what is ergot

Ergot is a fungus that grows on rye and related plants, and produces alkaloids that can cause ergotism in humans and other mammals who consume grains contaminated with its fruiting structure (called ergot sclerotium) . Ergot extract has been used in pharmaceutical preparations, including ergot alkaloids in products such as Cafergot (containing caffeine and ergotamine or ergoline) to treat migraine headaches, and ergometrine, used to induce uterine contractions and to control bleeding after childbirth. However, despite its medicinal uses, ergot can be highly toxic and cause serious side effects such as dizziness, convulsions, and psychosis. Ergotism, a severe reaction to ergot-contaminated food, was common during the Middle Ages and was known as St. Anthonys fire. The ergot fungus contains a number of highly poisonous and psychoactive alkaloids, including lysergic acid (LSD), which was synthesized from the ergot fungus in 1938 by chemist, Albert Hoffmann.