Page 72 - phytochemistry II -pharmD general

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).

Clavine type ergot alkaloids
B - The lysergic acid amides; and these are amide alkaloids that are derived from

lysergic acid.

Lysergic acid amides

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