Synonym(s)
DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.
Autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale) is a widespread, perennial herbaceous plant native to central and southern Europe that belongs to the colchicaceae family. It grows to a height of 8 to 30 cm. The narrow, lanceolate leaves appear together with the inflorescence in early summer and are up to 40 centimetres long. Autumn crocus produces pale pink to purple flowers from September to October.
As a poisonous plant, the autumn crocus regularly leads to cases of poisoning. The autumn crocus was poisonous plant of the year 201o. Extracts of the autumn crocus are used medicinally: it is one of the oldest rheumatism remedies, there are references to it in the Papyrus Ebers, around 1550 BC, by the ancient Egyptians for joint diseases and gout, and in ancient Greece as a laxative.
Colchicum autumnale L. is the parent plant of Colchici semen, Colchici tuber and Colchici flos, the autumn crocus flowers.
ESCOP mon ograph: no processing
HMPC monograph: no processing
Commission E-monograph: positive evaluation for auten gouty attack; Familial Mediterranean fever.
General informationThis section has been translated automatically.
Indication gout - according to the S2 e guideline gouty arthritis
Mechanism of action: inhibition of the formation of the microtubule apparatus with prevention of the migration and phagocytosis activity of neutrophil granulocytes and macrophages, which phagocytose the precipitated urate crystals and induce inflammation.
Indication: Rheumatism: anti-inflammatory effect
Indication: constipation: inhibition of the regeneration of the cells of the intestinal mucosa with a laxative effect - strict indication! cave poisoning! maximum dose 6 mg !
Indication stent implantation: low-dose colchicine treatment can prevent restenosis!
Prophylaxis and therapy of familial Mediterranean fever
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Ingredient(s)This section has been translated automatically.
Alkaloids, Tropolonal alkaloids: Colchicine, Flavonoids
LiteratureThis section has been translated automatically.
- Melzig MF (2021) Autumn crocus, Cholchicum autumnale L. Z.Phytother. 2: 111611-
- Kaiser H (2008) From the plant to chemistry- The early history of rheumatic drugs. Z Rheumatol 67:252-262
- Kiltz U et al (2016) Long version of the S2e guideline gouty arthritis (specialist) Evidence-based guideline of the German Society of Rheumatology (DGRh0); https://www.awmf.org/uploads/tx_szleitlinien/060-005l_S2e_Gichtarthritis_2016-08-verlaengert.pdf
Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer
Prof. Dr. med. Martina Bacharach-Buhles