Ergot

Question 1

What is ergot?

Answer 1

It’s a sclerotium(compact mycelium or Spawn) of the parasitic fungus CLAVICEPS PURPUREA which grows on cereals like rye, barley, wheat etc
Gradually replaces the grain by forming a purple coloured mass.

Question 2

What’s the active principle of ergot?

Answer 2

Ergotoxin
Ergotamine
Ergometrine

Question 3

What are the medicinal uses of ergot?

Answer 3

Contracts Smooth muscles of arteries, intestines and uterus
Uterine stimulant
For migraine

Question 4

What are the signs and symptoms of acute ergot Poisoning?

Answer 4

Smooth muscles contractions
Irritant symptoms
Tingling in hands feet cramps
Dizziness
Abortion
Hemorrhage or bleeding from mouth and nose

Question 5

What are the symptoms of chronic ergot Poisoning?
More common than acute in past.

Answer 5

Gangrenous form of ergotism
>Resembles RAYNAUD’S DISEASE
>Pain numbness.. gangrene of hands, toes, fingers, ears, nose
>Intestinal ulcers

Convulsive form of ergotism
>CNS effects
>Painful tonic contractions
>Giddiness
>Formications(feeling of ants crippling on skin)
>Severe psychiatric disturbances

Question 6

Fatal dose and fatal period of ergot poison?

Answer 6

1gm
24 hrs

Question 7

Treatment for acute ergotism?

Answer 7

Empty bowel of poison
(Stomach wash use purgatives)

Question 8

What’s the treatment for chronic ergot poison?

Answer 8

Hinder exposure
Improve symptoms
Use vasodilators

Question 9

What are the PM findings of ergot Poisoning?

Answer 9

Internal organs congested
Particles of sclerotia detected in stomach
Gangrene of fingers and toes

Question 10

What’s the medicolegal importance of ergot Poisoning?

Answer 10

Acute poisoning can occur when ergot taken in large dose to procure abortion
Chronic Poisoning results from ergot contaminated bread use for ling time