Herb & supplement monograph

Autumn Crocus Drug Interactions, Uses, Safety & More

Medically reviewed by ·Updated July 2026
What is this page for?

First and foremost: how Autumn Crocus interacts with medications. The heart of this page is the interaction list — every drug Autumn Crocus is known to interact with, and how serious each one is.

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Autumn Crocus is, what people use it for and how strong the evidence is, its safety and side effects, and answers to the questions we’re asked most — written and reviewed by the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases, not medical advice, and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

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Autumn Crocus Drug Interactions: The Bottom Line

From the HelloPharmacist Editorial Team · Updated July 2026

Autumn Crocus drug interactions are few in number, but the ones that exist are serious, so the risk is high for anyone taking the affected medications. Every interaction on record is rated major, and the concern centers on the prescription drug colchicine.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The key concern is colchicine, the gout medication. Autumn Crocus is not just similar to this drug, the plant naturally contains colchicine itself. Taking both means doubling up on the same active compound, which raises the risk of colchicine side effects, and this combination should be avoided. Human evidence, though limited, supports this concern, so it deserves real caution rather than a wait-and-see approach.

What the rest of the list means

This is an unusual profile. Many supplements carry long lists of theoretical interactions that rarely matter in practice, but Autumn Crocus is the opposite: a very short list where the concern is direct and additive, because the plant supplies the same substance as the drug it interacts with. For people not taking colchicine, no other interactions are currently documented.

Check your medications against Autumn Crocus

Based on HelloPharmacist’s Autumn Crocus interaction data and reviewed under our editorial standards.

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Autumn Crocus

2 medications have a known interaction with Autumn Crocus, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

2 major interactions. These combinations can be clinically significant — best avoided, or used only with close professional supervision. Always check with your pharmacist before combining them with Autumn Crocus.

2,830 drugs
ColchicineColchicine, Colcrys, Colsalide Improved, Gloperba, Lodoco, Mitigare› Colchicine, ProbenecidColBenemid› "phentolamineOraVerse, Rogitine, Ryzumvi› 6-mercaptopurinePurinethol› Ado-trastuzumab EmtansineKadcyla› AbacavirZiagen› Abacavir Sulfate, Dolutegravir, LamivudineTriumeq› Abacavir, LamivudineEpzicom› AbaloparatideTymlos› AbametapirXeglyze› AbarelixPlenaxis› AbciximabReoPro› AbemaciclibVerzenio› Abiraterone› Abiraterone AcetateYonsa, Zytiga› AbrocitinibCibinqo› AcalabrutinibCalquence› AcamprosateCampral› AcarboseGlucobay, Prandase, Precose› AcebutololRhotral, Sectral› AcenocoumarolSintrom› AcepromazineAtravet› AcetaminophenChildren's Tylenol, Children's Tylenol Meltaways, Tylenol, Tylenol Ex Strength› Acetaminophen, AspirinGemnisyn› Acetaminophen, Aspirin, CaffeineExcedrin, Excedrin Extra Strength, Excedrin Migraine› Acetaminophen, Brompheniramine, PhenylpropanolamineDimetapp Cold and Flu› Acetaminophen, ButalbitalAxocet, Bancap, Bucet, Butex Forte, Esgic CF, Orbivan CF +5 more› Acetaminophen, Butalbital, CaffeineEsgic, Esgic Plus, Fiogesic, Fioricet, Repan, Tecnal +1 more› Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, CodeineEsgic with Codeine, Fioricet w/ Codeine› Acetaminophen, Butalbital, CodeineBancap w/ Codeine›
Read The List Like a Pharmacist

What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

  • Major. Clinically significant; generally best avoided, or used only under direct professional supervision.
  • Moderate. May need monitoring, a dose adjustment, or separating the times you take each one.
  • Minor. Generally not clinically significant, but still worth noting and mentioning to your pharmacist.
  • No known interaction. Checked against our sources with nothing documented — not the same as proven safety.

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

  • Likely. Well-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction
  • Probable. Interaction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
  • Possible. Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
  • Unlikely. Interaction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.

Where This Data Comes From

  • Interaction records are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database (TRC Healthcare), the same reference used by pharmacists and hospitals.
  • Each drug listed above links to the full report for that exact Autumn Crocus combination — clinical detail, likelihood, evidence level, and citations.
  • Content is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.
The big picture

The kinds of drugs Autumn Crocus affects

Every type of medication (drug category) Autumn Crocus is known to interact with. Open any category for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

All 1 drug category Autumn Crocus interacts with
Colchicine
Colchicine

Avoid concomitant use of autumn crocus with colchicine. Autumn crocus contains colchicine. Concomitant use will increase the adverse effects.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Monograph

Autumn Crocus: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by · Reviewed July 2026 ·
The bottom line

Autumn Crocus is a highly poisonous plant that contains colchicine, a compound that has real medical value but is dangerous in its raw form. You should never eat the plant or take homemade preparations from it. If you need colchicine for gout or familial Mediterranean fever, use the standardized, FDA-approved prescription product under a doctor's supervision.

Autumn Crocus
Scientific name
Colchicum autumnale
Family
Colchicaceae
Part used
Corm (bulb-like underground stem), seeds, and flowers
Common forms
Rarely used as a raw plant or crude extract; the purified active compound (colchicine) is available only as an FDA-approved prescription medicine
People commonly use it for
  • Gout
  • Familial Mediterranean fever
  • Joint pain and inflammation
  • Rheumatoid arthritis (traditional use)

Popular and traditional uses — not proof it works. See “Uses & effectiveness” below for the evidence.

Safety at a glance
OverallBest avoided

The raw plant is poisonous and can cause fatal colchicine poisoning.

PregnancyUnsafe

When used orally. Autumn crocus is a potential mutagen and is associated with significant and potentially fatal adverse effects; avoid using.

Read the full pregnancy detail
BreastfeedingUnsafe

When used orally. Autumn crocus is a potential mutagen and is associated with significant and potentially fatal adverse effects; avoid using.

Read the full breastfeeding detail

Pregnancy & breastfeeding ratings are from Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center). Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.

Jump to a section

Overview

Autumn Crocus (Colchicum autumnale) is a perennial plant native to Europe and North Africa. It grows from an underground bulb-like structure called a corm and produces pink or purple flowers in the fall, which is why it is sometimes called "meadow saffron" or "naked ladies."

The plant has been known for over 2,000 years as both a medicine and a poison. It contains a powerful compound called colchicine. While colchicine has genuine medical uses, the whole plant is extremely toxic and is not safe to eat or use as a homemade remedy.

Because the leaves and corm can look like wild garlic, wild leek, or onion, people have been accidentally poisoned by mistaking it for an edible plant. Today, colchicine is purified and sold only as a regulated prescription drug.

Uses & effectiveness

Historically, extracts of Autumn Crocus were used to treat gout and joint pain. The active compound, colchicine, is still used today for gout and for familial Mediterranean fever (a rare inherited inflammatory condition). However, these benefits come from the purified, dose-controlled prescription form of colchicine, not from the raw plant.

There is no good evidence that taking the Autumn Crocus plant itself, or any homemade extract, is safe or effective. The amount of colchicine in plant material varies and cannot be measured reliably, which makes accidental overdose and poisoning very likely.

In short: the medicine derived from this plant has proven uses, but the plant as a supplement or herb should not be used.

How it works

The main active compound in Autumn Crocus is colchicine. Colchicine works by interfering with a protein inside cells called tubulin. This blocks certain immune cells from moving to and causing inflammation at sites such as a gouty joint.

This same action on cell structures is what makes colchicine helpful in controlled medical doses but also what makes it so toxic in higher amounts. It can damage rapidly dividing cells throughout the body, including those in the gut, bone marrow, and nervous system.

Much of what we know about the plant's effects comes from poisoning cases and from research on the purified drug rather than the whole plant.

Safety & precautions

Autumn Crocus is poisonous. Eating any part of the plant can cause severe, potentially fatal colchicine poisoning. There is no safe home dose, and you should never use the raw plant, its corm, seeds, or flowers as a remedy.

Poisonings often happen by accident when the plant is mistaken for edible plants like wild garlic, ramps, or onions. Even handling the plant can sometimes cause skin irritation or numbness in the fingers.

Pregnant and breastfeeding people should avoid it completely. The plant is toxic and may harm a developing baby or pass into breast milk. Children, older adults, and people with kidney or liver problems are at especially high risk of harm.

If you need treatment for gout or familial Mediterranean fever, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the FDA-approved prescription form of colchicine, which is carefully dosed and monitored.

Side effects

Symptoms of colchicine poisoning from the plant can include severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain, often within hours of swallowing it.

Serious and potentially life-threatening effects include damage to the blood and bone marrow (such as agranulocytosis and aplastic anemia), kidney failure, breathing problems, nerve damage (peripheral neuritis), and shock. Severe poisoning can be fatal.

Topical contact with the plant may cause skin irritation or numbness, including numb fingers. If you suspect poisoning, contact your local poison control center or emergency services right away.

Autumn Crocus: Reported Adverse Effects

Documented safety reports on Autumn Crocus from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database, shown word-for-word from the licensed record.

Autumn crocus is generally regarded as unsafe for use. Any benefits of therapy may not outweigh the risk of toxicity. Autumn crocus contains colchicine and can cause acute poisoning. Accidental poisoning has occurred after oral ingestion when autumn crocus is mistaken for onions, wild garlic, or wild leeks. Long-term use of prescription colchicine is associated with agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia, and peripheral neuritis.

Topically, handling fresh slices of autumn crocus corms can cause finger numbness.

  1. Nagesh KR, Menezes RG, Rastogi P, et al. Suicidal plant poisoning with Colchicum autumnale. J Forensic Leg Med 2011;18(6):285-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jflm.2011.04.008.
  2. Boisramé-Helms J, Rahmani H, Stiel L, Tournoud C, Sauder P. Extracorporeal life support in the treatment of colchicine poisoning. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2015;53(8):827-9.
  3. The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
Reports by condition
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) Pulmonary/Respiratory

Predominant pulmonary symptoms of autumn crocus poisoning include tachypnea, respiratory distress or failure, and pleural effusions. Some patients require mechanical ventilation or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for life support.

  1. Nagesh KR, Menezes RG, Rastogi P, et al. Suicidal plant poisoning with Colchicum autumnale. J Forensic Leg Med 2011;18(6):285-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jflm.2011.04.008.
  2. Brncic N, Viskovic I, Peric R, et al. Accidental plant poisoning with Colchicum autumnale: report of two cases. Croat Med J 2001;42(6):673-5.
  3. Sundov Z, Nincevic Z, Definis-Gojanovic M, et al. Fatal colchicine poisoning by accidental ingestion of meadow saffron-case report. Forensic Sci Int 2005;149(2-3):253-6.
  4. Brvar, M., Kozelj, G., Mozina, M., and Bunc, M. Acute poisoning with autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale L.). Wien.Klin Wochenschr. 3-31-2004;116(5-6):205-208.
  5. Boisramé-Helms J, Rahmani H, Stiel L, Tournoud C, Sauder P. Extracorporeal life support in the treatment of colchicine poisoning. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2015;53(8):827-9.
Alopecia Dermatologic

Alopecia has been reported during the recovery phase from acute oral autumn crocus poisoning, about 7-21 days after oral ingestion.

  1. Brvar, M., Kozelj, G., Mozina, M., and Bunc, M. Acute poisoning with autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale L.). Wien.Klin Wochenschr. 3-31-2004;116(5-6):205-208.
  2. Nagesh KR, Menezes RG, Rastogi P, et al. Suicidal plant poisoning with Colchicum autumnale. J Forensic Leg Med 2011;18(6):285-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jflm.2011.04.008.
  3. Boisramé-Helms J, Rahmani H, Stiel L, Tournoud C, Sauder P. Extracorporeal life support in the treatment of colchicine poisoning. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2015;53(8):827-9.
Anemia Hematologic

Predominant hematologic symptoms of autumn crocus poisoning include pancytopenia, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia or leukocytosis, and coagulopathy. Long-term use of colchicine, a constituent of autumn crocus, is associated with aplastic anemia.

  1. Brvar, M., Kozelj, G., Mozina, M., and Bunc, M. Acute poisoning with autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale L.). Wien.Klin Wochenschr. 3-31-2004;116(5-6):205-208.
  2. Kritikos A, Spertini O. Reversible granulocyte abnormalities after accidental ingestion of Colchicum autumnale. Blood 2017;130(1):95. doi: 10.1182/blood-2017-02-766410.
  3. Brncic N, Viskovic I, Peric R, et al. Accidental plant poisoning with Colchicum autumnale: report of two cases. Croat Med J 2001;42(6):673-5.
  4. Sundov Z, Nincevic Z, Definis-Gojanovic M, et al. Fatal colchicine poisoning by accidental ingestion of meadow saffron-case report. Forensic Sci Int 2005;149(2-3):253-6.
  5. Boisramé-Helms J, Rahmani H, Stiel L, Tournoud C, Sauder P. Extracorporeal life support in the treatment of colchicine poisoning. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2015;53(8):827-9.
  6. The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
Arrhythmia Cardiovascular

Predominant cardiovascular symptoms of oral autumn crocus poisoning include tachycardia, hypotension, and reduced cardiac output. Arrhythmias can also occur, and cardiovascular collapse, refractory cardiogenic shock, or sudden asystole have been reported as causes of death within 30-72 hours after poisoning. Acute myocardial injury is associated with an elevated troponin 1 level, which can be used as a marker of severe toxicity.

  1. Nagesh KR, Menezes RG, Rastogi P, et al. Suicidal plant poisoning with Colchicum autumnale. J Forensic Leg Med 2011;18(6):285-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jflm.2011.04.008.
  2. Brncic N, Viskovic I, Peric R, et al. Accidental plant poisoning with Colchicum autumnale: report of two cases. Croat Med J 2001;42(6):673-5.
  3. Sundov Z, Nincevic Z, Definis-Gojanovic M, et al. Fatal colchicine poisoning by accidental ingestion of meadow saffron-case report. Forensic Sci Int 2005;149(2-3):253-6.
  4. Boisramé-Helms J, Rahmani H, Stiel L, Tournoud C, Sauder P. Extracorporeal life support in the treatment of colchicine poisoning. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2015;53(8):827-9.
  5. Razinger G, Kozelj G, Gorjup V, Grenc D, Brvar M. Accidental poisoning with autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale): a case series. Clin Toxicol (Phila). 2021 Jun;59(6):493-9.
  6. Brvar, M., Kozelj, G., Mozina, M., and Bunc, M. Acute poisoning with autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale L.). Wien.Klin Wochenschr. 3-31-2004;116(5-6):205-208.
Diarrhea Gastrointestinal

Gastrointestinal symptoms are often the first signs of autumn crocus poisoning and include burning of the mouth, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and ileus. These symptoms typically occur within 2-12 hours after oral ingestion, with early onset indicating a poorer prognosis. Pancreatitis has also been reported with severe autumn crocus poisoning. In fatal cases of poisoning, the gastrointestinal mucosa is inflamed and the intestinal villi are found to be shortened and blunted.

  1. Brvar, M., Kozelj, G., Mozina, M., and Bunc, M. Acute poisoning with autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale L.). Wien.Klin Wochenschr. 3-31-2004;116(5-6):205-208.
  2. Kritikos A, Spertini O. Reversible granulocyte abnormalities after accidental ingestion of Colchicum autumnale. Blood 2017;130(1):95. doi: 10.1182/blood-2017-02-766410.
  3. Nagesh KR, Menezes RG, Rastogi P, et al. Suicidal plant poisoning with Colchicum autumnale. J Forensic Leg Med 2011;18(6):285-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jflm.2011.04.008.
  4. Brncic N, Viskovic I, Peric R, et al. Accidental plant poisoning with Colchicum autumnale: report of two cases. Croat Med J 2001;42(6):673-5.
  5. Sundov Z, Nincevic Z, Definis-Gojanovic M, et al. Fatal colchicine poisoning by accidental ingestion of meadow saffron-case report. Forensic Sci Int 2005;149(2-3):253-6.
  6. Boisramé-Helms J, Rahmani H, Stiel L, Tournoud C, Sauder P. Extracorporeal life support in the treatment of colchicine poisoning. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2015;53(8):827-9.
  7. Razinger G, Kozelj G, Gorjup V, Grenc D, Brvar M. Accidental poisoning with autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale): a case series. Clin Toxicol (Phila). 2021 Jun;59(6):493-9.
Hypocalcemia Endocrine

Predominant endocrine symptoms of autumn crocus poisoning include metabolic acidosis, hyponatremia, hypocalcemia, and hypoglycemia.

  1. Nagesh KR, Menezes RG, Rastogi P, et al. Suicidal plant poisoning with Colchicum autumnale. J Forensic Leg Med 2011;18(6):285-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jflm.2011.04.008.
  2. Brncic N, Viskovic I, Peric R, et al. Accidental plant poisoning with Colchicum autumnale: report of two cases. Croat Med J 2001;42(6):673-5.
Muscle breakdown Musculoskeletal

Autumn crocus poisoning can cause rhabdomyolysis, with serum myoglobin and creatine kinase elevated to twice the upper limit of normal.

  1. Razinger G, Kozelj G, Gorjup V, Grenc D, Brvar M. Accidental poisoning with autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale): a case series. Clin Toxicol (Phila). 2021 Jun;59(6):493-9.
Neuropathic pain Neurologic/CNS

Predominant neurologic symptoms of autumn crocus poisoning include hemiparesis, encephalopathy, brain edema, coma, and death. Peripheral neuropathy has occurred as a long-term consequence of autumn crocus poisoning.

Topically, handling fresh slices of autumn crocus corms can cause finger numbness.

  1. Kritikos A, Spertini O. Reversible granulocyte abnormalities after accidental ingestion of Colchicum autumnale. Blood 2017;130(1):95. doi: 10.1182/blood-2017-02-766410.
  2. Nagesh KR, Menezes RG, Rastogi P, et al. Suicidal plant poisoning with Colchicum autumnale. J Forensic Leg Med 2011;18(6):285-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jflm.2011.04.008.
  3. Sundov Z, Nincevic Z, Definis-Gojanovic M, et al. Fatal colchicine poisoning by accidental ingestion of meadow saffron-case report. Forensic Sci Int 2005;149(2-3):253-6.
  4. Brvar, M., Kozelj, G., Mozina, M., and Bunc, M. Acute poisoning with autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale L.). Wien.Klin Wochenschr. 3-31-2004;116(5-6):205-208.
  5. Razinger G, Kozelj G, Gorjup V, Grenc D, Brvar M. Accidental poisoning with autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale): a case series. Clin Toxicol (Phila). 2021 Jun;59(6):493-9.
  6. The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
Poisoning Renal

Predominant renal symptoms of autumn crocus poisoning include acute renal failure and anuria, with elevated serum creatinine.

  1. Brvar, M., Kozelj, G., Mozina, M., and Bunc, M. Acute poisoning with autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale L.). Wien.Klin Wochenschr. 3-31-2004;116(5-6):205-208.
  2. Kritikos A, Spertini O. Reversible granulocyte abnormalities after accidental ingestion of Colchicum autumnale. Blood 2017;130(1):95. doi: 10.1182/blood-2017-02-766410.
  3. Brncic N, Viskovic I, Peric R, et al. Accidental plant poisoning with Colchicum autumnale: report of two cases. Croat Med J 2001;42(6):673-5.
  4. Razinger G, Kozelj G, Gorjup V, Grenc D, Brvar M. Accidental poisoning with autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale): a case series. Clin Toxicol (Phila). 2021 Jun;59(6):493-9.
Poisoning Hepatic

Predominant hepatic symptoms of autumn crocus poisoning include elevated liver function tests (LFTs) and liver failure with necrosis.

  1. Brvar, M., Kozelj, G., Mozina, M., and Bunc, M. Acute poisoning with autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale L.). Wien.Klin Wochenschr. 3-31-2004;116(5-6):205-208.
  2. Kritikos A, Spertini O. Reversible granulocyte abnormalities after accidental ingestion of Colchicum autumnale. Blood 2017;130(1):95. doi: 10.1182/blood-2017-02-766410.
  3. Nagesh KR, Menezes RG, Rastogi P, et al. Suicidal plant poisoning with Colchicum autumnale. J Forensic Leg Med 2011;18(6):285-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jflm.2011.04.008.
  4. Brncic N, Viskovic I, Peric R, et al. Accidental plant poisoning with Colchicum autumnale: report of two cases. Croat Med J 2001;42(6):673-5.
  5. Sundov Z, Nincevic Z, Definis-Gojanovic M, et al. Fatal colchicine poisoning by accidental ingestion of meadow saffron-case report. Forensic Sci Int 2005;149(2-3):253-6.
DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

Adverse-effects data: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

Dosing

There is no safe established dose of the Autumn Crocus plant as a supplement, and it should not be taken in any homemade form. The colchicine content of the plant cannot be reliably measured, so even small amounts can cause serious harm.

The only appropriate way to use colchicine is through an FDA-approved prescription product, which has a precise, controlled dose set by your healthcare provider. Always follow the prescription label and check with your pharmacist or doctor before use.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Autumn Crocus & Pregnancy

Unsafe

When used orally. Autumn crocus is a potential mutagen and is associated with significant and potentially fatal adverse effects; avoid using.

Autumn Crocus & Breastfeeding

Unsafe

When used orally. Autumn crocus is a potential mutagen and is associated with significant and potentially fatal adverse effects; avoid using.

DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

© 2026 Therapeutic Research Center

Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

References & further reading

The 9 references that drive our Autumn Crocus monograph and interaction data, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Citations with a link open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

  1. Blumenthal M, ed. The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Trans. S. Klein. Boston, MA: American Botanical Council, 1998.
  2. The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
  3. Brvar, M., Kozelj, G., Mozina, M., and Bunc, M. Acute poisoning with autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale L.). Wien.Klin Wochenschr. 3-31-2004;116(5-6):205-208. PubMed
  4. Kritikos A, Spertini O. Reversible granulocyte abnormalities after accidental ingestion of Colchicum autumnale. Blood 2017;130(1):95. doi: 10.1182/blood-2017-02-766410. PubMed
  5. Nagesh KR, Menezes RG, Rastogi P, et al. Suicidal plant poisoning with Colchicum autumnale. J Forensic Leg Med 2011;18(6):285-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jflm.2011.04.008. PubMed
  6. Brncic N, Viskovic I, Peric R, et al. Accidental plant poisoning with Colchicum autumnale: report of two cases. Croat Med J 2001;42(6):673-5.
  7. Sundov Z, Nincevic Z, Definis-Gojanovic M, et al. Fatal colchicine poisoning by accidental ingestion of meadow saffron-case report. Forensic Sci Int 2005;149(2-3):253-6. PubMed
  8. Boisramé-Helms J, Rahmani H, Stiel L, Tournoud C, Sauder P. Extracorporeal life support in the treatment of colchicine poisoning. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2015;53(8):827-9.
  9. Razinger G, Kozelj G, Gorjup V, Grenc D, Brvar M. Accidental poisoning with autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale): a case series. Clin Toxicol (Phila). 2021 Jun;59(6):493-9.
Keep reading

This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

Brand directory

Brands that make products with Autumn Crocus

1 brand in our database make a supplement containing Autumn Crocus.

Product directory

Supplement products with Autumn Crocus

1 product in our database contain Autumn Crocus. Open any to see its full ingredient list and every drug interaction we check.

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Autumn Crocus: Common Questions

Does Autumn Crocus interact with prescription medications?
Yes. We list 2 medications with a known interaction with Autumn Crocus, including 2 rated major. Use the checker above to see how Autumn Crocus interacts with a specific drug.
How are Autumn Crocus interactions rated?
Each interaction is graded major, moderate, or minor based on how clinically significant it is and the strength of the evidence behind it. Major interactions are the most serious and are best avoided, or used only under close professional supervision.
Is it safe to take Autumn Crocus with my medications?
It depends on the specific medication. Some combinations are fine, while others call for monitoring, timing changes, or should be avoided. Check your exact drug above and confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing anything.
Where does this Autumn Crocus interaction information come from?
Our interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database — an evidence-graded reference for vitamins, herbs, and supplements — and is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists, who may add clinical context.
Is Autumn Crocus safe to take as an herbal supplement?
No. The plant is highly poisonous and can cause life-threatening colchicine poisoning. You should never eat it or use homemade preparations from it.
What is Autumn Crocus used for?
It is the natural source of colchicine, a compound used to treat gout and familial Mediterranean fever. But these benefits come from the purified prescription drug, not the raw plant.
Why is Autumn Crocus so dangerous?
It contains colchicine, which is toxic in uncontrolled amounts and can damage the gut, bone marrow, kidneys, and nerves. The plant is also easily mistaken for wild garlic or onions, leading to accidental poisonings.
Can I use Autumn Crocus while pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. The plant is toxic and should be avoided completely during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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