Colchicum Autumnale Cures

Colchicum autumnale, also known as autumn crocus, is a flower that comes out in autumn. It is suspected to have medicinal properties, but is also a deadly poison in the same vein as arsenic. It has been listed by Botanic Gardens Conservation International as one of 400 medicinal plants in danger of extinction.

Gout

• The use of colchicum autumnale as a treatment for gout dates to the early 1800s and was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 1939. Colchicene is derived from the seeds of the colchicum autumnale and is most often used as an anti-inflammatory drug and either taken in large quantities in a short time to treat a current gout attack or in low doses over a long period as a preventative measure.

  Gout is a form of arthritis that includes severe and intense sudden pain and redness in the joints. It is caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals around the joints, which causes the pain and redness. You increase the chances of getting a case of the gout by eating organ meats, anchovies, herring and mushrooms.

Other Cures and Risks

• Since colchicene is an anti-inflammatory drug, it can be used as a treatment for other diseases as well. Other conditions that can be treated by colchicene include: amyloidosis is a condition where proteins deposit on the organs; Behçet's syndrome, where various organs and the nervous system can become swollen; sarcoid arthritis and cirrhosis of the liver.

  Colchicene is not tolerable by everyone and its root plant, the colchicum autumnale, is poisonous and can be deadly. People taking large doses of colchicene can develop vomiting, diarrhea and nausea. It can also the stoppage of sperm production, hair loss, bone marrow depression with aplastic anemia, peripheral neuritis and myopathy.