Medicinal Seeds and Their Uses

Study Notes

Colchicum seeds are dried ripe seeds of Colchicum autumnale (family Liliaceae)
Strophanthus seeds are dried ripe seeds of Strophanthus kombé (family Apocynaceae).
Strophiole is a visible outgrowth on Strophanthus seeds, aiding seed dispersal.
Awn is a plume of hairs that aid seed dispersal in Strophanthus seeds.

Colchicum seeds contain colchicine, an alkaloid with anti-gout properties.
Colchicine is also used to induce polyploidy (multiplication of chromosomes) and acts as a mitotic inhibitor (arresting cell division) in cancer cells.
Strophanthus seeds contain strophanthin (K-strophanthin), a cardiac glycoside.
Strophanthin is used in acute cases of heart failure to revert reduced blood pressure and has a diuretic effect.
Ouabin is a rapidly acting and eliminated form of strophanthin, used in emergency treatment of acute heart failure.

Gout is a condition caused by deposition of uric acid crystals in joints, often affecting toes, knees, and fingers.
Red meat, alcohol, some fish, and caffeine-rich beverages are high in purines, which metabolize into uric acid.

Colchicum seed
- Dried ripe seeds of Colchicum autumnale
- Family: Liliaceae (Monocot)
- Contains colchicine (alkaloid), primarily in seeds (0.2-0.8%)
- All parts of the plant are toxic to animals
Strophanthus seed
- Dried ripe seeds of Strophanthus kombé, S.hispidus, or S.gratus
- Family: Apocynaceae
- Contains cardiac glycosides (Strophanthin or K-strophanthin, K-strophanthoside, G-strophanthin)
- Strophiole encloses the raphe, hilum, or micropyle
- Awn aids in seed dispersal

Colchicum
- Colchicine
  - Plant hormone inducing polyploidy (multiplication of chromosomes)
  - Antigout agent (relieves pain and inflammation, shortens gout duration)
  - Anti-inflammatory for pericarditis and familial Mediterranean fever
  - Potent cytotoxic agent (inhibits mitosis, anticancer but highly toxic)
  - Synthetic analogues of colchicine are being tested (same mechanism of action, less toxicity, more selective to cancer cells)
Strophanthus
- Strophanthin
  - Cardiotonic (similar to digitalis, used for acute heart failure)
  - Reverts reduced blood pressure
  - Diuretic effect
  - Not cumulative and less likely to cause GI irritation than digitalis
  - May be a substitute for digitalis in certain cases

Joint disease caused by the deposition of uric acid crystals
Caused by a buildup of uric acid in the blood
Rich sources of purines (contribute to uric acid formation): red meat, alcohol, certain fish, caffeine-rich beverages

Contraindications of Colchicine:
- Pregnancy (insufficient data)
- Severe liver disease (chronic use increases liver enzymes)
- Severe kidney dysfunction (renally cleared)
- Gastrointestinal upset (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain)