Botanical Overview
Colchicum autumnale, commonly known as Autumn crocus, Meadow saffron, or Naked lady, belongs to the family Colchicaceae. It is native to Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia. The primary medicinal part used is the corm. This plant is notably recognized for its potent alkaloids used mainly in Western herbal and medical traditions.
Energetics
Colchicum autumnale is considered energetically neutral in temperature and drying in moisture. It possesses bitter and acrid tastes, contributing to its strong pharmacological effects. It has a relaxing tonicity but no well-defined directionality or specific qi/blood/fluid affinity.
Primary Actions
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antigout
- Alkaloid toxin with pharmacological effects
Indications
Western
- Joint pain
- Gout attacks
- Inflammation
Syndromes
- Gout
- Acute gouty arthritis
- Familial Mediterranean fever
TCM
No traditional indications documented.
Ayurveda
No traditional indications documented.
Unani
No traditional indications documented.
Constituents & Mechanisms
The key phytochemicals include the highly bioactive alkaloids colchicine and demecolcine. These compounds disrupt microtubule polymerization, explaining the anti-inflammatory and antigout actions, but also account for the plant’s high toxicity.
Dosage & Preparations
- Colchicine tablets 0.5 mg oral formulation standardized
- Medical preparations only under prescription; not used as herbal self-medication
Safety & Contraindications
The plant is extremely toxic if misused, with a narrow therapeutic window. It is contraindicated in pregnancy and lactation due to teratogenicity and toxicity. Adverse effects include severe gastrointestinal distress, bone marrow suppression, and potential multi-organ failure in overdose situations. Clinical use requires strict medical supervision. Interactions with CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein inhibitors may increase toxicity risk.
Astrological Correspondences
No well-established planetary or elemental rulers identified in credible sources.
Selected References
- European Medicines Agency (EMA) Assessment Report on Colchicum autumnale
- World Health Organization Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants
- PubMed: “Colchicine: a review of its pharmacology and clinical uses” by Leung et al.
- Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects, 2nd edition