Optimization of Colchicine Extraction from Colchicum Kurdicum (Bornm.) Stef. Corm and Evaluating Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Oxidant Activities of the Plant Extract

Colchicum kurdicum (Bornm.) Stef. is a monocotyledon plant which is endemic to Iran. The corm and seeds of this plant have some bioactive compounds, especially tropolone alkaloids that are used in treatment of inflammations, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, joint pains, and cancers. This study aimed at optimization of colchicine extraction from the corms of C. kurdicum and evaluating anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activities of the extracts.

The extraction of colchicine from C. kurdicum was optimized by the ultrasonic-assisted extraction method in methanol/deionized water (70:30) solvent system. The response-surface method was also used for analysis and optimization of the extraction. The effects of extraction time, solvent/plant ratio, and temperature were analyzed. Moreover, the extracted colchicine was assayed by HPLC. Finally, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activities of the extracts were evaluated.

Colchicine/g corm (0.98±0.04 mg) was achieved in optimum condition; extraction time of 180 min, solvent/plant ratio of 20 ml/g, and temperature of 60 oC. Also, increase in temperature decreased the extraction time and solvent/plant ratio. The highest anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activities were found in extracts 7 and 12.

In this study, ultrasonic-assisted extraction was found as an effective method for extraction of colchicine from C. kurdicum.