Claviceps purpurea (Ergot)

Grain-infecting fungus behind medieval outbreaks of St. Anthony’s fire and the chemistry that led to LSD.

Core Principles & Analysis

• Its sclerotia in rye flour caused ergotism — convulsions and gangrene known medievally as St. Anthony’s fire.
• Albert Hofmann first synthesized LSD in 1938 while modifying its alkaloids at Sandoz.
• Purified ergot alkaloids became legitimate drugs for migraine and postpartum bleeding.

Specifications & Metrics

• ACTIVE COMPOUNDS: Ergot alkaloids (ergotamine, ergometrine)