Revitalizing Colchicine: Novel Delivery Platforms and Derivatives to Expand Its Therapeutic Potential.

  • Abstract
  • Literature Map
  • References
  • Similar Papers
Abstract
Translate article icon Translate Article Star icon
Take notes icon Take Notes

Colchicine is a potent alkaloid with well-established anti-inflammatory properties. It shows significant promise in treating classic immune-mediated inflammatory diseases, as well as associated cardiovascular diseases, including atherosclerosis. However, its clinical use is limited by a narrow therapeutic window, dose-limiting systemic toxicity, variable bioavailability, and clinically significant drug-drug interactions, partly mediated by modulation of P-glycoprotein and cytochrome P450 3A4 metabolism. This review explores advanced delivery strategies designed to overcome these limitations. We critically evaluate lipid-based systems, such as solid lipid nanoparticles, liposomes, transferosomes, ethosomes, and cubosomes; polymer-based nanoparticles; microneedles; and implants, including drug-eluting stents. These systems ensure targeted delivery, improve pharmacokinetics, and reduce toxicity. Additionally, we discuss chemical derivatization approaches, such as prodrugs, codrugs, and strategic ring modifications (A-, B-, and C-rings), aimed at optimizing both the efficacy and safety profile of colchicine. Combinatorial nanoformulations that enable the co-delivery of colchicine with synergistic agents, such as glucocorticoids and statins, as well as theranostic platforms that integrate therapeutic and diagnostic functions, are also considered. These innovative delivery systems and derivatives have the potential to transform colchicine therapy by broadening its clinical applications while minimizing adverse effects. Future challenges include scalable manufacturing, long-term safety validation, and the translation of research into clinical practice.

ReferencesShowing 10 of 224 papers
  • Open Access Icon
  • Cite Count Icon 47
  • 10.1039/d0ra09561c
Vesicular systems for dermal and transdermal drug delivery.
  • Jan 1, 2021
  • RSC Advances
  • Claire Richard + 2 more

  • Open Access Icon
  • Cite Count Icon 217
  • 10.1038/s41577-021-00603-1
Immune-mediated inflammatory disease therapeutics: past, present and future.
  • Sep 13, 2021
  • Nature Reviews Immunology
  • Iain B Mcinnes + 1 more

  • Open Access Icon
  • Cite Count Icon 180
  • 10.1111/bjd.15896
Colchicine: an ancient drug with novel applications.
  • Jan 3, 2018
  • The British journal of dermatology
  • B Dasgeb + 5 more

  • Cite Count Icon 24
  • 10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2021.101432
Vinyl Polymer-based technologies towards the efficient delivery of chemotherapeutic drugs
  • Jul 31, 2021
  • Progress in Polymer Science
  • Patrícia Pereira + 2 more

  • Open Access Icon
  • PDF Download Icon
  • Cite Count Icon 9
  • 10.3390/pharmaceutics16020222
Delivery Strategies for Colchicine as a Critical Dose Drug: Reducing Toxicity and Enhancing Efficacy.
  • Feb 3, 2024
  • Pharmaceutics
  • Yaran Lei + 6 more

  • Cite Count Icon 26
  • 10.1016/j.jddst.2017.08.013
Fabrication and in-vivo evaluation of lipid nanocarriers based transdermal patch of colchicine
  • Aug 26, 2017
  • Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology
  • Sumit Ashok Joshi + 3 more

  • Cite Count Icon 284
  • 10.1021/ja0264605
The chemistry of amine-azide interconversion: catalytic diazotransfer and regioselective azide reduction.
  • Aug 15, 2002
  • Journal of the American Chemical Society
  • Paul T Nyffeler + 3 more

  • Cite Count Icon 38
  • 10.1016/j.cclet.2022.04.033
Targeted co-delivery of daunorubicin and cytarabine based on the hyaluronic acid prodrug modified liposomes
  • Apr 17, 2022
  • Chinese Chemical Letters
  • George Frimpong Boafo + 13 more

  • Cite Count Icon 484
  • 10.1006/scbi.1997.0068
The physiological function of drug-transporting P-glycoproteins
  • Jun 1, 1997
  • Seminars in Cancer Biology
  • Alfred H Schinkel

  • Cite Count Icon 48
  • 10.1080/14786419.2014.948436
Structure and hypolipidaemic activity of fucoidan extracted from brown seaweed Sargassum henslowianum
  • Aug 21, 2014
  • Natural Product Research
  • Ho Duc Cuong + 4 more

Similar Papers
  • Research Article
  • Cite Count Icon 16
  • 10.1016/j.jddst.2019.101494
Anti-angiogenic activity of uncoated- and N,O-carboxymethyl-chitosan surface modified-Gelucire® 50/13 based solid lipid nanoparticles for oral delivery of curcumin
  • Dec 30, 2019
  • Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology
  • Sara Perteghella + 6 more

Anti-angiogenic activity of uncoated- and N,O-carboxymethyl-chitosan surface modified-Gelucire® 50/13 based solid lipid nanoparticles for oral delivery of curcumin

  • Research Article
  • Cite Count Icon 41
  • 10.1016/j.foodhyd.2018.06.041
Solid lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles prepared with natural biomaterials: A new platform for oral delivery of lipophilic bioactives
  • Jun 26, 2018
  • Food Hydrocolloids
  • Taoran Wang + 3 more

Solid lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles prepared with natural biomaterials: A new platform for oral delivery of lipophilic bioactives

  • Research Article
  • 10.2174/1872210517666230417103129
Preclinical Safety Assessment of Lepidium sativum L. Seed Extract and its Nanoparticles via Acute and Subacute Oral Administration
  • Sep 1, 2024
  • Recent Patents on Nanotechnology
  • Asad Ahmad + 3 more

Background: Lepidium sativum (LS) seed extract has various pharmacological properties, such as antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and anticancer activities. However, the translation of L. sativum seed extract to the clinical phase is still tedious due to its bioavailability and stability issues. This problem can be solved by encapsulating it in a nanodelivery system to improve its therapeutic potency. Methods: In this study, we have determined and compared the in vivo toxicity of ethanolic extracts of L. sativum seeds (EELS) and solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs). To conduct toxicity (acute and subacute toxicity) assessments, EELS and SLNs were orally administered to Swiss albino mice. Animal survival, body weight, the weight of vital organs in relation to body weight, haematological profile, biochemistry profile, and histopathological alterations were examined. Results: Animals administered with 2000 mg/kg and 5000 mg/kg in an acute toxicity study exhibited no toxicological symptoms regarding behaviour, gross pathology, and body weight. As per a study on acute toxicity, the LD50 (lethal dose) for SLNs and EELS was over 400 mg/kg and over 5000 mg/kg, respectively. When animals were given SLNs (50 and 100 mg/kg, orally) and EELS (250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg, orally) for 28 days, subacute toxicity study did not exhibit any clinical changes. There were no differences in weight gain, haematological parameters, or biochemical parameters compared to the control groups (p > 0.05). The organs of the treated animals showed no abnormalities in the histological analysis (liver, heart, kidney, and spleen). Conclusion: The result confirms ethanolic extracts of L. sativum seeds and their SLNs to not have harmful effects following acute and subacute administration to mice. For further studies, patents available on Lepidium may be referred for its preclinical and clinical applications.

  • Research Article
  • Cite Count Icon 112
  • 10.1016/j.ejpb.2005.12.007
Stabilization of all- trans retinol by loading lipophilic antioxidants in solid lipid nanoparticles
  • Mar 9, 2006
  • European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics
  • Jun-Pil Jee + 3 more

Stabilization of all- trans retinol by loading lipophilic antioxidants in solid lipid nanoparticles

  • PDF Download Icon
  • Research Article
  • Cite Count Icon 32
  • 10.3390/pharmaceutics14112527
Quercetin Loaded Cationic Solid Lipid Nanoparticles in a Mucoadhesive In Situ Gel-A Novel Intravesical Therapy Tackling Bladder Cancer.
  • Nov 20, 2022
  • Pharmaceutics
  • Sylvia Shawky + 3 more

The study aim was to develop an intravesical delivery system of quercetin for bladder cancer management in order to improve drug efficacy, attain a controlled release profile and extend the residence time inside the bladder. Either uncoated or chitosan coated quercetin-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) were prepared and evaluated in terms of colloidal, morphological and thermal characteristics. Drug encapsulation efficiency and its release behaviour were assessed. Furthermore, cytotoxicity of SLNs on T-24 cells was evaluated. Ex vivo studies were carried out using bovine bladder mucosa. Spherical SLNs (≈250 nm) ensured good entrapment efficiencies (EE > 97%) and sustained drug release up to 142 h. Cytotoxicity profile revealed concentration-dependent toxicity recording an IC50 in the range of 1.6-8.9 μg/mL quercetin. SLNs were further dispersed in in situ hydrogels comprising poloxamer 407 (20%) with mucoadhesive polymers. In situ gels exhibited acceptable gelation temperatures (around 25 °C) and long erosion time (24-27 h). SLNs loaded gels displayed remarkably enhanced retention on bladder tissues relative to SLNs dispersions. Coated SLNs exhibited better penetration abilities compared to uncoated ones, while coated SLNs dispersed in gel (G10C-St-QCT-SLNs-2) showed the highest penetration up to 350 μm. Hence, G10C-St-QCT-SLNs-2 could be considered as a platform for intravesical quercetin delivery.

  • Conference Article
  • 10.3390/iocn2020-07984
Maslinic Acid Nanoparticles: A Drug to Carry Others
  • Nov 12, 2020
  • Pablo Graván + 6 more

Maslinic acid (MA), a triterpene widely found in natural sources, is a compound which is gaining interest due to its multiple therapeutic activities and its lack of harmful effects. However, MA is practically insoluble in water, which limits its clinical application. Here, we present a solvent displacement method to produce MA Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLNs) as a nanoplatform to carry hydrophobic drugs. A systematic study of the experimental parameters that may have some influence on the colloidal characteristics of MA SLNs was carried out. The effect of the aqueous/organic phase volume ratio and the organic phase composition on the size of SLNs evidence the role of the solvent diffusivity on the colloidal characteristic of the SLNs. On the other hand, the effect of surfactant/MA ratio proved the relevance of the surfactant on stabilizing the SLNs interface, owing to the changes on the interfacial tension that it promotes. MA SLNs have proved to be highly stable over time and in a wide range of pH and salinity conditions, as well as having a high curcumin encapsulation efficiency. The MA SLNs prepared in this work provide a starting point to develop functionalized active nanocarriers which allow establishing a synergistic relation with the loaded drug.

  • PDF Download Icon
  • Research Article
  • Cite Count Icon 33
  • 10.18433/j3xp4r
Modulation of butyrate anticancer activity by solid lipid nanoparticle delivery: an in vitro investigation on human breast cancer and leukemia cell lines.
  • May 30, 2014
  • Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences
  • Federica Foglietta + 7 more

Histone modification has emerged as a promising approach to cancer therapy. The short-chain fatty acid, butyric acid, a histone deacetylase (HD) inhibitor, has shown anticancer activity. Butyrate transcriptional activation is indeed able to withdraw cancer cells from the cell cycle, leading to programmed cell death. Since butyrate's clinical use is hampered by unfavorable pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties, delivery systems, such as solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN), have been developed to overcome these constraints. In order to outline the influence of butyrate delivery on its anticancer activity, the effects of butyrate as a free (sodium butyrate, NB) or nanoparticle (cholesteryl butyrate solid lipid nanoparticles, CBSLN) formulation on the growth of different human cancer cell lines, such as the promyelocytic leukemia, HL-60, and the breast cancer, MCF-7 was investigated. A detailed investigation into the mechanism of the induced cytotoxicity was also carried out, with a special focus on the modulation of HD and cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) mRNA gene expression by real time PCR analysis. In HL-60 cells, CBSLN induced a higher and prolonged expression level of the butyrate target genes at lower concentrations than NB. This led to a significant decrease in cell proliferation, along with considerable apoptosis, cell cycle block in the G0/G1 phase, significant inhibition of total HD activity and overexpression of the p21 protein. Conversely, in MCF-7 cells, CBSLN did not enhance the level of expression of the butyrate target genes, leading to the same anticancer activity as that of NB. Solid lipid nanoparticles were able to improve butyrate anticancer activity in HL-60, but not in MCF-7 cells. This is consistent with difference in properties of the cells under study, such as expression of the TP53 tumor suppressor, or the transporter for short-chain fatty acids, SLC5A8.

  • PDF Download Icon
  • Research Article
  • 10.22159/ijcpr.2023v15i5.3051
A REVIEW ON SOLID LIPID NANOPARTICLES
  • Sep 15, 2023
  • International Journal of Current Pharmaceutical Research
  • Ridhima Raj + 2 more

Over the past decade, there has been a lot of research on solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), also known as lipid carriers. As a new lipid-based drug delivery technology for the topical applications of numerous medicinal drugs, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) have demonstrated promise. SLNs have undergone considerable research on every continent and have become effective nano-sized medication carriers. There is no doubt that nano-formulations are extremely valuable tools for drug delivery applications; the current challenge is how to optimize them to ensure that they are safe, effective and scalable, so that they can be manufactured at an industrial level and advance to clinical use. In this context, lipid nanoparticles have gained ground, since they are generally regarded as non-toxic, biocompatible and easy-to-produce formulations. However, the processes governing SLN cellular uptake and absorption by topical application, as well as the mechanism of SLN drug release, are still unclear and need further research. To make SLNs easier to apply and to improve cutaneous and transdermal administration, it is also crucial to choose the right dose form and formulation base. Additional difficulties that could prevent the clinical translation of SLNs include scaling up and regulatory authorization. Therefore, the main focus of this research is on the various pathways that SLNs use to enter cells and penetrate skin. The physicochemical characteristics of SLNs are then thoroughly discussed, including numerous formulation and dosage form parameters that may affect SLN absorption via the skin. The translational status in relation to scale-up and regulatory issues are also covered in the discussion. Researchers interested in topical uses of SLNs for the effective delivery of medications and cosmetics will find this review to be helpful.

  • Research Article
  • Cite Count Icon 256
  • 10.1016/s0378-5173(02)00269-7
Formulation parameters determining the physicochemical characteristics of solid lipid nanoparticles loaded with all-trans retinoic acid.
  • Aug 1, 2002
  • International Journal of Pharmaceutics
  • Soo-Jeong Lim + 1 more

Formulation parameters determining the physicochemical characteristics of solid lipid nanoparticles loaded with all-trans retinoic acid.

  • Research Article
  • Cite Count Icon 41
  • 10.2147/ijn.s183479
Solid lipid nanoparticles with enteric coating for improving stability, palatability, and oral bioavailability of enrofloxacin.
  • Mar 1, 2019
  • International Journal of Nanomedicine
  • Chao Li + 10 more

BackgroundThe poor palatability, variable oral bioavailability, stimulation to gastric mucosa, and light instability limited the application of enrofloxacin (ENR). The enteric granules combining solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) with enteric coating were explored to overcome these disadvantages.Materials and methodsENR-loaded SLNs were produced by a hot homogenization and ultrasonic emulsification method and the enteric granules with SLNs as inner core were prepared by wet granulation followed by coating using polyacrylic resin II (PRII). The formulation was optimized by using orthogonal or single factor test screening.ResultsThe optimal SLNs with loading capacity (LC) and price as inspection indexes were consisted of 10 mL 3% polyvinyl alcohol per 0.8 g ENR and 2.4 g octadecanoic acid. The sizes, LC, polydispersion index, and zeta potential of the SLNs were 308.5±6.3 nm, 15.73%±0.31%, 0.352±0.015, and −22.3 mv, respectively. The best enteric granules were used 15% PRII as coating materials. The release of the enteric granules in simulated intestine fluid (SIF, pH=8) was significantly faster than in simulated gastric fluid (SGF, pH=2) and simultaneously slower than those of SLNs and native ENR. The granules showed good stability in influencing factor experiment. The granules displayed a similar daily feed intake as the control group and higher daily feed intake than ENR powder and single-coating granules. Compared to the ENR soluble powder, the area under the plasma concentration–time curve and mean retention time of the enteric granules after intragastric administration were increased from 4.26±0.85 µg h/mL and 6.80±2.28 hours to 11.24±3.33 µg h/mL and 17.97±4.01 hours, respectively.ConclusionThe enteric granules combination SLNs with enteric coating significantly improved the stability, palatability, sustained-release performance and oral bioavailability of ENR. The novel technology will be a potential measure to overcome the similar disadvantages of other drugs.

  • Discussion
  • Cite Count Icon 56
  • 10.1016/0041-3879(90)90035-7
Drug combinations and the bioavailability of rifampicin
  • Dec 1, 1990
  • Tubercle
  • W Fox

Drug combinations and the bioavailability of rifampicin

  • Book Chapter
  • Cite Count Icon 7
  • 10.1016/b978-0-323-47347-7.00011-2
11 - Lipid Nanoparticle Formulations for Enhanced Antituberculosis Therapy
  • Jan 1, 2016
  • Nanoarchitectonics for Smart Delivery and Drug Targeting
  • S Banerjee + 1 more

11 - Lipid Nanoparticle Formulations for Enhanced Antituberculosis Therapy

  • Research Article
  • Cite Count Icon 98
  • 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2016.11.002
Encapsulation of NSAIDs for inflammation management: Overview, progress, challenges and prospects
  • Nov 6, 2016
  • International Journal of Pharmaceutics
  • Waisudin Badri + 5 more

Encapsulation of NSAIDs for inflammation management: Overview, progress, challenges and prospects

  • Research Article
  • Cite Count Icon 268
  • 10.1016/j.tifs.2017.07.017
Formulation and application of a new generation of lipid nano-carriers for the food bioactive ingredients
  • Jul 25, 2017
  • Trends in Food Science & Technology
  • Iman Katouzian + 3 more

Formulation and application of a new generation of lipid nano-carriers for the food bioactive ingredients

  • Research Article
  • Cite Count Icon 39
  • 10.3390/nano11010171
The Potential of Caffeic Acid Lipid Nanoparticulate Systems for Skin Application: In Vitro Assays to Assess Delivery and Antioxidant Effect
  • Jan 12, 2021
  • Nanomaterials
  • Supandeep Singh Hallan + 8 more

The object of this study is a comparison between solid lipid nanoparticles and ethosomes for caffeic acid delivery through the skin. Caffeic acid is a potent antioxidant molecule whose cutaneous administration is hampered by its low solubility and scarce stability. In order to improve its therapeutic potential, caffeic acid has been encapsulated within solid lipid nanoparticles and ethosomes. The effect of lipid matrix has been evaluated on the morphology and size distribution of solid lipid nanoparticles and ethosomes loaded with caffeic acid. Particularly, morphology has been investigated by cryogenic transmission electron microscopy and small angle X-ray scattering, while mean diameters have been evaluated by photon correlation spectroscopy. The antioxidant power has been evaluated by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl methodology. The influence of the type of nanoparticulate system on caffeic acid diffusion has been evaluated by Franz cells associated to the nylon membrane, while to evaluate caffeic acid permeation through the skin, an amperometric study has been conducted, which was based on a porcine skin-covered oxygen electrode. This apparatus allows measuring the O2 concentration changes in the membrane induced by polyphenols and H2O2 reaction in the skin. The antioxidative reactions in the skin induced by caffeic acid administered by solid lipid nanoparticles or ethosomes have been evaluated. Franz cell results indicated that caffeic acid diffusion from ethosomes was 18-fold slower with respect to solid lipid nanoparticles. The amperometric method evidenced the transdermal delivery effect of ethosome, indicating an intense antioxidant activity of caffeic acid and a very low response in the case of SLN. Finally, an irritation patch test conducted on 20 human volunteers demonstrated that both ethosomes and solid lipid nanoparticles can be safely applied on the skin.

More from: International journal of molecular sciences
  • New
  • Research Article
  • 10.3390/ijms262110768
Gestational Diabetes Exposed Mesenchymal Stem Cells: Phenotypic Differences Link to Long-Term Health of Offspring
  • Nov 5, 2025
  • International Journal of Molecular Sciences
  • Mark J Pandrich + 4 more

  • New
  • Research Article
  • 10.3390/ijms262110736
Astatine-211-Labeled Therapy Targeting Amino Acid Transporters: Overcoming Drug Resistance in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
  • Nov 5, 2025
  • International Journal of Molecular Sciences
  • Sifan Feng + 4 more

  • New
  • Research Article
  • 10.3390/ijms262110779
circ_0000132 Regulates Chicken Granulosa Cell Proliferation Apoptosis and E2/P4 Synthesis via miR-206 E2F5 Signaling
  • Nov 5, 2025
  • International Journal of Molecular Sciences
  • Huanqi Yang + 4 more

  • New
  • Research Article
  • 10.3390/ijms262110748
Functional Analysis of Hyaluronidase-like Genes in Ovarian Development of Macrobrachium nipponense and Comparative Evaluation with Other Key Regulatory Genes
  • Nov 5, 2025
  • International Journal of Molecular Sciences
  • Zhiming Wang + 9 more

  • New
  • Research Article
  • 10.3390/ijms262110730
Overexpression of miR-320-3p, miR-381-3p, and miR-27a-3p Suppresses Genes Related to Midline Facial Cleft in Mouse Cranial Neural Crest Cells
  • Nov 4, 2025
  • International Journal of Molecular Sciences
  • Chihiro Iwaya + 2 more

  • New
  • Research Article
  • 10.3390/ijms262110728
Steroid Hydroxylation by Mutant Cytochrome P450 BM3-LG23 Using Two Expression Chassis
  • Nov 4, 2025
  • International Journal of Molecular Sciences
  • Veronika Poshekhontseva + 6 more

  • New
  • Research Article
  • 10.3390/ijms262110717
Zilebesiran as an Innovative siRNA-Based Therapeutic Approach for Hypertension: Emerging Perspectives in Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Nov 4, 2025
  • International Journal of Molecular Sciences
  • Petruta A Morosan + 11 more

  • New
  • Research Article
  • 10.3390/ijms262110719
Antibodies to Periodontal Bacteria Are Associated with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Autoantibody Positivity
  • Nov 4, 2025
  • International Journal of Molecular Sciences
  • Laura Massarenti + 7 more

  • New
  • Research Article
  • 10.3390/ijms262110725
Feeding for Well-Being: Porcine Blood Hydrolysate Supplementation Improves Metabolic and Welfare-Related Traits in Farmed Gilthead Sea Bream (Sparus aurata)
  • Nov 4, 2025
  • International Journal of Molecular Sciences
  • Cristina Moreno-Mariscal + 5 more

  • New
  • Research Article
  • 10.3390/ijms262110718
Galectin-3 and Strain Imaging for Early Heart Failure Prediction After First Myocardial Infarction
  • Nov 4, 2025
  • International Journal of Molecular Sciences
  • Małgorzata Sikora-Frąc + 8 more

Save Icon
Up Arrow
Open/Close
  • Ask R Discovery Star icon
  • Chat PDF Star icon

AI summaries and top papers from 250M+ research sources.

Search IconWhat is the difference between bacteria and viruses?
Open In New Tab Icon
Search IconWhat is the function of the immune system?
Open In New Tab Icon
Search IconCan diabetes be passed down from one generation to the next?
Open In New Tab Icon