Yes
Warnings. In large portions the poison present in saffron can negatively affect a body's central nervous system and kidneys. The plant's bulbs can be fatal to young children, and when consumed in excess, the stigmas act as a narcotic. Saffron is a uterine stimulant and should not be consumed by pregnant women. There are two types of Crocus plants: one that blooms in the spring (Crocus species) and the other in the autumn (Colchicum autumnale). Depending on geographic location, the spring plants are often more commonly found. Spring crocus plants are part of the Iridaceae family. The Autumn Crocus, also known as Meadow Saffron or Naked Lady, is highly toxic and can cause severe gastrointestinal signs (e.g., drooling, vomiting, gastrointestinal bleeding, bloody diarrhea, etc.), liver and kidney damage, respiratory failure, central nervous system signs (e.g., seizures), and even death. Autumn Crocus (Colchicum autumnale), also known as Naked-ladies and Meadow Saffron, however it should be noted that it is not a crocus or a saffron, and should not be used for cooking as a replacement to saffron because all parts of this plant are poisonous. To avoid saffron poisoning or toxicity, do not take therapeutic doses of saffron in excess of 5 g daily, the website Drugs.com advises. Usually, saffron poisoning symptoms arise after you take more than 5 g in a single dose. Saffron is lethal if taken as a 20 g dose. The variety of crocus plants that blooms in the spring is a member of the Iridaceae family. Spring crocuses can cause gastrointestinal upset in your pet, typically vomiting and diarrhea. The crocus that blooms in autumn is known as the Meadow Saffron, and this plant is highly poisonous to companion animals. There are two types of Crocus plants: one that blooms in the spring (Crocus species) and the other in the autumn (Colchicum autumnale). Depending on geographic location, the spring plants are often more commonly found. Spring crocus plants are part of the Iridaceae family. Saffron contains a poison that acts on the central nervous system and damages the kidneys. Large doses can have severe effects; 10-12 grams is a fatal dose for humans. The high cost of saffron and the availability of synthetic substitutes make its use as a medicine rare. Use only the anthers; corms are poisonous. Some parts of the saffron plant, commonly known as the autumn crocus, are toxic. Saffron stigmas are traditionally used as spice and dye; yet the plant's corms are poisonous and are never used for medicinal or culinary purposes.
http://www.ehow.com/facts_7149614_saffron-toxic_.html http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/poison/crocus/ http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/poison/crocus/ http://www.brickfieldspark.org/data/crocus.htm http://www.livestrong.com/article/416846-saffron-poisoning/ http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2010/04/28/spring-plants-that-can-be-lethal-to-your-pet.aspx http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/poison/autumn-crocus/ http://medicinalherbinfo.org/herbs/Saffron.html http://www.ehow.com/facts_7149614_saffron-toxic_.html
is saffron poisonous