12126-57-7

Basic information

• Product Name: Alkaloids, ergot
• Synonyms: Alkaloids, ergot
• CAS NO: 12126-57-7
• Molecular Weight: 0
• Mol File: 12126-57-7.mol
• Article Data: 0

Chemical Properties

• Appearance: /
• CAS DataBase Reference: Alkaloids, ergot(CAS DataBase Reference)
• NIST Chemistry Reference: Alkaloids, ergot(12126-57-7)
• EPA Substance Registry System: Alkaloids, ergot(12126-57-7)

Safety Data

• Hazardous Substances Data: 12126-57-7(Hazardous Substances Data)

Usage

Description

Ergot alkaloids are a group of chemical compounds found within the sclerotium of the fungus Claviceps purpurea. The sclerotium is a hard, tuber-like structure that can be dark gray, purple, or black, and is typically 1.5 cm in length and 0.5 cm in width. This fungus is known to contaminate various grains, with rye being the most commonly reported. Ergot alkaloids have a long history of use and have been associated with various medical conditions and treatments.

Uses

1. Used in Obstetrics:
Ergot has been historically used to strengthen uterine contractions, aiding in childbirth and managing postpartum hemorrhage with the use of ergonovine.
2. Used in Migraine Treatment:
Ergotamine tartrate, when combined with caffeine, is administered to relieve migraine headaches, providing relief from the severe pain and discomfort associated with this condition.
3. Used in Treating Amenorrhea:
Derivatives of ergot are utilized to manage amenorrhea, a condition characterized by the absence of menstrual periods.
4. Used in Parkinson's Disease Treatment:
Ergot derivatives are also used as an adjunct in the treatment of Parkinson's disease, helping to manage the symptoms of this neurodegenerative disorder.
5. Used in Treating Idiopathic Mental Decline:
Hydrogenated ergot alkaloids have been used to address symptoms of idiopathic mental decline in elderly patients, aiming to improve cognitive function and overall mental health.
However,

Environmental Fate

Certain ergot alkaloids are not heat stable and exposure to high temperatures such as in baking bread will reduce concentrations significantly. Inactive ergot alkaloids are more resistant to heat and may survive processing. Prior to preparation, milling of the grain will remove the sclerotia as well so that most prepared foods have very low levels of ergot alkaloids.

Toxicity evaluation

The pharmacological mechanisms associated with ergot toxicity are complex and have not been fully delineated. Ergotamine interacts with serotonergic, dopaminergic, and a-adrenergic receptors. In the central nervous system, ergots have a sympatholytic effect. They also stimulate serotonergic receptors, which contributes to its hallucinogenic activity. Peripherally, ergots act as a-adrenergic agonists resulting in peripheral vasospasm. The vasoconstrictive action of ergots can produce widespread arterial spasm. Endothelial injury associated with arterial spasm may cause local thrombosis and subsequent gangrene.