Ergotism Health Dictionary

Ergot poisoning, or ergotism, occasionally results from eating bread made from rye infected with the fungus, Claviceps purpurea. Several terrible epidemics (St Anthony’s Fire), characterised by intense pain and hallucinations, occurred in France and Germany during the Middle Ages (see ERYSIPELAS). Its symptoms are the occurrence of spasmodic muscular contractions, and the gradual production of gangrene in parts like the ?ngers, toes and tips of the ears because of constriction of blood vessels and therefore the blood supply.... ergot poisoning

Nutritional disorders may be caused by a deficiency or excess of one or more nutrients, or by the presence of a toxin (poisonous element) in the diet.

A diet deficient in carbohydrates is almost inevitably also deficient in protein, leading to the development of protein–calorie malnutrition. Such malnutrition is most often seen as a result of severe poverty and famine (see kwashiorkor; marasmus).

Deficiency of specific nutrients is commonly associated with a disorder of the digestive system, such as coeliac disease, Crohn’s disease, or pernicious anaemia (see anaemia, megaloblastic).

Inadequate intake of protein and calories may also occur in people who excessively restrict their diet to lose weight (see anorexia nervosa), hold mistaken beliefs about diet and health (see food fad), or suffer from a loss of interest in food associated with alcohol dependence or drug dependence.Obesity results from taking in more energy from the diet than is used up by the body. Nutritional disorders may also result from an excessive intake of minerals and vitamins. An excessive intake of saturated fat is thought to be a contributory factor in coronary artery disease and in some forms of cancer.

Naturally occurring toxins can interfere with the digestion, absorption, and/or utilization of nutrients, or can cause specific disorders due to their toxic effects: for example, the ergot fungus found on rye can cause ergotism.... nutritional disorders

n. a fungus (Claviceps purpurea) that grows on rye. It produces several important alkaloids, chemically related to LSD, including *ergotamine and *ergometrine, which are used in medicine in the treatment of migraine and in childbirth. Eating bread made with rye infected with the fungus has led to sporadic outbreaks of *ergotism over the centuries.... ergot

n. a drug that causes constriction of blood vessels and is used to relieve migraine. It is administered in combination with cyclizine and caffeine. Common side-effects are nausea and vomiting, and ergotism may develop as a result of high doses; because of this it has largely been superseded by *5HT1 agonists.... ergotamine

an old colloquial name for the inflammation of the skin associated with ergot poisoning. See ergotism.... st anthony’s fire