Page 74 - phytochemistry general program

NH
N

Rauwolfia and Yohimbe alkaloids
(Tryptophan with two prenyl moiety)

Ergot alkaloids .1

is a drug that consists of the dried schlerotium stage of the parasitic Ergot
fungus (Claviceps purpurea); that grows in the ovaries of various cereal grasses;
and in particular rye. For medicinal purposes, the drug is produced through
has long been used The drug.rye controlled cultivation of the fungus on cultivated

in medicine, on account of its action on the uterus and vasomotor center.
As the fungus can also grow on other cereal species it can lead to serious
intoxication (Ergotism). Many incidences of such intoxication (due to consumption
of ergot-contaminated wheat, barley or rice) have been reported in several
European countries. In some cases, this occurred as wide outbreaks that affect

considerable number of people.
Although ergot belongs to the lowest botanical order, it can elaborate and

produce some very complex alkaloids.
These alkaloids are classified into two main structural types:
– A - The clavine type alkaloids; which are simple ergane derivatives (tryptophan
derived tetracyclic system); with no carboxylic group at C8 (i.e. they are not

lysergic acid derivatives).

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