Autumn Crocus

Colchicum autumnale

Other Names : Colchicum, Colchicum autumnale, Colchicum speciosum, Colchicum vernum, Colchique, Colchique d'Automne, Cólquico, Crocus, Dame Sans Chemise, Fall Crocus, Faux-Safran, Meadow Saffran, Meadow Saffron, Mysteria, Naked Ladies, naked lady, Safran Bâtard, Safran des Prés, Tue-Chien, Tue-Loup, Upstart, Vellorita, Wonder Bulb.
Colchicum autumnale, commonly known as autumn crocus or meadow saffron, is a flower which resembles the true crocuses, but flowers in autumn. The seed, bulb, and flower are used to make medicine.

Special Precautions of Autumn Crocus

• Autumn crocus is UNSAFE. It is considered a poison, 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 bulbs were mistaken for onions 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.
• 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.

The benefits of Autumn Crocus are

• Despite serious safety concerns, autumn crocus is used for arthritis , gout , and an inherited disease called familial Mediterranean fever. The seeds of autumn crocus contain colchicine. This is the same active ingredient used in a prescription medication for gout and Mediterranean fever. Colchicine works by reducing the chemicals that cause joint swelling (inflammation) in people with these diseases.
• In traditional Chinese medicine, extracts from it have been used to treat numerous diseases, including diabetes, malaria, and Hodgkin's disease.
• Familial Mediterranean fever, an inherited disease.
• The substances vinblastine and vincristine extracted from the plant are used in the treatment of leukemia.