ergot

Ergot refers to the sclerotial stage of several species of the fungus Claviceps, most notably Claviceps purpurea, a pathogen of cereal crops such as rye. Infected plants develop hard, blackish structures called ergot bodies or sclerotia in place of the grain. These sclerotia contain a group of alkaloids known as ergot alkaloids. Ergot contamination has historically affected harvests and, when ingested, can cause serious poisoning.

Ergot alkaloids include ergometrine (ergonovine), ergotamine, and dihydroergotamine, as well as lysergic acid derivatives such as lysergic acid amide (LSA). They act on receptors in vascular smooth muscle and the central nervous system, causing vasoconstriction and, at higher doses, perceptual and autonomic effects. The lysergic acid scaffold also gave rise to LSD, first synthesized from ergot alkaloids in 1938.

Medical uses and safety: Ergot alkaloids have long been used to induce or augment labor and to reduce postpartum hemorrhage (ergometrine, methylergometrine). They have also been employed, with varying success, to treat migraines (ergotamine and dihydroergotamine). Due to risks of severe vasospasm, hallucinations, and gangrene, their use is carefully controlled today and often replaced by safer alternatives. Historically, ingestion of contaminated grain caused ergotism, known as St. Anthony’s Fire, with convulsive and gangrenous forms. Prevention and regulation remain important in agriculture and food safety.