ergot

Introduction

Parasitic stage of the fungus Claviceps purpurea, a pathogen of rye. Ergot transforms the rye seed into fungal pseudotissue containing medicinal alkaloids.

The L-isomers of these alkaloids are used in:

• induction of uterine contractions
• control of hemorrhage
• treatment of migraine headache

More general terms

• pharmaceutical herb; medicinal herb; herbal supplement