ABSTRACT
Toxic Principle and Mechanism of Action Like the Colchicum species, Gloriosa superba contains up to 0.36% of colchicine in its tubers.1 This alkaloid blocks cell mitosis causing multiple organ failure (See Colchicum). Consumption of the tuber by humans in Sri Lanka was the cause of 8 suicidal deaths, and Gloriosa superba was the most common cause of plant induced poisoning.2,3 In parts of east and southern Africa, it is well recognized as toxic to both humans and animals.4
