Sarah Brown
Ergot is a fungus that grows on cereal grains such as rye, wheat, barley, and oats, producing toxic alkaloids. It has been associated with mass poisonings throughout history due to contaminated grain. Ergot infection causes a reduction in the yield and quality of grain and hay, and if ingested by livestock, it may cause ergotism in them as well. Ergotism, also known as St. Anthony's Fire, is characterized by muscle spasms, fever, hallucinations, and gangrene, among other symptoms. The ergot fungus contains several poisonous and psychoactive alkaloids, including lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD).
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Ergot is a group of fungi of the genus Claviceps. |
| Species | Claviceps includes about 50 known species, including C. purpurea, C. fusiformis, C. paspali, C. africana, and C. lutea. |
| Common Name | Ergot sclerotium |
| Appearance | Hard black fungal sclerotia bodies, although some tropical ergots have brown or greyish sclerotia. |
| Habitat | Grows on rye and related plants, including grasses such as wheat, barley, and oats. |
| Effects | Produces alkaloids that can cause ergotism (poisoning) in humans and other mammals who consume contaminated grains. |
| Symptoms of Ergotism | Muscle spasms, fever, hallucinations, dazed appearance, inability to speak, mania, paralysis, tremors, convulsions, vomiting, gangrene, vision problems, confusion, unconsciousness, and in severe cases, death. |
| Treatment | Stomach washing with tannic acid and magnesium sulfate, amyl nitrate inhalation, sodium nicotinate IV, and withdrawal of ergot-contaminated substances. |
| Uses | Used in medications to treat severe migraines and prevent bleeding after birth, although there are safety concerns due to its toxicity. |
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What You'll Learn
- Ergot is a fungus that grows on rye and other grasses
- Ergot poisoning causes symptoms like muscle spasms, hallucinations, and gangrene
- Ergotism, or St. Anthony's Fire, was common during the Middle Ages
- Ergot contains alkaloids, including lysergic acid (LSD), which is highly poisonous and psychoactive
- Ergot has been used in medicine to reduce bleeding and treat migraines
Ergot is a fungus that grows on rye and other grasses
Ergot has a long and fascinating history, with records of its poisonous effects dating back centuries. Ergot poisoning, or ergotism, has been linked to several notable historical events, including the Salem witch trials of 1692 and the so-called "dancing plague" in Europe during the 14th to 17th centuries. During the Middle Ages, ergotism was common and was known as St. Anthony's Fire, named after the order of monks who tried to treat victims of the disease.
The symptoms of ergot poisoning can vary but often include convulsions, muscle spasms, vomiting, hallucinations, and gangrene. The gangrenous effects of ergot poisoning are caused by the constriction of blood vessels, leading to reduced oxygen supply and tissue death in the affected areas. Ergot alkaloids, such as ergotamine and lysergic acid (LSD), are the toxic compounds produced by the fungus that cause these harmful effects in humans and animals.
Ergot continues to be a concern in modern times, particularly in agriculture and livestock feeding. It can infect crops of small grains and grasses, reducing yield and quality. When contaminated grain is consumed by livestock or humans, it can lead to ergotism and severe health issues. To prevent ergot poisoning, it is crucial to carefully inspect crops and feed sources for the presence of ergot bodies and remove any contaminated materials.
While ergot has a dark history, it has also found medicinal uses. Certain chemicals derived from ergot can help reduce bleeding by causing vasoconstriction. However, the use of ergot as a medicine is generally unsafe, with a high risk of poisoning and potential fatal outcomes. Modern drugs containing ergot compounds are safer but still carry risks, especially if taken in excess or for extended periods.
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Ergot poisoning causes symptoms like muscle spasms, hallucinations, and gangrene
Ergot is a fungus that grows on cereal grains such as rye, wheat, barley, and oats. It has been known to devastate crops and societies for many centuries. Ergot poisoning, or ergotism, occurs when a person or animal consumes Claviceps purpurea, the scientific name for ergot, and its byproducts. Ergotism can be divided into two types: the first is characterised by muscle spasms, fever, hallucinations, and the victim may appear dazed, be unable to speak, become manic, or have other forms of paralysis or tremors; the second type is gangrenous ergotism, which causes severe vasoconstriction, leading to gangrene and convulsions.
The early symptoms of ergot poisoning include nausea, vomiting, muscle pain and weakness, numbness, itching, and rapid or slow heartbeat. If left untreated, ergot poisoning can progress to gangrene, vision problems, confusion, spasms, convulsions, unconsciousness, and even death. The gangrenous form of ergotism was historically known as "holy fire" or "St. Anthony's fire", named after the monks of the Order of St. Anthony, who dedicated themselves to treating this ailment.
Throughout history, at least 83 outbreaks of ergotism have been documented, particularly in Europe. One notable incident occurred in 944 AD in France, where ergot poisoning led to widespread hallucinations, gangrene, and convulsions. Ergotism was also associated with the Salem witch trials in 1692, where historians believe that some of the women in Salem may have exhibited symptoms of ergot poisoning, such as hallucinations and convulsions, which led to accusations of witchcraft.
Today, ergot poisoning is rare due to careful screening of cereal grains. However, it still occurs occasionally, often in countries with lower economic development. Ergot contains the same chemicals as ergot derivatives in prescription medications, and taking too much or for too long can lead to ergot poisoning.
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Ergotism, or St. Anthony's Fire, was common during the Middle Ages
Ergotism, or St. Anthony's Fire, was a common occurrence during the Middle Ages. Ergot is a fungus that grows on cereal grains such as rye, wheat, barley, and oats. It produces alkaloids that can cause ergotism in humans and other mammals who consume contaminated grains. The most common host for the fungus is rye, but it can also infect other grasses.
During the Middle Ages, people in Europe relied heavily on rye as a staple food. After cold or wet winters or damp springs, the ergot fungus could grow on rye from the previous harvest, contaminating the grain. By summer, the bread made from this grain could be toxic. As the cause of the disease was unknown at the time, it was named St. Anthony's Fire after the Hospital Brothers of St. Anthony, an order of monks established in 1095 who specialised in treating victims of ergotism.
The symptoms of ergotism include muscle spasms, fever, hallucinations, dizziness, convulsions, vomiting, and gangrene in the limbs. Victims often lost parts of their limbs due to blood vessel constriction associated with gangrenous ergotism. The disease could be fatal. The monks treated victims with balms containing tranquilizing and circulation-stimulating plant extracts.
Ergotism reached epidemic proportions during the Middle Ages, with several outbreaks of the so-called "dancing plague" in parts of Europe. This caused people to uncontrollably dance or convulse for days, sometimes resulting in injury or death. Experts believe that ergot poisoning may have been a factor in these outbreaks.
Today, ergotism is rare due to careful screening of cereal grains. However, outbreaks still occasionally occur, particularly in countries with lower economic development. Ergot poisoning can still be a problem in areas where rye, barley, and other susceptible small grains and grasses are grown.
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Ergot contains alkaloids, including lysergic acid (LSD), which is highly poisonous and psychoactive
Ergot is a fungus that grows on rye and other grasses, such as wheat, barley, and oats. It is a member of the genus Claviceps, with the most common species being Claviceps purpurea, also known as "rye ergot fungus". This fungus produces alkaloids that can cause ergotism in humans and other mammals who consume contaminated grains. Ergot alkaloids have a wide range of biological activities, including effects on circulation and neurotransmission.
The poisonous and psychoactive effects of ergot have had significant impacts on historical events. For example, ergotism, or "St. Anthony's Fire", was a common disease during the Middle Ages, characterised by muscle spasms, fever, hallucinations, and other distorted perceptions. Some historians believe that ergot poisoning may have played a role in the Salem witch trials of 1692, as the symptoms of ergotism could have been mistaken for bewitchment or possession.
Today, ergot is still used in medicine, particularly in the treatment of severe migraines and to prevent bleeding after birth. However, it is important to note that ergot is unsafe when taken by mouth due to the high risk of poisoning, and it can even be fatal. Early symptoms of ergot poisoning include nausea, vomiting, muscle pain, weakness, numbness, itching, and rapid or slow heartbeat. Prolonged constriction of blood vessels can lead to gangrene and tissue death due to oxygen deprivation.
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Ergot has been used in medicine to reduce bleeding and treat migraines
Ergot is a fungus that grows on rye and other grasses such as wheat. It has been used in medicine despite serious safety concerns and a high risk of poisoning if ingested. Ergot contains chemicals that can help reduce bleeding by causing a narrowing of the blood vessels. It has been used to reduce bleeding during menstruation, menopause, miscarriage, and in connection with childbirth, such as to expel the placenta and treat postpartum haemorrhaging. However, there is a lack of scientific evidence and concerns about effectiveness in supporting these uses. Ergot derivatives can increase the effects and side effects of prescription medications containing ergot.
Ergot alkaloids, including ergotamine and dihydroergotamine, are among the oldest headache treatments, having been developed in the 1920s and prescribed since the 1940s. They are used to treat severe, throbbing headaches like migraines and cluster headaches. Ergotamine comes in various forms, including a nasal spray, a suppository, a pill, and a sublingual type of pill that dissolves under the tongue. Dihydroergotamine is administered via injection or nasal spray. These ergot alkaloids work by narrowing the blood vessels in the brain to relieve headaches. However, they can also cause serious side effects, such as blood vessel constriction, which can lead to decreased blood circulation and severe side effects in other parts of the body. Due to these side effects, ergot alkaloids are usually reserved for patients whose headaches are not relieved by other pain relievers, such as aspirin or ibuprofen.
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Frequently asked questions
Ergot is a group of fungi of the genus Claviceps. The most prominent member of this group is Claviceps purpurea, also known as the "rye ergot fungus".
Ergot poisoning, also known as ergotism, can cause a wide range of symptoms, including muscle spasms, fever, hallucinations, vomiting, convulsions, psychosis, and gangrene. In severe cases, ergot poisoning can lead to death.
Treatments for ergot poisoning include symptom-based approaches such as washing the stomach with tannic acid and magnesium sulfate, amyl nitrate inhalation, and sodium nicotinate IV. Withholding ergot and withdrawing ergot-contaminated substances are also crucial in treating ergotism.
