ERGOT, or Spurred Rye, the drug ergota or Secale cornutum (Ger. Mutterkorn; Fr. seigle ergote), consisting of the sclerotium (or hard resting condition) of a fungus, Claviceps purpurea, parasitic on the pistils of many members of the Grass family, ...
PLANT DESCRIPTION: Ergot (fig. 14) is a fungus parasite of the heads of grasses. In mid- to late-summer, entire grains are replaced by the black, hardened bodies of the fungus.
Ergot was in olden times written argot in French, and there is little doubt that this is the origin of our name, the old French signification being 'a cock's spur,' to which Ergot has a marked similarity of form.
a fungus known as "ergot" often infests the seed-heads of this species (Photo: Sheldon Navie)
Paspalum
Paspalum dilatatum
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There are four groups of alkaloids that are synthesized by Epichloë: indole diterpenes, lolines, peramine, and the ergot alkaloids (Fleetwood et al. 2007).
The seeds of virtually all other grasses are also considered edible, if they are not infected by the ergot fungus. A notable exception is rye grass (Lolium), which is used as a sedative and vasodilator. It is considered poisonous in excess (Lust).
Alcaloides derivados del ácido lisérgico, de dos tipos: - hidrosolubles: ergometrina o ergobasina, ergometrinina o ergobasinina. - no hidrosolubles: grupo de la ergotamina (ergotamina, ergosina y sus isómeros), ...
The smut has also had other uses by native Americans, such as inducing labour, due to ustilagine which is similar in its properties to ergotamine obtained from ergots (Claviceps purpurea).
The bark has a stimulating effect on the endometrium and ovarian tissue, is useful in menorrhagia due to uterine fibroids, in leucorrhea and in internal bleeding, where ergot is indicated.
Grass Family, Unioted States, Germany, Ergot, Gramineae, Poland
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heterophyllus has shown that decoctions of the plant are as effective as ergotamine in causing the uterus to contract after delivery. Contact with the plant may cause dermatitis in susceptible individuals.
Care: This grass is tough anywhere, but it is invasive and needs curbing in the spring. Grow in well-drained soil. Cut down in autumn.
Propagation: Divide from mid-spring to early autumn.
Problems: Ergot, root rot, ...
 See also: Grass, May, Grasses, Green, Medic
  
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