Ergotism

Ergotism: how soon does it show?

Days to weeks of eating the bread.

How does it run?

Two forms: the gangrenous, in which the limbs blacken and fall from the constriction of the vessels, the ignis sacer or Saint Anthony’s fire; and the convulsive, with spasms, hallucination, and mania. The last European outbreak was at Pont-Saint-Esprit in 1951.

What is done for it?

Vasodilators; stopping the grain.

Historical and descriptive, not medical advice. In a poisoning, call a poison centre or emergency services.

Which substances in the database cause it?

E

FungusErgotSecale cornutum The fungus Claviceps purpurea, which grows in the ear of rye in place of the grain as a long, black, slightly curved body.Deadly