Introduction
A fungus called ergot can develop on cereals like rye and wheat. Ergot poisoning can cause various symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, convulsions, and psychosis. Some academics think ergot poisoning was a significant factor in several historical occurrences.
Ergot was once a common birth inducement drug used by midwives and physicians. Despite being far safer, many drugs nevertheless have hazards. It was frequently harmful to the parent or child. Even today, doctors regularly prescribe ergot-based medications to treat severe migraines and stop postpartum bleeding.
What Does Ergot Poisoning Mean?
When Claviceps purpurea and its metabolites are consumed by a person or an animal, it results in ergot poisoning. This fungus produces poisonous alkaloids while growing on cereals like rye and wheat. Ergotism and ergotoxicosis are other names for ergot poisoning.
Individual grain kernels are replaced by dark, rigid "ergots" when C. purpurea expands. During harvest, these ergots can infect healthy grains, contaminating any goods made with the grain, such as bread or animal feed. Ergot can cause blood vessel constriction by affecting the neurological, digestive, and cardiovascular systems. This may result in gangrene, a condition in which tissues degenerate from a lack of oxygen.
Compounds from ergot are found in some modern medications. Although they are substantially safer than the ergot that was once used as medicine, taking too much or for too long can still result in ergot poisoning.
What Are the Uses of Ergot?
The following are the uses of ergot:
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Minimizing bleeding during periods, during menopause, and in the aftermath of miscarriage
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After childbirth, it plays a vital role in removing the placenta.
Does Ergot Poisoning Still Present Among Humans?
Yes, ergot poisoning is still present in the world. Mycologist Louis Rene linked rye and ergotism in the 19th century. More significant outbreaks decreased due to public health groups stepping up their efforts to address ergot contamination. But breakouts still happen occasionally. They frequently occur, though not necessarily, in nations with less developed economies.
Ergot poisonings have occurred recently in:
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Pakistan in 1975.
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Africa in 1977.
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In the United States in 1996.
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Australia in 1987.
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Brazil in 1999.
Poisoning can also arise from using modern drugs that include substances derived from ergot.
What Is the History Associated With Ergot Poisoning?
There are several historical events associated with ergot:
1. St. Anthony's Fire: Rye was a staple diet for people in Europe during the Middle Ages, which is one of the principal grains that ergot might infect. The fungus may develop on harvested rye after cold, wet, or damp springs. The bread could be poisonous by summer. Ergot poisoning was given the name St. Anthony's Fire since no one knew what caused it; the monastic order made an effort to assist individuals who were ill with poisoning.
2. Dancing Plague: Multiple cases of the alleged "dancing plague" were reported in various regions of Europe between the 14th and 17th centuries. This caused people to dance uncontrollably or convulse, occasionally leading to damage or even death. It is unclear to experts what started the dancing plague. Older research implies that several variables, including ergot toxicity, may have been involved.
3. Salem Witch Trials: Around Salem, Massachusetts, teenage females started experiencing strange symptoms in 1692 after being ill:
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Skin conditions.
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Delusions.
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Seizures.
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Temporary blindness.
Ergotism is one of the hypotheses for the illness's origin. As a result of the local physician's "bewitchment" diagnosis, the town began searching for suspected witches in its midst. On the grounds of witchcraft, they imprisoned 150 residents of Salem and the nearby cities and executed 14 women and five men.
What Are the Symptoms of Ergot Poisoning?
The following are the symptoms of ergot poisoning:
Neurological Symptoms: These consist of:
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Dizziness.
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Headaches.
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Convulsions.
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Psychosis.
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Coma.
Convulsive ergotism, which results in these symptoms, is another name for ergot poisoning.
Gastrointestinal Symptoms: These include:
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Nausea.
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Vomiting.
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Cramping.
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Diarrhea.
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Abdominal pain.
Blood Vessel Symptoms: Long-lasting blood vessel constriction (vasospasm) is possible with ergot alkaloids. Large arteries, like those that provide blood to the kidneys, neck, retina, and heart, are susceptible to vasospasm. However, the legs and feet are affected by 60 to 70 percent. Vasospasm, which limits blood and oxygen delivery to the body's afflicted areas, may result in:
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Coolness.
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Paleness.
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Muscular aches during exercise turn into muscle aches during rest.
A lack of oxygen can cause tissues to die and become gangrenous. Rarely, people may also experience thrombosis, a blood clot-related blockage in a blood vessel.
Is Ergot Considered a Medicine?
Ergot has historically been used as a medication despite its toxicity. Ergots were first used during human deliveries after it was discovered that pregnant pigs who consumed them went into early labor. When a woman's struggle stalled, they would provide complete ergots in a tiny amount over a short period.
In the 1800s, doctors started using ergot to hasten labor even when there was minimal risk of problems, which led to its increased usage in childbirth. There were more stillbirths as a result of this. Specific ergot alkaloids were identified and made into medications in the 20th century. Ergot alkaloids like ergotamine and ergometrine are still used by doctors today.
Ergotamine was also used to treat migraine headaches. It causes the blood vessels' smooth muscle to contract when stimulated. As a result, they tighten, which reduces the dilatation of the head's arteries.
It was also employed as a medication to narrow blood arteries. Doctors utilize modest, precise doses to stop bleeding after delivery, a leading cause of death globally. Ergot-based medicines may be used to treat dementia and Parkinson's disease, according to research.
What Is the Treatment Given for Ergot Poisoning?
The technique of diagnosing ergot poisoning may differ from case to case because it can manifest in various ways. For instance, a doctor might undertake the following tests if a patient receiving ergot-based drug experiences cold or pale legs and feet:
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A medical checkup.
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An X-ray scan.
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Blood tests.
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Angiography (a medical imaging technique that uses X-rays to visualize the blood vessels in the body).
An abrupt constriction of the arteries during angiography may signify ergot intoxication. The drug must be stopped, along with coffee and tobacco, as part of the treatment. These drugs tighten the blood vessels even further. Symptoms may take several months to fade away after using an ergot-based medication for a long time.
Antiplatelet therapy is an additional form of treatment. Antiplatelet medications prevent clotting and lower the risk of clots because platelets, the blood's building blocks, help normal coagulation. Surgery can be required to remove dead tissue if symptoms worsen to gangrene and pain at rest.
Serotonin, a chemical found in the brain, is elevated by ergot. Serotonin levels in the brain can also be raised by Meperidine. Ergot combined with Meperidine may result in excess serotonin in the brain and dangerous adverse effects such as anxiety, cardiac issues, and shivering.
Conclusion
Ergot intoxication can have significant effects on brain function due to its ability to alter the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain. The most prominent features of ergot intoxication on brain function include hallucinations, seizures, and changes in mood and behavior. Additionally, the long-term effects of ergot poisoning can lead to a condition called ergotism, which can cause vascular and neurological symptoms. Although ergot poisoning is rare, it is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of the condition in order to provide appropriate treatment and prevent serious complications.
