Updated Review on Extraction, Isolation and Quantitative Estimation of Ergot Alkaloids

Abstract

Ergot Alkaloids are potent α-blockers that cause direct smooth muscle contraction. They are products of fungi in the genus Claviceps. The most prominent member of this group is Claviceps purpurea (rye ergot fungus). Their common sources include Rye, bread as well as other grains. These are nitrogen derived-natural substances which are grouped under indole alkaloids. These ergot alkaloids are a diverse category of secondary metabolites that have been classified into 3 groups as Clavines, Amides of lysergic acid, Ergopeptines and Lactum ergot alkaloids based on their bond arrangement. They contaminate a large variety of cereals such as rye triticale, wheat and barley. In this present review, basic information regarding the ergots along with their chemistry, extraction, purification and isolation procedures for ergot alkaloids were focused, that helps to produce a purified crude extract that is taken for chromatographic analysis. This review also provides detailed informations on the chromatographic approaches for the ergot alkaloids estimations such as TLC, HPLC, HPTLC, UPLC /UHPLC, LCMS, GCMS with different detection techniques like Mass spectrometry and Fluorescence detection which was done in the past decade and also provides information regarding the pharmacological activity of ergot alkaloids like its application in the treatment of severe, throbbing headaches such as migraine, cluster headaches and also other therapeutic applications.