History of ergot alkaloids from ergotism to ergometrine

Bioactive cyclobutane-containing alkaloids

“…These alkaloids are isolated from the dried sclerotium of the fungus C. purpurea (Hypocreaceae) [229,230]. This fungus is a parasite on rye and wheat and other grains.…”

Ergot Alkaloids

“…The therapeutic potential of these mycotoxins was already recognized in the Middle Ages: Claviceps sclerotia were used by midwives in support of childbirth or to induce abortion (see citations of medieval texts in [ 9 ]). The prevention of excessive bleeding during childbirth, one of the major reasons for maternal mortalities, has been a major application of ergot alkaloids in the last 100 years [ 10 ].…”

Ergot of rye—the first specific for migraine

“…18 As well as ergot alkaloids they contain substances with pharmacological activity such as tyramine, acetylcholine and histamine (in fact, the existence of histamine was first discovered from studies on the ergot of rye 19 ). The different alkaloids in ergot vary in absolute and in relative amount from one ergot strain to another, and also vary with the season of year and the region where the rye grows.…”