FolkKB

Colchicum

Colchicum

Colchicum is a genus of plants that includes several species such as Colchicum autumnale and Colchicum bivonae. Traditionally, there are no recorded uses for these plants in any specific medical traditions. Scientific evidence indicates that optimizing growth conditions can enhance colchicine content, which is the active compound in Colchicum autumnale. Studies also suggest that certain hydraulic conditions can improve upstream passage of fish species like Chondrostoma colchicum and Squalius cappadocicus. Additionally, extracts from Colchicum autumnale and Rosa canina have shown variable antioxidant, antibacterial, and antibiofilm activities, though the effectiveness is highly dependent on the extraction method used. A case report describes moderate renal and liver impairment following accidental ingestion of Colchicum autumnale, which resolved with intensive care; no major safety issues or drug interactions are widely reported for this plant.

At a glance
Best evidence
D
Cautions
—

Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.

What the science says

  • The 4 h stand-by/15 min immersion regime optimized growth and colchicine content in both Colchicum autumnale and Colchicum bivonae. D PMID
  • The study found that an orifice-only hydraulic condition combined with bottom brush blocks provided the most inclusive solution for upstream passage of both Chondrostoma colchicum and Squalius cappadocicus, especially smaller size classes. D PMID
  • The study found that Colchicum autumnale and Rosa canina extracts showed variable antioxidant, antibacterial, and antibiofilm activities, with extraction strategy being a key determinant of bioactivity. D PMID
  • The study reports a case of moderate renal and liver impairment from accidental Colchicum autumnale ingestion, treated with intensive care therapies, leading to successful recovery. D PMID
  • This study found that a herbal combination including Colchicum autumnale, Withania somnifera, and Pistacia lentiscus showed modest improvements in knee osteoarthritis symptoms compared to placebo. D PMID
  • This study found no colchicine or its biosynthetic precursors in five lily species tested, refuting the long-standing misconception. D PMID
  • Over a decade, 57 cases of colchicine poisoning in UK children were reported, with fatalities occurring at doses between 0.21 and 1.45 mg/kg. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is Colchicum?

Colchicum (Colchicum) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.

What does the scientific evidence say about Colchicum?

7 sourced findings are recorded for Colchicum; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: The 4 h stand-by/15 min immersion regime optimized growth and colchicine content in both Colchicum autumnale and Colchicum bivonae.

How strong is the evidence for Colchicum?

The strongest finding for Colchicum carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).

Is Colchicum safe? What are the side effects?

No major safety issues are recorded for Colchicum in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.

Does Colchicum interact with medications?

No drug interactions are recorded for Colchicum in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.

What are the common names of Colchicum?

Colchicum is also known as: Безвременник, colchique.

Is Colchicum a proven treatment?

No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.

Sources

  1. T2 The effect of a multi-herbal product, C. autumnale, W. somnifera, and P. lentiscus, on knee osteoarthritis: a triple-blind randomized clinical trial. literature abstract metadata
  2. T2 Paediatric colchicine poisoning in the UK: a 10-year retrospective case series from the National Poisons Information Service. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 LC-MS-Based Screening for Colchicine and Characterization of Major Bitter Constituents in Lily. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 Successful Management of Accidental Colchicine Intoxication After Ingestion of Colchicum autumnale: A Case Report. literature abstract metadata
  5. T2 Evaluation of Plant-Guided Strategies Against Clinical Multidrug-Resistant Pathogens: Preliminary Phytochemical Screening, Antioxidant Capacity, and Antibacterial/Antibiofilm Activity of Rosa canina and Colchicum autumnale Extracts. literature abstract metadata
  6. T2 Assessing Upstream Passage of Two Potamodromous Leuciscids in an Experimental Retrofitted Pool-Weir Fishway Physical Model. literature abstract metadata
  7. T2 Immersion Frequency Optimisation and Species-Specific Metabolic Profiles of Colchicum autumnale and Colchicum bivonae in Temporary Immersion Systems. literature abstract metadata

More Colchicum plants