Colchicum luteum Baker

Arabic Name : Qalb al-’ard, Sooranjaan, Haafir al-muhr, Assabi’ Hurmas
English Name : Colchicum, Autumn Crocus, Meadow Saffron, Naked Lady
French Name : Colchique
German Name : Gelbe Zeitlose, Gelbe Herbstzeitlose
Hindi Name : Hiran Tutiya, Suranjan
Latin name : Colchicum luteum Baker
Persian Name : Suranjan
Sanskrit Name : Hiranyatutha
Urdu Name : Suranjan Shirin, Suranjan Talkh

Description : There are two varieties of Colchicum. One is the sweet variety (Metha) and the other is bitter (Kadwa). Both varieties are analgesic, antirheumatic, astringent, cathartic and emetic. They are used to relieve the pain and inflammation of acute gout, arthritis and rheumatism. The bitter variety is poisonous and applied externally to reduce pain and swelling. The sweet variety is also useful in sexual debility.

Recommended Dosage : Sweet Variety : 2 to 3 g powder; Bitter Variety : For external use only.

Contraindication : The bitter variety is not to be ingested under any circumstances as it may cause death. Avoid the use of sweet variety in patients taking colchicine. Caution is also warranted in patients on cyclosporine, gemfibrozil, macrolide antibiotics, and St. John’s Wort. Care must be observed with old and weakend patients, as well as with those who suffer from heart, kidney or gastrointestinal conditions.The sweet variety is also contraindicated during pregnancy.