Page 30 - Phytochemistry 2 (06-PG 605)

Colorimetric method. 

Pharmacological action & Uses:
1- The major use of colchicine is an anti-inflammatory agent in the treatment

of acute gouty arthritis.
Mechanism of action in gouty arthritis:

Reduce inflammation caused by deposits of urate crystals in the joints and by
reduction of phagocytosis.

 it is not effective in reducing inflammation
in other disorders.
 Since colchicine is so spesific and rapidly effective in acute symptoms of

gout (improvement is achieved within hours), it has been used as diagnostic
aid in this disorder.
 It also may be used prophylactically to
prevent further attacks.
2- Colchicine is also used in biological experiments to produce polyploidy or
multiplication of the chromosomes in a cell- nucleus ( use as a plant hormone)
3- Colchicine has a property of being mitotic poison ,i.e.tumor -inhibitory activity
4- Colchicine prevents attacks of Mediterranean sea fever.

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