AUTUMN CROCUS Overview Information
Autumn crocus is a plant. The seed, bulb, and flower are used to make medicine.
Despite serious safety concerns, autumn crocus is used for arthritis, gout, and an inherited disease called familial Mediterranean fever.
How does it work?
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.
AUTUMN CROCUS Uses & Effectiveness 
Insufficient Evidence for:
- Arthritis.
- Gout.
- Familial Mediterranean fever, an inherited disease.
- Other conditions.
AUTUMN CROCUS Side Effects & Safety
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.
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.AUTUMN CROCUS Interactions
Moderate Interaction Be cautious with this combination
- Colchicine interacts with AUTUMN CROCUS
Autumn crocus contains colchicine. Taking autumn crocus along with colchicine might increase the effects and side effects of colchicine.
AUTUMN CROCUS Dosing
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.
