Optimization and comparison of different extraction techniques for colchicine from the seeds of Gloriosa superba L.

Gloriosa superba L., an important medicinal and horticultural crop, well-recognized for the commercial source of colchicine which is present in its seeds and tubers mainly. In the present study, in order to recover the key constituent, i.e., colchicine from the seeds of G. superba, examination and comparison of five major extraction methods was done by using HPLC. The methods studied include conventional as well as modern methods. Optimization of extraction parameters like extracting solvent, extraction duration was performed for each method initially and then best condition in each was compared. Results revealed significant variation among the screened methods for colchicine content. Colchicine (%) recorded in different methods as Soxhlet, reflux, cold, SAE and MAE was 0.71%, 0.71%, 0.67%, 0.67% and 0.68%, respectively. Reflux method was found to be most attractive capable of gaining maximum total extract (18.35%) and colchicine (0.71%) with extraction duration one hour and using biosolvent, ethyl alcohol. It was noticed that using Soxhlet method, results are statistically same as in reflux but with methanol solvent (total extract (12.69%) and colchicine (0.71%)). So, we can opt either reflux or Soxhlet method of extraction depending upon our objective for extraction. The study would be useful to fulfill the increasing demand of colchicine and to evaluate germplasm with minimum resources.