Examples of ergot in the following topics:
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- Ergot poisoning is caused by ingestion of the alkaloids produced by the ergot fungi.
- Ergot poisoning is a type of illness associated with the ingestion of alkaloids produced by the fungi Claviceps purpurea (C. purpurea).
- The life cycle of C. purpurea begins when an ergot kernel, called a sclerotium, infects the host.
- The first stage of ergot infection is a white soft tissue, called Sphacelia segetum, that drops out of the host.
- More recently, ergot poisoning has been associated with an increased intake of ergot-based drugs.
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- There are various types of mycotoxins including, but not limited to, aflatoxins, ochratoxins, citrinin, and ergot alkaloids.
- Ergot Alkaloids are specific compounds that are produced as toxic alkaloids in Claviceps, a group of fungi associated with grasses, rye, and related plants.
- The disease caused by ingestion of this fungi is called ergotism.
- Additionally, ergotism can present as hallucinations and convulsions as ergot alkaloids target the central nervous system.
- Due to the vascular system effects of ergot alkaloids, they have been used for medicinal purposes.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- An outbreak of ergotism had also occurred just before the Council of Clermont.