Autumn Crocus

Colchicum autumnale

Names:

Meadow Saffron

History:

Known to Early Greece, Autumn Crocus was not considered safe by any country except for Arabic Physicians, until the year 1718 when a researcher (Wedel) discoverd its highly poisonous qualities were good for treating gout. In 1763 this was confirmed by Storck. A native of Europe, Autumn Crocus has been used traditionally, since then, until modern times for the treatment of gout.

Constituents:

Several toxic alkaloids, the greatest pecentage of these being colchicine. Starch, sugar, gum,fat tannin

Uses:

Gout

an antimitotic agent in cancer research involving cell cultures.

Veterinary use for treatment of some cancer in animals.

diminishes lactic acid production by leukocytes

anti-rheumatic; relieves pain and inflamation of gout and rheumatoid arthritis.

Contra -Indications:

All parts of the Autumn Crocus are highly poisonous.Though a juice can be made of flower, leaves and tuber, so much caution is necessary as to the correct dose that the medicine should only be administered by a physician.

SMALL DOSE eg Colchicine Houde
Incorrect use may cause nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. Larger doses may cause profuse diarrhoea, skin rashes and renal damage, and dehydration and hypotension may follow. Also blood disorders such as leucopenia and neutropenia. Alopecia may occur after prolonged treatment.

LARGE DOSE eg:LENNON - COLCHICINE 0,5 mg

Bone marrow depression with agranulocytosis, thrombocytopenia and aplastic anaemia have occurred on prolonged treatment, as well as peripheral neuritis, myopathy, rashes and alopecia.

http://home.intekom.com/pharm/index/index_G_colchicine.shtml South African Electronic Package Inserts

Further Notes:

Colchicum is also used as an antimitotic agent in cancer research involving cell cultures.

Colchicine should be given with care to old and debilitated patients and to those with cardiac, hepatic, renal or gastro-intestinal disease.