Evidence supporting the use of: Autumn Crocus
For the health condition: Gout

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4

Autumn Crocus (Colchicum autumnale) is used to treat gout, and this use is supported by scientific evidence. The active compound, colchicine, was first isolated from Autumn Crocus in the 19th century and has been used in Western medicine for gout since then. Colchicine acts by inhibiting microtubule polymerization, disrupting the migration of neutrophils to sites of inflammation, which decreases the inflammatory response associated with uric acid crystal deposition in joints—a hallmark of gout attacks. Multiple clinical trials and long-standing clinical practice have established colchicine as an effective treatment for acute gout flares, and it is recommended in international guidelines (e.g., American College of Rheumatology, EULAR). However, colchicine has a narrow therapeutic window and significant toxicity at higher doses, so it must be used with care. While much of the modern evidence is based on purified colchicine rather than crude Autumn Crocus extracts, the historical use of the plant itself for gout dates back to ancient Greece and was described by Dioscorides and others. Overall, the scientific consensus strongly supports the use of colchicine—derived from Autumn Crocus—for managing acute gout, though its use for chronic gout prevention is less prominent. The evidence rating is 4/5 due to robust clinical data and established pharmacological mechanisms, with some limitations due to potential toxicity and the necessity for careful dosing.

More about Autumn Crocus
More about Gout

Other health conditions supported by Autumn Crocus

Arthritis
Gout
Inflammation
Rheumatoid Arthritis

Products containing Autumn Crocus

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.