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.
Is It Effective?
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.
- An inherited fever disorder (familial Mediterranean fever).
- Gout.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA).
- Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of autumn crocus for these uses.
Is it Safe?
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.
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.
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.
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.
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
There are no known interactions with foods.
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.
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