Abstract

The methanol extract of the corms of the Colchicum luteum Baker (Liliaceae) and its subsequent solvent fractions were screened for brine shrimp cytotoxic, phytotoxic, insecticidal activities and phytochemical studies. Profound cytotoxicity was displayed by the crude methanolic extract (LD₅₀ 42.43 μg/ml). However, the cytotoxic potential was not much altered by the fractionation. The plant also expressed low phytotoxicity against Lemna acquinoctialis Welv and the highest phytotoxicity was exhibited by the ethyl acetate fraction (33%) at 1000 μg/ml. Interestingly, negative phytotoxic effect was also computed; aqueous fraction expressed maximum phytotoxic effect (13.79%) at 10 μg/ml. Overall poor insecticidal activity was observed in which the n-butanol fraction exhibited the highest activity againstCallosdruchus analis (40%) followed by the chloroform fraction (35%). Results revealed significant cytotoxicity of the extracts and therefore, can be a potential new natural source for the treatment of different types of cancers. Phytochemical studies showed the presence of various pharmacological groups especially alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids and saponins.  

Key words:  Colchicum luteum, cytotoxicity, phytotoxicity, insecticidal.