Autumn crocus
What is the autumn crocus?
Autumn crocus is a plant whose seeds, bulb and flowers are used to make medicine. Despite serious safety concerns, autumn crocus is used to treat arthritis, gout and the hereditary disease familial Mediterranean fever.
How does autumn crocus work?
The seeds of the autumn crocus contain colchicine. This is the same active ingredient found in a prescription medication for gout and Mediterranean fever. Colchicine works by reducing the amount of chemicals that cause swollen, inflamed joints in people affected by these diseases.
How effective is colchicine?
There is not enough scientific data to assess the effectiveness of autumn crocus for arthritis, gout and familial Mediterranean fever. More scientific research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of autumn crocus in treating these diseases.
Safety and side effects
Autumn crocus is not safe or harmless. It is considered poisonous and can cause a burning sensation in the mouth and throat, vomiting, diarrhea, liver and kidney problems, blood disorders, nerve problems, shock, organ failure and death. There are reports of poisoning where the bulbs of the autumn crocus have been mistaken for onions and eaten. If you suffer from gout or a family history of Mediterranean fever, it is much safer to have colchicine prescribed by a doctor. Prescription colchicine contains a precisely defined amount of this active ingredient, whereas the colchicine content of autumn crocus can vary from plant to plant.
Precautions and warnings
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Autumn crocus is not safe for anyone to use, but pregnant women have an additional reason to avoid products made from autumn crocus, as autumn crocus can cause deformities in unborn children.
Interactions
Care should be taken when combining products made from autumn crocus with the following medications:
Colchicine
Autumn crocus contains colchicine. Taking products made from autumn crocus in combination with colchicine could increase the effects and side effects of colchicine.
Dosage
An appropriate dosage of autumn crocus depends on various factors such as age, state of health and others. At the present time, there is insufficient scientific data to make a statement about appropriate dosage ranges for products made from autumn crocus. For this reason, you should follow the dosage instructions on the label and/or consult a doctor or pharmacist before use.