Colchicine: The hero chemical in therapeutics

Colchicine is a phytochemical extracted commercially from two plants of the Colchicaceae family, Gloriosa superba (flame lily) and Colchicum autumnale (autumn crocus). One of the seven upavishas (semi-poisonous drugs) in Indian medicine, colchicine is claimed to treat a number of illnesses but can be lethal if administered improperly. Colchicine dosages greater than 10 mg in humans are always fatal within three days. Due to colchicine's potent anti-inflammatory properties, it can cure many cardiovascular conditions, including coronary artery disease, atherosclerosis, recurring pericarditis, vascular restenosis, heart failure and myocardial infarction. Colchicine has lately demonstrated therapeutic effectiveness in reducing COVID-19 cardiovascular complications. The research on colchicine's anti-inflammatory mechanisms is gaining popularity. The ability of colchicine to inhibit microtubule formation is mainly responsible for its anti-inflammatory effects. Colchicine blocks the following cellular processes: platelet stimulation, macrophage chemotaxis, migration and adhesion, smooth muscle cell growth and migration, and endothelial dysfunction and inflammation. Colchicine suppresses NF-κB signaling, the release of proinflammatory cytokines, and the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome at the molecular level. In the present review, we are covering the reported mechanism of colchicine used as a drug in various diseases.