Ergot Alkaloids
Ergot alkaloids are mycotoxins produced by several species of fungi in the genus Claviceps.
Ergot is a fungus Claviceps purpurea which grows on rye, millet and some other grains & produces alkaloids (Ergot Alkaloids ).
Ergot contains a host of pharmacologically active substances-alkaloids, LSD, histamine, ACh, tyramine and other amines, sterols, etc.
Ergot alkaloids are classified as follows :
1. Natural : These are tetracyclic indole containing compounds which may be considered as derivatives of lysergic acid.
E.g.
- Ergometrine
- Ergotamine
- Ergotoxine
2. Semisynthetic
E.g.
- Dihydroergotamine (DHE)
- Dihydroergotoxine/ Codergocrine Bromocriptane (2-Bromo–ergocryptine)
- Methysergide
