Mr. Bhosale, SKCP, Kasbe Digraj

How to Access the Quiz for This Chapter

Click on Quiz on the right → enter your Details → select D. Pharmacy → choose Pharmacognosy → then select 5.8 Anti-rheumatics.

Rheumatic diseases are a group of conditions that affect the joints, muscles, and bones. They can cause pain, swelling, stiffness, and loss of function. Anti-rheumatic drugs are medications that are used to treat these conditions.

COLCHICUM

Synonyms

Autumn Crocus, Cigdem, Colquico, Meadow Saffron, Naked Lady

Biological Source

Derived from the dried ripe seeds and corms of Colchicum autumnale (कोल्चिकम ऑटमनेल). Native to Europe and North Africa, but also cultivated in India.

Family

Colchicaceae (कोल्चिकेसी)

Major Chemical Constituents

Alkaloids: Colchicine (कोल्चिसिन) - Highly toxic, anti-inflammatory.
Demecolcine (डेमेकोल्सिन)
Other Active Components: Colchicoresin (कोल्चिकोरेसिन) – A resinous compound, Fixed oils, Glucose, Starch

Minor Chemical Constituents

Resin, Sugars

Uses

To treat or prevent gout attacks
To treat Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF), a rare genetic problem that causes inflammation and fever
To reduce the risk of complications or dying from coronary artery disease (CAD)

Important Safety Note: Colchicine is highly toxic and has a narrow therapeutic index. Its primary clinical use today is for acute gout flares and prophylaxis, and sometimes for pericarditis or familial Mediterranean fever, under strict medical supervision. Its use for general rheumatism or as a cathartic/emetic/diuretic is not standard medical practice due to toxicity risks.

Pharmacy MCQ Quiz

Enter Your Details

Select Category

Select Subject

Select Chapter

Select Question Order