Tag: Gloriosa superba

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.

Currently, there is no specific antidote for poisoning caused by langali, a highly toxic plant known scientifically as *Gloriosa superba*. Ingestion of any part of this plant, particularly the tuber, can lead to severe and often fatal poisoning due to the presence of colchicine and other toxic alkaloids.