Colchicine

Colchicine is a classic mitotic inhibitor, disrupting cell division by preventing assembly of microtubules in the mitotic spindle via inhibition of tubulin polymerization. It has pleiotropic effects; It is an anti-inflammatory agent and has been used for Gout suppression, and other inflammatory conditions such as familial Mediterranean fever. It can also induce apoptosis in a variety of cells and is used in cancer research as a chemotherapeutic agent. It is also used in cytogenetics to study chromosomes. Recently, Colchicine has been studied for potential therapeutic utility for COVID-19.
Colchicine was approved by the FDA in 2009, but its use dates back two centuries. Papyri dated 1500 BC describe the Colchicine’s source plant- Colchicum automnale (autumn crocus) for pain and inflammation, making it one of the world’s oldest anti-inflammatory agents.
There is a large body of data demonstrating Colchicine’s inhibitory effects on neutrophil activity, cytokine generation, and the inflammation/thrombosis interface. It was found to have utility against SARS-CoV2 in the ColCorona clinical trial, a phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled multicenter clinical trial of over 4500 participants in Canada.
Colchicine is sparingly soluble in DMSO and DMF. It is slightly soluble in water and ethanol.
This product is considered a dangerous good. Quantities above 1 g may be subject to additional shipping fees. Please contact us for questions.

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Background

Since one of the defining characteristics of cancer cells is a significantly increased rate of mitosis, cancer cells are significantly more vulnerable to Colchicine poisoning than are normal cells. However, the therapeutic value of Colchicine against cancer is (as is typical with chemotherapy agents) limited by its toxicity against normal cells.
Colchicine irreversibly intercalates into free α/β dimers that incorporate into and block microtubule extension. During inflammation, microtubules facilitate the movement of adhesion molecules onto cell surfaces.
Colchicine has been shown to affect multiple cytokines. It decreases cytokine production by inhibiting activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. The mechanism of its action in the inflammasome remain an area of ongoing investigation. It reduces IL-1B production, and in turn prevents the induction of IL-6 and TNF and recruitment of additional neutrophils and macrophages.