Colchicine

Colchicine is a medication that treats gout. It is a toxic natural product and secondary metabolite, originally extracted from plants of the genus Colchicum (autumn crocus, Colchicum autumnale, also known as "meadow saffron"). It was used originally to treat rheumatic complaints, especially gout, and still finds use for these purposes today despite dosing issues concerning its toxicity. It was also prescribed for its cathartic and emetic effects.

In addition to gout, colchicine is use to treat familial Mediterranean fever, pericarditis, and Behçet's disease. It is also being investigated for its use as an anticancer drug.