What Is Ergot? Other Names: Claviceps Purpurea, Cockspur Rye, Cornezuelo

What is Ergot?

This post was written with Consensus AI Academic Search Engine – please read our Disclaimer at the end of this article. Ergot refers to a group of fungi from the genus Claviceps that primarily infects cereal grains and grasses, such as rye, wheat, and tall fescue. These fungi produce a range of compounds known as ergot alkaloids, which have significant biological effects on both animals and humans. Historically, ergot has been associated with ergotism, a condition resulting from consuming grains contaminated with ergot alkaloids, leading to severe health issues. Other names include: Claviceps purpurea, Cockspur Rye, Cornezuelo, Ergot de Seigle, Hornseed, Mai Jiao, Mother of Rye, Secale Cornutum, Smut Rye, Spurred Rye.

Ergot Alkaloids and Their Effects

Ergot alkaloids are the primary active compounds produced by ergot fungi. These alkaloids can cause vasoconstriction, which is the narrowing of blood vessels, leading to reduced blood flow. This effect is particularly noted in livestock, such as cattle and sheep, where ergot alkaloids can impair growth and reproductive functions by reducing blood flow to critical organs1 3. In cattle, for instance, ergot alkaloids from endophyte-infected tall fescue have been shown to decrease blood flow to the reproductive organs, potentially affecting ovarian function and pregnancy rates1.

Impact on Livestock

The consumption of ergot alkaloids can lead to a condition known as fescue toxicosis in cattle, which is characterized by impaired growth and reproduction. This condition is economically significant, causing approximately $1 billion in annual losses in the United States alone1. In sheep, both chronic and acute exposure to ergot alkaloids can lead to severe arterial vasoconstriction and gangrene, primarily through the activation of adrenergic and serotonergic receptors on vascular smooth muscles3.

Ergot and Serotonin

Ergot alkaloids also interact with serotonin (5-HT) receptors, affecting serotonin metabolism. Studies have shown that the consumption of ergot alkaloids can lead to a decrease in circulating serotonin levels in cattle, although the exact mechanisms and implications of this interaction are still being explored2. This interaction with serotonin receptors may contribute to the physiological responses observed in animals exposed to ergot alkaloids.

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Uses of Ergot

Medical Uses

Migraine Treatment: Ergot derivatives, such as dihydroergotamine (DHE), have been used for over 50 years in treating migraines. DHE nasal spray has shown efficacy in reducing migraine symptoms, although the placebo effect is also significant2.

Agricultural and Physiological Effects

Serotonin Modulation in Livestock: Ergot alkaloids can affect serotonin (5-HT) levels in animals. In bovine studies, consumption of ergot alkaloids led to a decrease in serum serotonin levels, although it did not affect other serotonin metabolites significantly1.

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Adverse Effects of Ergot

Vasoconstriction and Circulatory Issues: Ergot alkaloids cause severe arterial vasoconstriction, which can lead to reduced blood flow to extremities and reproductive organs, potentially resulting in gangrene and impaired reproductive function in cattle and sheep1 3 4. This vasoconstriction is mediated through adrenergic and serotonergic receptors3.

Reproductive Impairments: In cattle, ergot exposure can reduce blood flow to reproductive organs, affecting ovarian function and pregnancy rates1. In bulls, ergot feeding can decrease plasma prolactin concentrations, subtly affecting sperm characteristics6.

Growth and Performance Reduction: Ergot alkaloids negatively impact growth and performance in livestock, such as reduced feed intake, weight gain, and overall body condition in cattle and piglets2 5 9. In feedlot cattle, increased dietary ergot concentrations can lead to hyperthermia and reduced growth performance9.

Liver and Metabolic Effects: In piglets, ergot alkaloids can adversely affect liver function, as indicated by altered 13C-methacetin breath test results2. Additionally, ergot consumption decreases circulating serotonin levels in cattle, which may affect various physiological processes8.

Immune and Stress Responses: Chronic exposure to ergot alkaloids can alter cytokine profiles, affecting the immune response in cattle10. Ergot exposure also increases pulmonary arterial pressure and affects water and feed intake, especially under heat stress conditions5.

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How has Ergot Improved Patient Outcomes?

Cognitive and Intellectual Improvements

Hydergine has been found to significantly enhance cognitive and intellectual capacities in geriatric patients. Improvements were noted in symptoms such as confusion, depression, uncooperativeness, fatigue, anorexia, and dizziness, leading to increased mental alertness and initiative1 3.

In a study involving psychological and psychopathological tests, Hydergine showed significant improvements in affectivity, psychomotor activity, and overall behavioral and psychological ratings compared to placebo4.

Physical and Mood Enhancements

Patients treated with Hydergine reported better mood and physical health, with notable relief from symptoms like depression and dizziness1 3.

The drug was associated with positive changes in electroencephalographic (EEG) patterns, indicating potential neurological benefits4.

Safety and Tolerability

Across studies, Hydergine was well-tolerated with no significant adverse effects reported, making it a safe option for long-term use in elderly patients3 4.

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Ergot Mechanisms of Action

Vasoconstriction: Ergot alkaloids induce vasoconstriction by activating adrenergic and serotonergic receptors on vascular smooth muscles. This leads to reduced blood flow, particularly affecting the extremities and reproductive organs in animals like cattle and sheep1 2 4.

Receptor Interaction: The alkaloids interact with α1-adrenergic receptors, enhancing vascular sensitivity to adrenergic agonists like phenylephrine. This interaction can be mitigated by antagonists such as terazosin, which can reverse the vasoconstrictive effects2.

Serotonin Modulation: Ergot alkaloids also affect serotonin (5-HT) metabolism. They decrease circulating serotonin levels, which can influence various physiological processes, although the exact impact on serotonin metabolites remains unclear5.

Effects on Animals

Reproductive Impact: In cattle, ergot alkaloids reduce blood flow to reproductive organs, potentially impairing reproductive function and reducing pregnancy rates1 4.

Prolactin Levels: In bulls, prolonged exposure to ergot alkaloids significantly decreases plasma prolactin concentrations, although the effects on semen parameters are subtle3.

Gangrene Risk: In sheep, the vasoconstrictive action can lead to severe conditions like gangrene, especially with chronic exposure2.

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Common Complaints Associated with Ergot Use

Vascular Effects: Ergot alkaloids are known to cause severe arterial vasoconstriction, which can lead to gangrene. This is due to the activation of adrenergic and serotonergic receptors on vascular smooth muscles, as observed in studies involving livestock2.

Migraine-like Symptoms: In clinical trials involving ergot alkaloids for migraine treatment, common adverse events include symptoms typically associated with migraines, such as nausea, phonophobia (sensitivity to sound), and photophobia (sensitivity to light)1.

Chest Pressure: Similar to other migraine medications like triptans, ergot use can result in chest pressure, which is a common complaint among users1.

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Disclaimer

The content presented in this blog is generated by Consensus, an AI-powered academic search engine, and is based on publicly available scientific literature. While every effort is made to provide accurate, up-to-date, and well-researched information, the content is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding medical conditions, treatments, or medications. The AI system’s analysis may not cover all perspectives, emerging research, or individual cases, and it is not a substitute for professional expertise. Neither the blog publisher nor the developers of the AI-powered search engine are responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided in this content. Use of this information is at your own risk. Citations to the original scientific studies are included for reference, but these studies should be reviewed in full and interpreted with the guidance of a healthcare or research professional.

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