This document discusses anti-rheumatic drugs and colchicum, a crude drug used to treat rheumatism. Rheumatism is characterized by increased uric acid in the blood and recurrent joint inflammation due to urate crystal deposition. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the synovial membrane. Colchicum, also known as meadow saffron, contains the toxic but potent anti-rheumatic alkaloid colchicine in its seeds and corms. It is used to treat gout and rheumatism due to its analgesic, antirheumatic, cathartic and emetic properties, but its toxicity requires caution, especially in pregnant women and those with kidney

1. Anti-
rheumatics
A R C H A N A B . C H AVH A N
M.PH A R M

2. Rheumatism
• Rheumatism is characterized by increased level
of uric acid in blood , recurrent attacks of
inflammation of joints due to deposition of
monosodium urate crystals in the cartilage &
tendons

3. Rheumatoid arthritis
• Rheumatoid is autoimmune disorder in
which immune system identifies the
synovial membrane as "foreign" and
begins to attack it.
• Definition:
• RA is a chronic inflammatory disorder
that may affect many tissues & organ but
mainly attacks the joints producing an
inflammatory synovitis.

5. Risk factors
Bacterial & fungal infection
Vitamin D deficiency
Positive family history

6. Sign & symptoms
Joints are swollen, red & tender
when squeeze
Swan neck deformity
Z- deformity of thumb
Joint tenderness
Joint redness & swelling

7. Anti-rheumatic drugs
The drugs used to relieve or
used in the treatment of
rheumatism.

8. Crude drug
Colchicum seeds
Colchicum plant

9. • Synonyms: Meadow Saffron, European
Colchicum Seed.
• Biological Source: Colchicum consists of dried
ripe seeds and corms of Colchi-cum
autumnale Linn., belonging to family Liliaceae.
• Morphological Characteristics:
• Color: Outer Surface is dark reddish-brown,
pitted, very hard.
• Odor: Odourless
• Taste: bitter and acrid in taste.
• Size: Seeds are 2–3 mm in diameter,
• Shape: Globular

10. • The active principle is said to be an alkaline
substance of a very poisonous nature called
Colchicine.
• colchicine, demecolcine and other alkaloids are
present.
• They also contain resin, called colchicoresin
• fixed oil, glucose and starch.
Chemical Constituents:

11. Chemical Test
Colchicum corm with sulphuric
acid (70%) or conc. HCl
produces yellow colour due to
the presence of colchicines.

12. Uses
Both the corm and the seeds are
analgesic, antirheumatic, cathartic
and emetic.
They are used mainly in the
treatment of gout and rheumatic
complaints,
In the treatment of Leukemia
A very toxic plant, it should not be
prescribed for pregnant women or
patients with kidney disease