Colchicine (alkaloid) dosage

Colchicine is an alkaloid too often associated with risks of acute toxicity, extracted primarily from autumn crocus ( Colchicum autumnale ). Historically used in herbal medicine in low doses for its anti-inflammatory effects, it is now closely monitored in herbal preparations.

Colchicine dosage is essential to ensure the safety of formulations, particularly in plant extracts, food supplements, herbal teas, and colchicum-based products. The accidental or intentional presence of colchicine in consumable products must be rigorously controlled.

Objectives of the analysis

• Evaluate the colchicine content in extracts or raw materials
• Verify compliance with regulatory safety thresholds
• Identifying contamination in plant products
• Securing phytotherapeutic products or supplements based on colchicum
• Preventing the risk of acute poisoning due to botanical misidentification

Analytical method

The analysis is performed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or LC-MS/MS, two reliable methods for detecting and quantifying colchicine in trace amounts. Coupling with mass spectrometry allows for maximum specificity, even in complex matrices such as plant powders or concentrated extracts.

Frequently analyzed matrices

• Hydroalcoholic extracts of colchicum
• Dried medicinal plants
• Herbal teas or traditional preparations
• Dietary supplements containing alkaloids
• Raw materials for phytotherapeutic use

Industrial applications

• Quality control of botanical batches containing colchicum
• Detection of cross-contamination between plants
• Regulatory compliance for plant-based formulations
• Toxicological assessment for marketing
• Compliance verification for medicinal plant distributors

Why entrust your analyses to YesWeLab?

YesWeLab supports you in your projects to secure plant extracts and ensure regulatory compliance. Thanks to our network of ISO 17025 accredited partner laboratories, we offer customized services for the analysis of alkaloids, including colchicine, with fast turnaround times and complete traceability.

Our experts will guide you towards the most suitable analysis method according to your objectives: batch release, labeling verification, new product development or toxicological risk assessment.

Recommended internal links

To complement your analytical approach, also consult:

• Cinchonine dosage (quinoline alkaloid) : a plant alkaloid used in herbal medicine
• Beta-carboline (indole alkaloid MTCA) assay : a neuroactive tracer to monitor in fermented extracts
• Diosmetin (flavone) assay : additional analysis in medicinal plant extracts

Expert service for your botanical extracts

Since 2020, YesWeLab has facilitated access to specialized analyses in the field of medicinal plants, natural extracts, and nutraceutical ingredients. Whether you are a formulator, manufacturer, or distributor, we support you in ensuring the reliability of your products and meeting the requirements of the French and European markets.

Need a quote or customized analytical support? Contact our scientific team today.