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An examination of ergots role in human events

Presented by:

Amy Wyman, Alana Callfas, Arran Vitale, Reese Semanco

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1. We intend to discuss what ergot is and how it isgrown and how it is spread.

2. What are the effects of ergotism?

3. St. Anthonys Fire; cases of gangrenous ergotism. 4. Could ergot poisoning been the cause of the Salem

Witch Trials?

5. Uses of Ergot in Medicine.

6. LSD

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Domain-EukaryaKingdom-FungiPhylum-AscomycotaClass-SordariomycetesOrder-HypocrealesFamily-ClavicipitaceaeGenus-ClavicepsSpecies-Claviceps purpurea

Ergot is a disease of the ovum of a grain. It iscommonly associated with Rye however, it canalso infect wheat, barley and other grasses.

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Being of the Phylum- Ascomycota thisparticular fungus is a mushroom meaning itfruits and releases spores when theconditions are right to infect a nearby grassflower.

Once a spore infects theblooming f lower of the grassplant. The hyphae then infectthe reproductive organs of thatparticular seed. It would not

infect the whole plant. It built uparound itself a nectar likecoating around it full of condidaaka spore packs, enticing insectsto carry their spore tosurrounding plants.

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Ergot infectingWheat.

Fluorescent

micrograph showing

wheat stigmas

infected with the ergot

fungus (claviceps).

http://www.telegraph.

co.uk/science/picture-

galleries/8343477/Well

come-Image-Awards-

2011.html?image=17

Picture: Anna Gordon,Fernan Federici & Jim

Haseloff / Wellcome

Images

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The Sclerotium is the build up of honeydew,which is another name for the sugar likesecretion that the fungus excretes to helpspread its spore.

Now this is the part of the life cycle of C. purpurea thatwe are most interested in in regard to history. It is atthis stage that it becomes toxic to humans.

For the C. purpurea however, this toxic

coating is a way to reproduce as well asprotect itself through the winter untilthe conditions are once again right forreproduction. Then it produces tinymushrooms that release spore in thespring.

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Gangrenous Convulsive

You can get one or both of the above symptoms. Gangrenous is the most common.Gangrenous Ergotism constricts the blood vessels in the extremities leading togangrene and the loss of limbs.Convulsive Ergotism displays with convulsions and hallucinations.

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Ergotism is contracted through consumption of thesclerotium. It is harvested with the grain and groundinto flour. When ground it is not noticeable in in thefinished flour and is frequently baked into bread forconsumption.

Today technology allows for better sorting of grains sowe have less chance of contracting ergotism in ourfood.

Ergot is still a problem in cattle that get it from grassesand grains in its feed.