Colchicine

Colchicine is an alkaloid prepared from the dried corns and seeds of Colchicum autumnale, the autumn crocus or meadow saffron. The most common use of colchicine is as prophylaxis to prevent attacks of gout or pseudogout. These are types of arthritis caused by a buildup of crystals in the joints. Blood cells travel to these areas of inflammation causing pain and swelling. Colchicine prevents white blood cells from travelling into these areas, and therefore helps to reduce pain and tenderness

Colchicine inhibits microtubule polymerization by binding to tubulin, one of the main constituents of microtubules. Availability of tubulin is essential to mitosis, and therefore colchicine effectively functions as a “mitotic poison” or “spindle poison”. Colchicine’s pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects for gout are linked to its ability to bind with tubulin. Colchicine also inhibits neutrophil motility and activity, leading to a net anti-inflammatory effect. Colchicine is usually effective in relieving a gout attack within 12 to 24 hours. Low doses of colchicine are effective in preventing or reducing the severity of future gout attacks.