Chapter 12 - Ergot alkaloids from Claviceps: Production and pharmacological properties

Abstract

Ergot alkaloids are bioactive indole derivatives produced by a broad range of fungi. They are divided into three groups: ergopeptines, clavines, and lysergic acid. Claviceps purpurea has a wide host range and infects approximately 400 plant species. They can have a major impact on the central nervous system of mammals due to their structural similarities to neurotransmitters. In medieval history, there were two prominent types of symptoms: first was convulsive ergotism, which caused spasms, paranoia, and hallucinations while the second was gangrenous ergotism, which caused impaired peripheral sensibility, oedema, and limb loss. Clavicipitaceous endophytes can grow endobiotically or epibiotically. Ergot sclerotium contains up to 2% alkaloids and 30%–40% fatty acids and develops on the affected flowers. Meiotic ascospores form inside the perithecia and are discharged into the environment to initiate new infections. Ergot alkaloids have several therapeutical properties and are used to cure migraines and manage blood pressure and the cardiovascular system. It also recovers the fibrous tumor of the uterus, is helpful in the treatment of absorption and excretion as well as endocrine disruptors, and prevents Parkinson's disease. Numerous strategies like crop rotation, deep plowing, and sclerotia filtering for reducing the danger of ergot infection in most grain crops have been discovered, effectively eradicating ergotism as a human disease. This chapter explains in detail the ergot alkaloids, their chemical composition, biological action, and therapeutical applications to cure different diseases.