ergot

(noun)

any fungus in the genus Claviceps which are parasitic on grasses

Related Terms

Examples of ergot in the following topics:

  • Fungi as Plant, Animal, and Human Pathogens

    • For example, the fungus Claviceps purpurea causes ergot, a disease of cereal crops (especially of rye).
    • Although the fungus reduces the yield of cereals, the effects of the ergot's alkaloid toxins on humans and animals are of much greater significance.
    • In animals, the disease is referred to as ergotism.
    • The active ingredient of ergot is lysergic acid, which is a precursor of the drug LSD.

  • Importance of Fungi in Human Life

    • Valuable drugs isolated from fungi include the immunosuppressant drug cyclosporine (which reduces the risk of rejection after organ transplant), the precursors of steroid hormones, and ergot alkaloids used to stop bleeding.