1. Collection and preparation for the market of Drugs
Ergot

2. OBJECTIVES On completion of this period, you would be able to know
The Life cycle of Ergot
Cultivation &Collection of Ergot.

3. KNOWN TO UNKNOWN
ERGOT OF RYE
sclerotium
Fig.76.1

4. SYNONYMS : BIOLOGICAL SOURCE : Ergot of Rye, Ergota
Ergot is the dried sclerotium of a fungus
Claviceps purpurea
Family Hypocreaceae, developed on the rye plant, known as Secale Cereale Linn. (Graminae).
It contains not less that 0.19% of total alkaloids of ergot calculated as Ergotoxine, of which not less than 15% consists of water-soluble alkaloids of Ergot, calculated as Ergometrine.

5. CULTIVATION & COLLECTION
Ergot is produced by natural way i.e. cultivation of rye plant and subsequently infecting with the fungus.
Ergot is a fungal growth and infestation of the cereal rye.
Due to the infestation the yield of the food grains rye may even reduce to the extent of 20%.
The ascospores are developed into various colonies in a nutrient medium, diluted with water and sprayed over crops of rye.
A good number of Sclerotia are produced on each spike of rye which fall on the ground and are collected.

6. RYE FIELD
Fig.76.2
Although rye is not the only host plant for ergot (Claviceps purpurea , it was the most notorious since the grain's dark color hides the presence of the fungus.

7. SECALE-CEREALE FIELD
Fig.76.3

8. THE DISEASE CYCLE OF ERGOT
Fig.76.4
Rye crop infected with ergot

9. The following slides show the life cycle of ergot
Ergot (sclerotia). The ergot is the over wintering stage and is also the part of the life cycle containing the alkaloids.
Fig.76.5

10. Ergot (sclerotia) on rye. Ergot replaces grain of rye.
Fig.76.6

11. Ergot (Sclerotium) producing stroma after over wintering
Ergot (Sclerotium) producing stroma after over wintering. The stroma contain the asci and ascospores.
Fig.76.7

12. L-section through stroma, showing fruiting bodies with asci & ascospores
Fig.76.8

13. Various sized ergot bodies selected from infected wheat heads
Fig.76.9

14. Preparation for Market
The Sclerotia are either collected by hand or separated by putting them in 30% solution of Sodium Chloride wherein ergot floats.
The floatation method is very effective and labour saving as compared to other methods.
After collection, the sclerotia are dried thoroughly and stored properly in suitable containers.

15. MACHINE FOR HARVESTING `ERGOT' (DRUG)
Fig.76.10

16. CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS
Ergot contains large number of highly potent Indole alkaloids (0.1 to 0.25%).
Six isomeric pairs of alkaloids are known for therapeutic effect.
A good quality of Ergot should contain not less than 0.19% of total alkaloids.

17. CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS
The alkaloids of ergot are classified in two groups i.e. water-soluble and water-insoluble.
The water-soluble group is known as Ergometrine group and should constitute not less than 15% of the total alkaloids of ergot.
Rest of the alkaloids of Ergot are water-insoluble (ether-soluble). The active alkaloids are laevorotatory, while dextrorotatory alkaloids are therapeutically inactive.

18. (-) Laevorotatory alkaloids (+) Dextrorotatory alkaloids
Ergometrine group
Ergometrine
Water-Soluble
Ergometrinine
Ergotamine group
Ergotamine
Ergotaminine
Ergosine
Ergosinine
Ergotoxine group
Ergocristine
Water-insoluble
Ergocristinine
Ergocryptine
Ergocryptinine
Ergocornine
Ergocorninine

19. USES
Ergot is used in Labour to assist delivery and to reduce post-partum Haemorrhage.
Ergotamine is used in the treatment of Migraine.
Ergometrine is used as Oxytocic and produces much faster uterine stimulation than other alkaloids.
Ergotamine and semi-synthetic Dihydro-ergotamine salts are employed as Analgesics in the treatment of Migraine.

20. STORAGE
Ergot should be dried thoroughly and kept in entire form in a cool place.
It should be stored in well closed containers.
Ergot alkaloids are very sensitive to moisture and hence thorough drying of ergot is necessary.
The broken Sclerotia are very susceptible to the fungal growth and hence broken pieces should not be stored at low temperature in cool place away from light.
If powdered ergot is required to be stored, it should be defatted first and then stored or otherwise, decomposition of active constituents takes place.

21. SUMMARY In this class we learnt about
Ergot is a dried Sclerotium of Claviceps purpurea belonging to Hypocreaceae.
Used in the treatment of Migraine and Oxytocic and to reduce post partum Haemorrhage.

22. QUIZ Ergot grows on a) Wheat plant b) Rye plant c) Maize plant
d) All above

23. QUIZ 2) Ergot contains highly potent Alkaloids of the following type
a) Pyridine - pyrolidine
b) Phenanthrene
c) Indole
d) Pyridine

24. Frequently Asked Questions
Write in brief the method of collection and preparation of Ergot.
Give chemical constituents and uses of Ergot.
What are the storage conditions of Ergot?
Write in brief about the Life cycle of Ergot.

25. THANK YOU