Colcemid

  • (S ) -6,7 -dihydro-1 ,2,3,10 - tetramethoxy -7-( methylamino) benzo [ a] heptalene -9 ( 5H)-one (IUPAC)
  • Colcemid
  • (S ) - (- )-N- methyl-N- desacetylcolchicin
  • (S ) - (- )-N- deacetyl -N- methylcolchicin

L01CC01

Yellowish solid

184 ° C

Poorly in water ( 1.65 g · l-1 at 20 ° C)

Risk

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Demecolcine is a poisonous alkaloid of the meadow saffron ( Colchicum autumnale). It is next to the main alkaloid colchicine the second most abundant alkaloid of colchicum.

Effect

Demecolcine is the same as the colchicine, a mitotic inhibitor, which inhibits the formation of the spindle fibers ( see detailed description below colchicine). In contrast to colchicine demecolcine is about forty times less toxic to humans.

Medical importance

Due to the significantly lower toxicity for the same effect, it is used in cancer therapy. It is to killing by the inhibition of mitosis in cancer cells. Demecolcine should not be used during pregnancy. It is striking how well the colchicine under the prescription medications.

CAS registry number Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification System Dangerous Substances Directive (67/548/EEC)
196500
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