Tag: Colchicum autumnale

With a history dating back to ancient times, the plant *Colchicum autumnale* is the source of the potent alkaloid medication, colchicine. This article details how this natural compound works to treat various inflammatory conditions, answering the question: **What is the active ingredient in Colchicum?**

The plant *Colchicum autumnale*, known as the autumn crocus or meadow saffron, is highly poisonous and its greatest concentrations of toxic alkaloids occur in the flowers and seeds. The primary toxic alkaloid responsible for its lethal effects is **colchicine**, a compound with a fascinating and dangerous dual identity.

Used for thousands of years in herbal medicine, colchicine is one of the oldest remedies still in use today, and the question 'what plant does colchicine come from?' reveals a fascinating history. This potent alkaloid is primarily derived from the bulb-like corms of the highly toxic *Colchicum autumnale* plant, also known as the autumn crocus or meadow saffron.

Dating back to 1550 B.C. in Egyptian medical texts, colchicine is a potent alkaloid used for pain and swelling [1.2.2]. This article answers, 'Which plant has colchicine in it?' and explores its pharmacology and toxicology.

Historically, plants with medicinal or psychoactive properties have been both healing agents and potent poisons, often with similar compounds. For this reason, the question of **what is the purple flower drug?** is complex, as it could refer to several different species, each with unique and powerful pharmacological effects, and dangerous risks.