Abstract
In the past centuries consumption of bread made of ergot-infected flour resulted in mass poisonings and miscarriages. The reason was the sclerotia of Claviceps purpurea (Fr.) Tul.—a source of noxious ergot alkaloids (ergotamine and ergovaline). The authors have searched the 19th century medical literature in order to find information on the following topics: dosage forms of drugs based on ergot and their application in official gynecology and obstetrics. The authors also briefly address the relevant data from the previous periods as well as the 20th century research on ergot. The research resulted in a conclusion that applications of ergot in gynecology and obstetrics in the 19th century were limited to controlling excessive uterine bleeding and irregular spasms, treatment of fibrous tumors of the uterus, and prevention of miscarriage, abortion, and amenorrhoea. The most common dosage forms mentioned in the works included in our review were the following: tinctures, water extracts (Wernich’s and Squibb’s watery extract of ergot), pills, and powders. The information documented in this paper will be helpful for further research and helpful in broadening the understanding of the historical application of the described controversial crude drugs. Ergot alkaloids were widely used in obstetrics, but in modern times they are not used in developed countries anymore. They may, however, play a significant role in developing countries where, in some cases, they can be used as an anti-hemorrhage agent during labor.
Highlights
In the history of mankind, materia medica representatives have experienced their ups and downs
Key Contribution: This review presents a historical view on the application of ergot in 19th century official pharmacy and medicine in Europe and the USA
The application of ergot in gynecology and obstetrics in the 19th century was limited to controlling excessive uterine bleeding and irregular contractions, treatment of fibrous tumors of the uterus, and prevention of miscarriage
Summary
In the history of mankind, materia medica representatives have experienced their ups and downs. In the first decade of the 19th century in the state of Washington, there was a high-profile case of a Scottish woman who applied ergot medications in obstetrics practice with fatal results These issues were associated with the overdosage of C. purpurea. A physician from the State of New York, began applying ergot-based drugs in his gynecology practice in 1807 [9]. Apart from applying ergot in midwifery they tried to use C. purpurea in cases of amenorrhoea [4] The approach to this raw material in France changed in 1872 when the Academy of Medicine in Paris enacted Article 32 of the law of the 19th Ventose and allowed midwives to prescribe ergot [10]. Other forms of ergot-based drugs used in obstetrics practice were emulsions, mucilages, syrups, and water extracts mixed with aromatic water [2]
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