Rapid separation of phenethylisoquinoline alkaloid from Gloriosa superba tubers

Abstract

The aim of the study was to isolate important bioactive phenethylisoquinoline alkaloid, colchicine, from Gloriosa superba (Liliaceae) tubers. A facile and efficient method for isolation of proto alkaloid, colchicine, involves defatting, solvent extraction of the dried tuber powder and further purification by recrystallization. The compound was characterized and confirmed by Thin Layer Chromatography, ultraviolet spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, mass spectroscopy and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) analysis. The proposed method can be used for isolation of colchicine on a commercial scale from G. superba tubers.