Autumn crocus
Scientific names: Colchicum autumnale, Colchicum speciosum, Colchicum vernum
Family: Colchicaceae
Alternate names: Colchicum, Colchique, Colchique d'Automne, Cólquico, Crocus, Dame Sans Chemise, Fall Crocus, Faux-Safran, Gowri Gedde, Meadow Saffran, Meadow Saffron, Mysteria, Naked Ladies, Naked Lady, Safran Bâtard, Safran des Prés, Son-Before-The-Father, Tue-Chien, Tue-Loup, Upstart, Vellorita, Wild Saffron, Wonder Bulb
Background
Autumn crocus is a plant. The seed, bulb, leaves, and flower are used to make medicine. But all parts of the plant are considered toxic.
Despite serious safety concerns, autumn crocus is used for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), gout, and an inherited fever disorder called familial Mediterranean fever.
Despite serious safety concerns, autumn crocus is used for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), gout, and an inherited fever disorder called familial Mediterranean fever.
Safety Safety definitions
When taken by mouth: Autumn crocus is UNSAFE. It is poisonous, and can cause burning of the mouth and throat, vomiting, diarrhea, liver and kidney problems, blood disorders, nerve problems, shock, organ failure, and death. There have been reports of poisoning when autumn crocus was mistaken for onions, wild garlic, or wild leeks and eaten.
If you have gout or familial Mediterranean fever, it is much safer to use colchicine prescribed by your healthcare provider. Prescription colchicine contains a set amount of medicine. The amount of colchicine in autumn crocus can vary from plant to plant.
If you have gout or familial Mediterranean fever, it is much safer to use colchicine prescribed by your healthcare provider. Prescription colchicine contains a set amount of medicine. The amount of colchicine in autumn crocus can vary from plant to plant.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: It's UNSAFE for anyone to use autumn crocus, but pregnant women have extra reasons to avoid use. Autumn crocus might cause birth defects.Effectiveness
NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.
Insufficient evidence Effectiveness definitions
- An inherited fever disorder (familial Mediterranean fever).
- Gout.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA).
- Other conditions.
Dosing & administration
The appropriate dose of autumn crocus depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for autumn crocus. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
Interactions with pharmaceuticals
Colchicine
Interaction Rating=Major Do not take this combination.
Autumn crocus contains colchicine. Taking autumn crocus along with colchicine will increase the side effects of colchicine.
Interactions with herbs & supplements
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
Interactions with foods
There are no known interactions with foods.
Action
All parts of autumn crocus contain colchicine. This is the same active ingredient used in a prescription medication for gout and familial Mediterranean fever. Colchicine works by stopping cells in the body from dividing and growing.
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This monograph was last reviewed on 07/12/2023 11:00:00 and last updated on 21/12/2012 19:46:12. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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Natural Medicines rates safety based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Likely Safe, Possibly Safe, Possibly Unsafe, Likely Unsafe, Unsafe, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate. For more information about Natural Medicines’ Safety Rating System, click here.
The Natural Medicines Effectiveness Ratings are assigned for specific indications. A product might be rated "Possibly Effective" for one condition, but be rated "Likely Ineffective" for another condition, depending on the evidence. For more info click here.
