Tag: Autumn crocus

Case reports indicate that ingesting even a single flower or bulb of the *Colchicum* plant, also known as meadow saffron or autumn crocus, can be fatal. The answer to "Is Colchicum toxic?" is a definitive yes, due to the high concentration of the alkaloid colchicine found in all parts of the plant.

Used for over 3,000 years, colchicine is one of the oldest drugs still in use today. It is derived from a beautiful yet highly poisonous plant, which is the answer to: what is the natural version of colchicine? Unlike the pharmaceutical form, this raw, herbal origin poses significant risks for anyone attempting to use it without medical supervision.

Dating back to 1550 B.C. in Egyptian medical texts, colchicine is a potent alkaloid used for pain and swelling [1.2.2]. This article answers, 'Which plant has colchicine in it?' and explores its pharmacology and toxicology.