> Supplement Index > Autumn Crocus / Colchicum autumnale / Fall crocus / Meadow saffron / Mysteria / Wonder bulb / Naked Ladies > Autumn Crocus General Information Autumn Crocus Uses & Scientific Evidence For Autumn Crocus Dosage Information Autumn Crocus Safety & Interaction Information - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Autumn Crocus General Information Autumn Crocus is a member of the Lily family, and even though it is sometimes called meadow saffron, it is not saffron, and should not be used in place of saffron in cooking. Due to its toxicity, Autumn Crocus can be fatal. The toxicity of this plant has been known since the times of ancient Greece when Greek slaves ate the plant to make themselves violently ill, or to commit suicide. During the 5th century, herbalists in the Byzantine Empire, discovered its usefulness in treating rheumatism and arthritis. Ancient Arabs used it to treat gout. The active ingredient in Autumn Crocus is colchicine, an alkaloid, with anticancer properties. The corm (stem) and seeds are analgesic, anti-rheumatic, cathartic, and emetic. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Autumn Crocus Uses & Scientific Evidence For Today the most significant use of Autumn Crocus is in the treatment of gout. It is also used in treating the symptoms of rheumatism and leukemia. Autumn Crocus has been used with moderate success in treating Bechet’s syndrome, a chronic disease with recurring ulcers and leukemia. The chemical alkaloid colchicine is being studied experimentally as a cancer treatment, as it prevents cell division, especially in the nervous system. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Autumn Crocus Dosage Information Due to the extremely toxic nature of Autumn Crocus, it is best to consult with your physician regarding the use of this plant for the treatment of your condition. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Autumn Crocus Safety & Interaction Information Autumn Crocus is highly poisonous and resembles arsenic poisoning. The symptoms include burning in the mouth and throat, diarrhea, stomach pain, vomiting, and kidney failure. Respiratory failure and death often follows. Less than two grams of the seeds can kill a child. Under no circumstances should pregnant or nursing women use Autumn Crocus. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - -