Colchicum is a dangerous drug. How to use the healing properties of colchicum in folk medicine

Colchicum is a perennial herbaceous plant of the lily family. Stem glabrous, erect, low; in length is from 10 to 50 cm. The root is an oblong corm, it can reach three to five cm in length, the bulb is covered with dark brown scales (husk) along its entire length. Leaves oblong-lanceolate or elliptical, large, glabrous. Flowers solitary, bisexual, large, 20–25 cm long.

Depending on the type of colchicum, flowers can be colored from white to purple hue. The fruit is a rhombic or three-celled elliptical box. Colchicum blooms in late summer or autumn (until mid-October). Species difference this plant is the fact that during the flowering period the leaves are not yet developed. Fruits and leaves appear only next year in spring period(as a rule, this happens immediately after the snow melts).

The seed ripening period is May-June. Immediately after the end of the seed ripening period, the aerial part of the colchicum dies off completely. Colchicum natural distribution area - southwestern regions Krasnodar Territory, Caucasus, India and territory Central Asia, Northern part Africa, everywhere it grows throughout Europe and the Mediterranean. The genus Colchicum has more than 70 species, which differ from each other in the period of flowering and seeding.

Useful properties of colchicum

All - aboveground and underground - parts of the colchicum are poisonous, but the bulb (root) and seeds are especially toxic. However, one should not forget that most of medicinal plants used both in traditional (as the main active ingredients in the manufacture of various pharmacological preparations) and in folk medicine, is chemical composition poisonous plants.

Based on the positive dynamics that can be traced when using medicinal infusions, tinctures, as well as ointments, which include Colchicum, treatment plant found wide application in folk medicine. The chemical composition of fireweed corms contains: alkaloids of the heterocyclic series (colchicine, colchamine, colchicein), aromatic acids, sugars, flavonoids and glucoalcohols.

The chemical composition of colchicum seeds contains: alkaloids, resins, tannins, lipids and sugars. In folk medicine, infusion, tincture and ointment of Colchicum are used as analgesics (painkillers), antiemetics, diuretics and laxatives.

The use of colchicum

Before using any form of colchicum medicine in without fail you should consult your doctor as all parts medicinal plant(and therefore all its dosage forms) are poisonous and uncontrolled intake, as well as an incorrectly selected dosage of the drug, can lead to death.

Ointment and infusion of a medicinal plant are used externally as an effective pain reliever for gout, arthritis, rheumatism and sciatica.

A tincture of fresh tubers of the plant has an effective effect on edema, rheumatism, cystitis, urolithiasis, as well as a feeling of tightness (compression, pressure) in the chest.

Colchicum infusion

Half a teaspoon of a fresh onion is poured into 500 ml of boiling water, left for 2 hours, and then filtered into clean dishes. Application should also be started with a minimum dose, subsequently it can be 7-8 ml up to six times a day. The infusion should be washed down with 200 ml of warm non-carbonated water.

Colchicum ointment

300 g of the aboveground and underground parts of the plant are finely chopped and poured with 500 ml of water, after which they are put on a boiling water bath for 30 minutes. Then the resulting infusion is filtered into a clean container and vaseline / butter is added until the desired consistency of the ointment is obtained. Store the resulting ointment in a tightly closed container in a cool place (10-15 degrees).

Colchicum rubbing

Recipe number 1. 1 part of the crushed dry tubers of the plant is poured with 12 parts of vinegar. The resulting solution is infused for 14 days, after which it is used as an anesthetic.

Recipe number 2. 1 part of crushed colchicum roots is poured with five parts of 50% ethyl alcohol, insist in a dark place for 10-14 days, after which it is used as a rubbing for various rheumatic diseases.

Colchicum flower

Colchicum flowers are solitary, large (up to 20–25 cm long), with six petals. Distinctive characteristic flowers of this medicinal plant is the fact that they are bisexual. Depending on the type of colchicum, flowers can be colored in different shades- from white to purple. The plant blooms from August to October inclusive.

In folk medicine, colchicum flowers are used in the manufacture of anesthetic ointment. The use of the ointment is indicated for arthritis, radiculitis, gout and rheumatism.

Colchicum planting

Colchicum is a perennial herbaceous plant (does not require transplantation for several years), absolutely unpretentious to growing conditions. Feels best on light (not dense), loose soils. Planting depth can vary from 10 to 20 cm (the depth directly depends on the size of the bulb). The plant reproduces by daughter bulbs (capable of reproduction on its own).

If it is necessary to plant / seat a plant, it is best to do this in summer period(in that period of time when the aerial part completely fades). When working with colchicum and caring for it, it is necessary to observe the rules of personal safety with particular care, since all parts of the plant (aboveground and underground) are poisonous, which is why it is recommended to carry out all manipulations with gloves.

Colchicum bulb

Colchicum bulb is a large corm, which can reach a diameter of 4 cm. Throughout its area, the bulb is covered with husks (black - brown scales). Each bulb ends with a long neck, which, in turn, is also covered with scales. In the spring, after a period of development of large leaves, the old bulb dies off and is replaced by a new young bulb as a result of assimilation.

Due to its unique chemical composition, the colchicum bulb has found wide application in traditional medicine recipes. Infusion, tincture and ointments, which include plant materials, are successfully used as an anesthetic, vasodilator and anti-inflammatory agent.

The chemical composition of the colchicum bulb contains such alkaloids as colhamine and colchicine, which are successfully used in the treatment of a number of oncological diseases, including malignant neoplasms on the skin, in the chest, in the lungs and in the gastrointestinal tract.

Colchicum tincture

Colchicum tincture has long been used in folk medicine as an effective analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent. The tincture is applied locally (directly to the area of ​​pain localization) and internally. However, before using medicinal tincture it is important to seek the advice of a doctor - the tincture, like all other medicinal forms of the plant, is poisonous in in large numbers and its improper and uncontrolled use can lead to death.

Recipe No. 1. 10 g of fresh onion (can be exchanged for plant seeds) is poured with 100 ml of 45% ethyl alcohol, after which the resulting infusion is placed in a dark place for 20 days. After this period, the infusion is filtered and colchicum is started with 1 drop per day (if there is no development side effects, the number of drops can be increased).

Recipe number 2. 1 part of the seeds is poured with 10 parts of 70% ethyl alcohol, then infused in a dark place for 14–20 days. The resulting tincture can be used both inside (15-20 drops 3 times a day) and externally (directly on the area of ​​pain localization).

Colchicum splendid

Colchicum splendid is a perennial herbaceous plant of the lily family. The stem is short, bare, develops in the spring (by summer, the aerial part of the magnificent colchicum dies off completely). The root is a large corm, covered over the entire area with black-brown scales, up to 4 cm in diameter. The leaves are large, bare, wide-oblong in shape, as well as the stem, develop in the spring season.

Flowers are bell-shaped, large (up to 5–7 cm long), bisexual. They can be colored from pale lilac to pink-purple. The fruit is a fairly large three-celled multi-seeded pod up to 5 cm in length. The aerial part of the plant dies off completely in the summer, blooms in autumn (September-October). It bears fruit in June, immediately after which the aerial part of the plant dies off. In the summer, the old bulb dies off, and a daughter corm is formed.

The natural habitat of the magnificent colchicum is the territory of Western and Eastern Transcaucasia, Ciscaucasia and the Main Caucasian Range. It grows mainly on forest edges. In folk medicine, the underground part of medicinal raw materials - corms, which are harvested in autumn period(during the flowering period of the plant), for maximum extraction of alkaloids, raw materials are processed in their raw form.

The chemical composition of the corms of Colchicum splendid contains over 20 different alkaloids, however, among this diversity organic compounds, the most valuable are two types - colchamine and colchicine. In addition, the chemical composition of medicinal raw materials is rich in sugars, sterols and aromatic acids.

In traditional medicine in the form of solid dosage forms(tablets) and ointments Colchicum splendid is used in complex therapy in the treatment of oncological diseases of the skin, papillomas of the respiratory tract, malignant neoplasms in the mammary glands and in the gastrointestinal tract.

Colchicum autumn

Colchicum autumn is a perennial herbaceous plant of the lily family. The leaves are wide, elongated, lanceolate in shape, develop in the spring. The flowers are large, painted in a pink-lilac hue. The fruit is an oblong-oval leathery capsule 3–5 cm long. Seeds are round, numerous, dark brown in color.

The flowering time of the autumn colchicum is the autumn period (September-October), it bears fruit in the summer period of the next year (June-July). Like most species representatives, the aerial part of the autumn colchicum in the summer completely dies off. All parts of the medicinal plant are very poisonous, so using them without consulting a doctor is extremely dangerous for the patient's health.

In medicine, the underground part of the autumn colchicum is used - the corm, which is harvested in the autumn period (the flowering period). After the medicinal raw material is removed from the ground, it is well washed under running water and cut into pieces (for maximum extraction of alkaloids).

The chemical composition of autumn colchicum corm contains two most valuable alkaloids - colchicine and colchamine, which are used in complex therapy for the treatment of oncological diseases of the skin and as an anesthetic for gout, rheumatism and sciatica.

Colchicum Colchicum

Colchicum (colchicum) is a perennial herbaceous plant of the lily family.

The fruit is a three-celled capsule, the seeds are small, numerous, rounded. Colchicum blooms from August to September inclusive. In medicine (traditional and folk), the seeds and the underground part of the medicinal plant are used. The corm and seeds, like the rest of the colchicum, are poisonous, so the independent use of medicinal infusions and ointments can be extremely negative impact on the human body, up to death.

The chemical composition of colchicum corms contains: alkaloids - colchicine and calchicein, phytosterols, sugars and aromatic acids. Due to its unique composition, healing infusions and ointments, which include the plant, are successfully used for chronic leukemia, skin cancer, malignant neoplasms in the gastrointestinal tract, gout, arthritis, arthrosis and sciatica.

Colchicum shady

Colchicum shady is a perennial herbaceous plant of the lily family. The leaves are large, linear, fleshy, leathery, narrowed towards the base, reach a length of 10–15 cm, a width of 2–3 cm. The root is a small corm that reaches a length of 3 cm and a diameter of 2 cm. Flowers large, painted in pale purple or lilac shades.

The natural distribution area of ​​the shady colchicum is the territory of Crimea. It grows mainly in forests, forest edges and clearings. characteristic feature shady colchicum, which distinguishes it from other varieties of this genus, is the early vegetation (April). Colchicum shadow is an endangered species and is listed in the Red Book. Based on this medical use healing infusions and ointments is unacceptable.

Colchicum contraindications

All plant parts of Colchicum are poisonous, so the use of ointments, infusions and tinctures from this medicinal plant is carried out only after consulting a doctor. Ointment, which includes Colchicum, is contraindicated in skin cancer III-IV degree.

All preparations of colchicum are contraindicated for use in persons with severe inhibition of the hematopoietic function of the bone marrow, as well as in diarrhea and diabetes. Contraindicated in children, pregnant women and women during breastfeeding.

Colchicum, or kolchikum, is a perennial bulbous plant, which includes many species (only two are common in our country - the magnificent colchicum and the autumn colchicum). All of them are very unusual life cycle: flowering occurs late autumn, leaves and fruits are formed in spring, by the summer the plant scatters seeds, after which its entire aerial part dries up completely in order to “wake up” again by autumn. The tuberous colchicum bulb is used in medicinal purposes.

Did you know? A large number are known folk names this herbaceous plant, indicating either a specific development cycle, or that the colchicum is poisonous. So, it is sometimes called the timeless color, autumn color, autumn, winter, as well as "dog death" and "son without a father." In Europe, colchicum is known as meadow saffron. The British, for the absence of leaves at the time of flowering, call the plant "naked lady". But the name Colchicum has geographical roots. The ancient Greeks called Colchis the historical region of western Transcaucasia, now it is the territory of Georgia. The Hellenes believed that Colchicum grew out of drops of Prometheus's blood falling to the ground, the protector of people from the arbitrariness of the gods.

Today colchicum is grown in decorative purposes and as a medicinal raw material.

The chemical composition of colchicum

IN various bodies Colchicum discovered a huge amount of alkaloids. There are more than two dozen of them, but among the main ones are colchicine, colchamine and colchicein.

Colchicine has the ability to delay the movement of white blood cells to the site of inflammation, slow down cell division, and block inflammation. skeletal muscle, restore protein metabolism. The alkaloid is very effective in the treatment of acute attacks of gout. Colchicum bulbs contain about 0.7% of this substance, slightly more in flowers, and up to 1.2% in seeds.

Colchamine is similar in properties to colchicine, but much less toxic. Colchicein is mainly used to obtain various derivatives of colchicine.

In addition to the three alkaloids mentioned above, Colchicum also contains glycoalkaloids, aromatic acids, flavonoids (apigenin), sterols and sugars. The seeds of the plant, in addition, contain resins, tannins, lipids. Having such a chemical composition, colchicum has numerous medicinal properties.

Healing properties of colchicum

Beneficial features Colchicum is primarily associated with colchicine and colchamine secreted from its tubers.

So, colchicine extracted from colchicine is produced in the form of tablets, which are prescribed for the treatment and prevention of gout, gouty arthritis, as well as for phlebitis (inflammation of the vein wall), protein metabolism disorders, some diseases of the joints (chondrocalcinosis), as well as such "exotic" diseases like scleroderma, mediterranean fever and some others. In addition, the drug is used to treat inflammatory processes in dentistry and otolaryngology.
As for kolhamin, its main purpose is the fight against oncological diseases of the esophagus and the upper third of the stomach, in cases where surgical intervention is impossible. As an ointment, colhamine has been successfully used to treat some forms of skin cancer in the early stages. This alkaloid is capable of killing atypical cells and, as mentioned above, is less toxic than colchicine. The substance should be used with caution, because it causes gastric disorders, lowers blood pressure, slows down the formation of leukocytes and lymphocytes, and at the same time tends to accumulate in the body.

Did you know? Healing properties kolchikum were noticed a very long time ago, healers of ancient Egypt, India and Greece wrote about the plant. During the Middle Ages, colchicum was used to treat wounds and reduce joint and bone pain, and as an additional ingredient as a diuretic. But at the same time they were noted side effects in the form of diarrhea, and also, oddly enough, an increase in sexual activity. The pharmacological industry of Great Britain used the plant from the beginning of the 17th to the 20th century for the manufacture of drugs for rheumatism, gout and various neuralgic diseases, but at present similar drugs discontinued due to low efficiency against the background of pronounced side effects.

Despite the fact that it is a very poisonous plant, colchicum is nevertheless used in folk medicine as a laxative and diuretic, as well as, if necessary, relieve a pain attack or induce vomiting.

Procurement of medicinal raw materials

As it was indicated, the medicinal raw material of the colchicum is primarily the bulb. It should be dug along with the roots during the flowering period of colchicum. It is better to choose the largest tubers. Then the root must be carefully freed from the ground, above-ground parts and a renewal shoot (it is on the side), after which the corms must be dried. To do this, the raw material is laid out on horizontal surface in a warm and dry place with good ventilation. The resulting raw materials can be stored for no more than three months with a layer of no more than 10 cm in a ventilated room.

Important! It is by no means possible to wet and even more so wash the corms before drying! It is also not recommended to use corms damaged during digging, since such raw materials are poorly stored, quickly begin to rot and become moldy.

When harvesting raw materials, extreme care must be taken, not forgetting that the plant is very poisonous. In addition, an appropriate warning must be placed on any packaging in which dried roots will be stored or sold.

The use of colchicum in folk medicine

As indicated, Colchicum is widely used in folk medicine, although many knowledgeable people categorically do not recommend using this potent poisonous raw material for self-treatment, since the danger from such experiments can be much higher than the possible positive effect.

Colchicum infusion

Water infusion of colchicum is prepared as follows: crushed dried root of the plant (no more than 1/2 teaspoon) is poured with boiling water (0.5 l), the resulting mixture is infused for two hours, filtered and squeezed. It is used internally for jaundice, whooping cough, dropsy, aching bones against the background of a cold, rheumatic, neuralgic pains, heart weakness.

Important! Colchicum should be used inside in minimal doses - they start with two drops, gradually increasing their number to eight, and to lower the concentration of the toxic substance, the infusion must be washed down with at least a glass warm water without gas. Consume 40 minutes after eating.

For removal pain and stopping inflammatory processes, you can prepare in the same way an infusion of freshly harvested colchicum roots. It can be used externally (for rubbing or compressing) or internally up to six times a day, observing the above precautions.

Colchicum tincture

It is noticed that the alkaloids contained in the colchicum help with rheumatic pains. For this you can prepare alcohol tincture Colchicum: dried corms should be crushed and poured with a 50% solution of ethyl alcohol in a ratio of 1:5, insisted in a dark place for 15 days and used as lotions and compresses.

To relieve pain in the joints and back, you can prepare vinegar tincture from colchicum according to a similar recipe, mixing dry chopped roots with 9% vinegar at the rate of 1 part of the raw material to 12 parts of vinegar. Insist the same two weeks. Apply as a rub in small doses.

For cystitis, edema, urolithiasis, a tincture of fresh bulbs colchicum: raw materials (2 medium-sized onions) must be grated, observing the necessary precautions, pour 0.2 liters of vodka, the period and conditions of infusion are the same. Take inside no more than two drops three times a day, drinking big amount water. The first dose should be taken in an even smaller volume and wait longer to make sure that there are no negative reactions and symptoms of poisoning.

Also in folk medicine, a tincture of colchicum seeds is used to relieve pain: 10 g of seeds should be poured with undiluted ethyl alcohol (125 ml), insist in a dark place for three weeks, strain. It is used as a rub or inside 1 drop, observing the above precautions. Another tincture recipe is also known: 1 part of the seeds is poured with 10 parts of a 70% solution of ethyl alcohol, the infusion time is two weeks. Application external or internal, the dose can be gradually increased to 20 drops three times a day. Do not forget to drink the drug with plenty of water!

Ointment for rubbing

Colchicum ointment, as well as infusion, is applied externally to relieve pain in radiculitis, arthritis, rheumatism, gout.

To prepare the ointment, grind 300 g of onions (dry or fresh), pour the resulting slurry with 0.5 liters of water and simmer in a water bath for half an hour. The finished infusion is strained and mixed with any fat (vaseline, butter etc.) before the formation of the ointment. Used externally. Store in the refrigerator with a tightly closed lid.

The plant belongs to the perennials of the lily family. Its stem does not grow more than 50 centimeters, the leaves of the colchicum are elongated-lanceolate, the flowers are solitary, and the fruits are a box of a diamond-shaped or elliptical shape.

Colchicum has a peculiar cycle of development. Medicinal plant blooms in late autumn. Its seeds ripen in late spring.

Today, 70 species of colchicum are known, differing from each other in periods of development. Medicinal value for herbalists is mainly the corm of the plant.

Colchicum is mentioned in chronicles ancient greece and Egypt, in the notes of Avicenna. A well-known healer recommended this plant for external use as an anesthetic.

Procurement and storage

The collection of the underground part of the colchicum is carried out in the spring. To do this, you must strictly follow the rules of personal safety, that is, wear gloves, since all parts of the plant are poisonous. Dry it in ventilated areas out of direct sunlight. Store medicinal raw materials in linen bags for no more than a year.

Application in everyday life

Colchicum, or rather its components, are used in agriculture in order to create polyploid forms of the plant (with an increased number of chromosomes).

Composition and medicinal properties

Pharmacologists use colchicine and colchamine as part of Colchicum. Colhamin has an antimycotic effect and blocks the development of fungi, and also normalizes high blood pressure, causes diarrhea in a person (which is used in the treatment of constipation), and lowers the pain threshold.

Colhamin is used in the treatment of malignant neoplasms. Exophytic and endophytic forms of skin cancer are treated with colhamic ointment. It promotes the disintegration of the tumor. In inoperable forms of cancer, colhamin is prescribed with sarcolysin in tablets.

All parts of the colchicum are poisonous, but you need to be especially careful with the seeds and the bulb.

When using tinctures, infusions, ointments based on this medicinal plant, a positive trend in treatment can be traced.

Colchicum bulbs also contain alkaloids and flavonoids. The seeds contain resins and lipids, tannins.

In the last century, the plant began to be used in official medicine for the treatment of neuralgia and rheumatism. But this treatment was suspended due to the toxicity of such drugs. Means from this plant are most often used to treat cancer.

The use of colchicum in folk medicine: recipes

1. Bulb tincture for cystitis. It is necessary to chop two onions and pour a glass of vodka. For two weeks, the remedy is insisted in a cool dark place. After filtering, it is drunk three times a day, two drops.
2. Infusion for gout, arthritis, sciatica for external use. It is necessary to pour ½ chopped colchicum bulb with 0.5 liters of boiling water. Infuse the remedy for two hours, filter, first use 2 drops twice a day, then increase the number of drops daily by one and bring to 8. Wash down this infusion with a glass of warm water.
3. Rubbing with sciatica. Crushed dry bulbs of the plant are poured with vinegar in a ratio of 1:10. Infuse for 10 days, filter and rub the diseased areas 2-3 times a day. This is a good pain reliever.
4. Anesthetic tincture on seeds. This is the oldest recipe for herbal treatment. Apply it internally or externally in the area of ​​pain. To prepare such a tincture, you need to take ½ cup of ethyl alcohol and pour 10 grams of colchicum seeds into it. The seeds are infused for 14 days in a dark place, and after filtering, they are used inside 1 drop three times a day before meals. After a few days, in the absence of side symptoms, the dose can be increased to two drops. Tincture in the form of lotions is also used externally.

Contraindications for use

Before starting treatment with any of the preparations based on colchicum, you should consult a doctor, because the plant is poisonous. Uncontrolled intake and non-compliance with the indicated dosages can lead to grave consequences and lethal outcome.

Colchicum preparations can negatively affect the processes of hematopoiesis.

Signs of an overdose of the drug are usually nausea, stomach irritation and vomiting. Kolhamin tablets should not be consumed without medical supervision.

Formula, chemical name: no data.
Pharmacological group: metabolites / drugs that affect the metabolism of uric acid.
Pharmachologic effect: antigout.

Pharmacological properties

0.5 mg of colchicine contains a standardized dry extract of Colchicum splendid seeds. Colchicum alkaloid reduces the transition of leukocytes to the area of ​​inflammation, inhibits phagocytosis of microcrystals of uric acid salts, thereby having an anti-gout effect (relieves an acute attack of gout). In addition, Colchicum alkaloid has an antimitotic effect, which consists in partial or complete suppression of cell division in the stage of metaphase and anaphase, blocks the degranulation of neutrophils. With systemic scleroderma, it has a positive effect on the skin (reducing dryness, softening). Colchicum alkaloid prevents the development of amyloidosis by reducing the formation of amyloid fibrils. Increases the life expectancy of patients with primary AL-amyloidosis. In the first 12 hours of treatment, more than 75% of patients improve significantly. In 80% of patients, the drug can cause side effects from the side digestive system before clinical improvement or with it. In 75% of patients with gout, a daily dose of 1-2 mg reduces the risk of recurrent attacks. Colchicum alkaloid reduces dopamine-beta-hydroxylase activity, prevents acute attacks in patients with familial Mediterranean fever (periodic illness). The drug is intensively and quickly absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. The maximum concentration is 4.2 ng / ml and is reached after 70 minutes when taking 1 mg of the drug. The volume of distribution is 473 liters. Colchicum alkaloid intensively penetrates into tissues. High concentrations are determined in the kidneys, liver, spleen, gastrointestinal tract, leukocytes. Colchicum alkaloid is metabolized in the liver and excreted mainly through the intestines with bile, approximately 23% is excreted through the kidneys. The half-life is 9.3 hours. The hepatic-muscular circulation is determined 4 to 6 hours after ingestion.

Indications

Acute attack of gout, familial Mediterranean fever (periodic disease).

How to use Colchicum splendid alkaloid and dosage

Colchicum alkaloid is taken orally, without chewing, with a sufficient amount of liquid. Acute attack of gout: first 1 mg, then every 1 - 2 hours, 0.5 - 1.5 mg until the pain subsides. The maximum daily dose is 8 mg. Re-admission according to the treatment regimen for an acute attack of gout is possible no earlier than after 3 days. Prevention of acute attacks of gout: 0.5-1.5 mg every other day or every day, usually for 3 months.
Colchicum alkaloid therapy should be carried out under careful clinical and hematological control. With the development of severe adverse reactions from gastrointestinal tract the dose must be reduced or discontinued. With a decrease in the number of platelets below 100 thousand / μl and leukocytes below 3 thousand / μl, the drug is stopped until the blood picture returns to normal.

Contraindications for use

Hypersensitivity, marked inhibition of bone marrow hematopoiesis, renal and / or liver failure, lactation, pregnancy.

Application restrictions

Old age, severe pathology of the cardiovascular and digestive systems, cachexia.

Use during pregnancy and lactation

The use of the drug is contraindicated during pregnancy and during breastfeeding.

Side effects of Colchicum splendid alkaloid

Diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, nausea, leukopenia; with prolonged use - neuropathy, myopathy, hypoplastic anemia, agranulocytosis, alopecia.

Interaction of Colchicum splendid alkaloid with other substances

When combined with cyclosporine (especially in patients with renal insufficiency), the risk of developing myopathy increases. The drug disrupts the absorption of cyanocobalamin. Potentiates the action of sympathomimetic and depriming drugs. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and other drugs that cause myelodepression increase the risk of thrombocytopenia and leukopenia. Antigout activity is reduced by cytostatics (by increasing the content of uric acid) and agents that acidify urine. Drugs that alkalinize urine enhance the effect. The drug can be used together with allopurinol and uricosuric agents.

Overdose

Acute poisoning has been observed in adults at 20 mg and in children at 5 mg. Chronic overdose has been observed in patients who suffer from gout when taking a total dose of 10 mg or more over several days.
Symptoms: after ingestion of a toxic dose, after 2 to 6 hours, perspiration and burning in the mouth and throat develop, difficulty swallowing and the urge to vomit, nausea, vomiting, thirst, urge to defecate and urinate, colic and tenesmus (usually in malnourished patients); hyponatremia, hypokalemia, metabolic acidosis (loss of electrolytes and fluids due to hemorrhagic and/or muco-watery diarrhea); often - pain and tightness in the region of the heart, later - hypothermia, pallor, dyspnea, cyanosis; possible reduction blood pressure(up to collapse) and the development of tachycardia; from the side nervous system: convulsions, hypesthesia, paralysis; possible in the first 3 days fatal outcome due to respiratory paralysis and cardiovascular insufficiency. 1 to 2 weeks after the treatment of an overdose, complete, in some cases long-term alopecia can be observed; dysfunction of the lungs, kidneys, liver, blindness (rarely).
Treatment: symptomatic, which should be aimed at stabilizing the circulatory system. 0.9% sodium chloride solution with electrolytes (mainly with potassium) dextrose or plasma substitutes is injected intravenously, electrocardiogram control; digoxin (to maintain myocardial contractility). If necessary, antibiotic therapy is carried out. With cramps in the abdomen, papaverine, atropine are prescribed. With increased pressure of the cerebrospinal fluid, dexamethasone is administered; if necessary, perform a lumbar puncture. If necessary, carry out artificial ventilation of the lungs or oxygen therapy. Opioids should not be used.

Sharp pain in the joints, swelling and redness - this is how urate disease manifests itself. Doctors advise to be treated with medications, but there are also folk remedies. So, colchicum with gout has excellent analgesic properties and quickly copes with an attack. However, it is very poisonous, so the plant should be used with caution.

Gout is not a disease of the joints. This is a systemic tofus pathology, which is characterized by the deposition of urate salts in various fabrics, including the joints.

For the treatment of the disease, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesics and uricosuric drugs are traditionally prescribed. Along with this, to increase the effectiveness of classical therapy, folk remedies are often resorted to.

Gout is prone to sudden exacerbations, accompanied by severe pain in the joints. At this stage, you need to be able to cope with unpleasant symptoms yourself:

1. Organize complete rest for the affected limb by placing it on some elevation (folded blanket or pillow).
2. Apply an ice pack to the affected joint, removing it to the side every 20 minutes. So alternate until the sharp pain subsides.
3. Then use heat (a bag of heated sand or grits).

With a gouty attack, you need to drink plenty of water - urate salts and other harmful compounds will be more likely to be washed out of the body. Of the auxiliary means, the use of herbs is recommended both internally and externally.

medicinal plant colchicum

Colchicum, also known as meadow saffron, or colchicum has long been used for medicinal purposes, but with great care. The flower is poisonous, but the seeds and root (bulb) are especially toxic.

For medicinal purposes, fresh or dried colchicum bulbs are used.

All parts of the plant are taken for the preparation of medicines. Tubers are harvested in September, before flowering. They are cleaned from the earth, washed, cut into pieces and dried or used fresh. Seeds are harvested in early summer, after the bolls have turned brown, and flowers in October.

Fresh bulbs are stored for 2-3 months, dry - up to a year.

Chemical composition

All parts of colchicum contain a huge amount of alkaloids. Colchicine, colchamine and colchicine can be especially distinguished.

Colchicine is excellent for acute attacks of gout and relieves pain quickly. The bulbs of meadow saffron contain almost 0.8% of this substance, slightly more in flowers, and up to 1.5% in seeds. Colchamine and colchicein are similar in their therapeutic effects to colchicine, but are less toxic.

In addition to the alkaloids discussed above, Colchicum contains other active substances:

• organic acids;
• fats, carbohydrates and sugars;
• tannin compounds;
• flavonoids;
• macro- and microelements;
• resins and esters.

Due to the rich chemical composition, meadow saffron has excellent therapeutic properties. In folk medicine, decoctions, tinctures, ointments and rubbing are prepared from the plant, using them to treat joint ailments.

plant properties

In pharmacology, the analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of colchicum are known and well studied. Kolhamin has antimycotic activity, reduces blood pressure, inhibits lymphocytosis and is often used to treat oncology.

Colchicine delays the movement of white blood cells to the site of inflammation, restores the metabolism of purines and blocks pain in muscles and joints.

In addition, meadow saffron has some diuretic, antiemetic and laxative effects. It is often used for amyloid degeneration, Behcet's disease and systemic lupus erythematosus. It is prescribed for phlebitis, protein metabolism disorders, chondrocalcinosis, and even for such exotic ailments as Mediterranean fever and scleroderma.

Efficacy for gout

The alkaloids contained in colchicum help in short term block pain during the next attack, reduce swelling and inflammation in the affected joint. It should be remembered that colchicine selectively localizes the processes provoked by uric acid.

The substance does not therapeutic action with arthritis of another etiology, does not affect the concentration of urates in the blood and their excretion from the body by the kidneys. The greatest therapeutic effect is achieved when using colchicum on initial stage illness.

How to use the plant to treat gout

Colchicum-based preparations are started when the first symptoms of an attack appear and continue treatment for at least 4 days, even if the signs of the disease have disappeared.

Before using a herbal medicine, you should consult a doctor, since colchicum (and therefore preparations from it) is poisonous and misuse may cause poisoning.

Recipes for internal use

For internal use, various decoctions and alcoholic extracts are prepared from both bulbs and colchicum seeds.

For infusion ½ tsp. crushed root pour 500 ml of boiling water, cover and leave to cool completely. The resulting solution is filtered and taken 5 ml 6-8 times a day. Wash down the medicine with plain water.

Colchicum tincture is prepared from the following ingredients:

• 20 g of fresh root or plant seeds;
• 200 ml of 70% alcohol or quality vodka.

The crushed raw materials are poured with alcohol and cleaned in a dark place for 3 weeks. Ready composition filter. Start taking the medicine with 1 drop per day, gradually increasing the dose if no adverse reactions are observed.

Colchicum tincture is much more effective than decoction, but also more toxic. It can be used for rubbing, compresses and lotions.

Ointments for external use

A good therapeutic effect is given by ointments prepared from fresh seeds and bulbs of colchicum. Raw materials are preliminarily well crushed or thoroughly ground.

For the cream you will need:

• 300 g of root;
• ½ liter of liquid;
• petrolatum, melted butter or interior fat.

The onion is boiled in a water bath for at least 30 minutes, then the hot solution is filtered into a clean bowl and mixed with a thickener until a homogeneous mass is obtained.

Ointment based on colchicum is applied to the sore spot once a day

The therapeutic mixture is cooled and used to rub sore spots at bedtime. It is undesirable to increase the frequency of application so as not to cause an overdose and intoxication of the body.

Contraindications for use

Colchicum preparations are contraindicated in the following cases:

• allergy to components;
• diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and cardiovascular system;
• pregnancy and lactation;
• kidney failure;
• purulent infections;
• alcoholism;
• inhibition of myeloid hematopoiesis.

The appointment of colchicum for the weakened and the elderly, as well as for patients who have undergone surgery or a serious infection, requires special care.

First aid for poisoning

At the first signs of colchicum poisoning (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea), apply Activated carbon- 1 tablet per ten kilograms of body weight. The product is well chewed and washed down with a glass of water.

If symptoms of poisoning appear, activated charcoal should be taken.

Further, abundant drinking of milk or various solutions that reduce intoxication of the body is shown:

• Enterosgel;
• Sorbex;
• Polysorb MP;
• Enterosorb;
• Microcel.

If the condition worsens - the appearance of diarrhea or vomiting with blood, suffocation, a drop in blood pressure - the patient must be urgently taken to the hospital.

After the acute phase comes the recovery period, hallmark which is alopecia.

Medicinal preparations based on colchicum

Pharmaceutical products based on colchicum contain a dry extract of the plant. The most common medicines are in the form of drops and tablets. You can buy them at any pharmacy, but only with a doctor's prescription.

For gout, the most commonly prescribed:

• Kolhikum-Dispert. One tablet contains 500 micrograms of colchicine. Use 2 capsules every two hours until the pain is eliminated. For the purpose of prevention, it is permissible to take 1 tablet once a day. Package price - 700–800 rubles;
• Colchicine. On the first day of the attack, 3 mg of the active substance is prescribed, then 2 times a day, 1 mg each. After pain relief, the intake is reduced to one tablet in the evening. The price of the drug reaches 2 thousand rubles.

There is also a homeopathic remedy - an essence from a fresh root, but it is impossible to buy a medicine in a regular pharmacy. Only in specialized

Conclusion

Colchicum autumn gives an excellent therapeutic effect for gout, but it should only be used as an addition to the main drug treatment. Before use herbal remedy you need to consult a doctor. Colchicum is poisonous and has a number of contraindications.