Key application In acute gout attack. (German Commission E.)
The fresh corms and aerial parts of a sample from Jammu yielded 0.94% and 070% of total alkaloids, the major being coichicine 0.40% and 0.20% respectively. Coichicine analogs— decteyl thiocolchicine (DTC), decetylmethylcolchicine (DMC) and tnmethylcoichicinic acid (TMCA) were effective in the treatment of gout; DTC may elicit agranulocytosis.
Coichicine binds to tubulin, the protein subunit of microtubules. Its most important biological effect is the inhibition of processes that depend upon microtubule function by blocking
might lower hepatic glucose production caffeine seems to stimulate pancreatic beta cells to secrete insulin. (Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, 2007.)
gari.
166 Coleus amboinicus Lour.
polymerization. In preventing micro- tubule formation, colchicine has been shown to inhibit catecholamine secretion from adrenal medulla, iodine secretion from thyroid gland and prolactin secretion from pituitary tumour cells. It inhibits stimulated insulin secretion from isolated perfused pancreas and islets in vitro.
The use of Colchicum for long periods is not recommended owing to its toxicity in larger doses (even 7 mg of colchicine has caused death) and its depressant action upon central nervous system.
Prolonged use of Cot chicum autumnate may cause agranulocytosis, aplastic anaemia and peripheral nerve inflammation. (Sharon M. Herr.)
Coleus amboinicus Lour.
Synonym C. aromaticus Benth.
Family Lam iaceae.
Habitat Native to Indonesia.
English Indian Borage.
Ayurvedic Parna-yavaani.
Siddha/Tamil Karpoorvalli.
Folk Pattaa Ajawaayin. Pattharachuur (Bengal).
Action Leaf—used in urinary diseases, vaginal discharge, colic and dyspepsia. Stimulates the function of liver. Also given in epilepsy and other convulsive
affections, asthma, bronchitis, cold and chronic cough. Bruised leaves are applied to burns; leaf juice to chapped lips.
The leaf extract has shown regulatory influence on calcium oxalate stone formation in experimental
