Colchicine

"Mitotic inhibitor. Depolymerizes microtubules. Induces apoptosis. 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, 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. Colchicum extract was first described as a treatment for gout in De Materia Medica by Pedanius Dioscorides in the first century CE. Colchicine, an alkaloid, was first isolated in 1820 by the two French chemists P.S. Pelletier and J. Caventon. The alkaloid was later identified as a tricyclic alkaloid, and its pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects for gout were linked to its ability to bind with tubulin. , Synonyms:, N-[(7S)-5,6,7,9-Tetrahydro-1,2,3,10-tetramethoxy-9-oxobenzo[a]heptalen-7-yl]acetamide, (-)-Colchicine, Colchineos, Colchisol, Colcin, Colsaloid, Condylon, NSC 757, CAS Number: 64-86-8, Molecular Formula: C22H25NO6, Molecular Weight: 399.4, Solubility: 100% ethanol (>100mg/ml), DMSO (>100mg/ml), water or DMF, Appearance: Supplied as a white to off-white solid. Purity: >97% (HPLC), Specific Rotation: -240° to 250°, Water (KF): <3%, Storage and Stability: Store at 4°C. Caution: Light-sensitive. For maximum recovery of product, centrifuge the original vial prior to removing the cap."