A high performance thin layer chromatographic method for the estimation of colchicine in different formulations

BACKGROUND: Colchicine is a main alkaloid present in bitter and sweet variety of colchicum (Colchicum luteum Baker), which have been reported to possess anti-rheumatic, anti-gout, and anticancer potential. Colchicum is an important ingredient of several Unani and Herbal formulations. Quantification of colchicine will play a great role in quality control of these formulations. Hence, a high-performance thin layer chromatographic (TLC) method has been developed for the analysis of colchicine in Unani formulations of various dosage forms such as hubb (tablet) and capsules. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The samples were applied on aluminum TLC plates precoated with silica gel 60-F(254) and developed using mobile phase toluene-dichloromethane-methanol in equal proportions. Quantification was done by densitometric scanning at 350 nm, which showed a linear response in the range of 50–500 ng/spot. The developed method was validated as per the International Conference on Harmonization guidelines for linearity, precision, accuracy, specificity, robustness, limit of detection, and limit of quantification. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The developed method was applied for quantitative estimation of colchicine in different Unani and Herbal formulations. The method was found simple, selective, accurate with a wide range of linearity, hence suitable for the quality control of different formulations and varieties of colchicum with respect to colchicine content.