An examination of ergots role in human events

Presented by: Amy Wyman, Alana Callfas, Arran Vitale, Reese Semanco

 1. We intend to discuss what ergot is and how it is

grown and how it is spread. 2. What are the effects of ergotism? 3. St. Anthonys Fire; cases of gangrenous ergotism. 4. Could ergot poisoning been the cause of the Salem Witch Trials? 5. Uses of Ergot in Medicine. 6. LSD

Domain-Eukarya Kingdom-Fungi Phylum-Ascomycota Class-Sordariomycetes Order-Hypocreales Family-Clavicipitaceae Genus-Claviceps Species-Claviceps purpurea Ergot is a disease of the ovum of a grain. It is commonly associated with Rye however, it can also infect wheat, barley and other grasses.

Being of the Phylum- Ascomycota this particular fungus is a mushroom meaning it fruits and releases spores when the conditions are right to infect a nearby grass flower. Once a spore infects the blooming flower of the grass plant. The hyphae then infect the reproductive organs of that particular seed. It would not infect the whole plant. It built up around itself a nectar like coating around it full of condida aka spore packs, enticing insects to carry their spore to surrounding plants.

Ergot infecting Wheat.

Fluorescent micrograph showing wheat stigmas infected with the ergot fungus (claviceps). http://www.telegraph. co.uk/science/picturegalleries/8343477/Well come-Image-Awards2011.html?image=17 Picture: Anna Gordon, Fernan Federici & Jim Haseloff / Wellcome Images

The Sclerotium is the build up of honeydew, which is another name for the sugar like secretion that the fungus excretes to help spread its spore. Now this is the part of the life cycle of C. purpurea that we are most interested in in regard to history. It is at this stage that it becomes toxic to humans. For the C. purpurea however, this toxic coating is a way to reproduce as well as protect itself through the winter until the conditions are once again right for reproduction. Then it produces tiny mushrooms that release spore in the spring.

Gangrenous

Convulsive

You can get one or both of the above symptoms. Gangrenous is the most common. Gangrenous Ergotism constricts the blood vessels in the extremities leading to gangrene and the loss of limbs. Convulsive Ergotism displays with convulsions and hallucinations.

 Ergotism is contracted through consumption of the

sclerotium. It is harvested with the grain and ground into flour. When ground it is not noticeable in in the finished flour and is frequently baked into bread for consumption. Today technology allows for better sorting of grains so we have less chance of contracting ergotism in our food. Ergot is still a problem in cattle that get it from grasses and grains in its feed.