The colchicine content in Colchicum autumnale L. of North Italy.
The colchicine content of different parts (bulb, flower, leaves, seeds, capsules) of C. autumnale L. has been identified. The specimens were collected in North Italy, in stations with different altitudinal, climatic and vegetational conditions.
Colchicine is present in all the studied parts, with a concentration gradient going from a maximum in the seeds to a minimum in the bulbs.
The colchicine content in the bulbs varies according to the principal phases of the life-cycle (flowering, fruiting, hudding), whereas in the seeds it depends from the degree of ripeness, being higher
in the first stages.
On the basis of results, it is suggested to take into consideration also leaves and flowers for the extraction of the alkaloid.
