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Ergot (Claviceps purpurea)
is
a parasitic fungus grown in
certain cereals particularly rye. Before the use of modern
method to remove it, mass poisoning was common. It causes
vasoconstriction and uterine constriction. The former
effect
can lead to gangrene of the feet and arms. The affected
tissue
become mummified and drop off without bleeding. The limbs
often turn black and the sufferers experience a burning
sensation. In Medieval time, the disease was also called
St. Antony's fire after the shrine where the sufferers
sought
relief. The uterine (oxytonic) effect made it popular
for inducing
labour, this is not longer used for normal labour as
it can cause
death to the foetus. The ocular effects of ergot include
marked
retinal vasoconstriction with oedema and cataract. |
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