VARIOUS LINKS
2. General overviews/summaries of ergot and ergotism
3. History
4. Derivatives
5. Agriculture and Veterinary interests
6. Medical uses
 

   Ergot is a harmful fungus that grows on the heads of cereals and grasses.  Ergot or (Claviceps purpurea) is most commonly found on rye.  Ergot is interesting because it is both the cause of a horrible disease, and a medical treatment.  This topic is relevant to Historians, chemists, veterinarians, medical researchers, doctors, and farmers.

    The disease that is caused by ingestion of the ergot fungus is called ergotism. Both animals and humans may become infected.  In the middle ages great outbreaks of ergotism or "Saint Anthony's Fire" were all to common.  The physical and psychological symptoms of this disease are bizarre.  The skin feels like it is burning, the extremities twitch violently and uncontrollably.  There is extreme cramping, vomiting, possible abortions and diarrhea. In exteme cases limbs become gangrenous and the flesh literally  falls  from the body. Whole limbs may amputate themselves. Severity of symptoms depends on how much was consumed a
 nd how quickly the victim receives treatment. The hallucinogen LSD is found in ergot which causes much bizarre behavior.  Ergotism is now thought to be a possible explanation for werewolves, the Salem "witches", vampires, and dancing mania.  Today in the U.S. modern grain production practices closely monitor for ergot outbreaks.

    Ergot has long been known and used by some Europeans as an abortion inducer and menstrual pain eliminator.  Albert Hoffmann, a Chemist discovered LSD by studying the properties of ergot. Today ergot derivatives are used as an effective treatment for migraine headaches.  Derivatives are being studied as a treatment for aids patients.  The psychological properties of ergot are being carefully studied and considered as a possible treatment for mental disorders.  It's amazing how much this little fungus has in many cases, altered the course of history. We are only beginning to discover the positive things it may have to offer.
 
 
 
 

 

 
Ergot-Life cycle, Disease, uses in medicine, LSD connection
http://www.pearson-college.uwc.ca/pearson/fungi/ergot.htm

 
Dr. Bruces topic of the week
http://www3.sk.sympatico.ca/brucda/981221.htm
Short but sweet.

Stories of the symptoms-http://www.dimensional.com/~randl/ergot.htm

Who was Saint Anthony?-http://www.connectotel.com/rennes/jan17.html

Alberta-agriculture, food and rural development
http://www.agric.gov.ab.ca/pests/diseases/63010120.html
Has clear pictures of infected grain-
 
Purdue Veterinary Education- implications for animals
http://www.vet.purdue.edu/depts/addl/toxic/plant14.htm
 
 

 

Cluster Headache web site-
http://www.clusterheadaches.com/about.html#Ergotamine1