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ergot
Parasitic stage of the fungus Claviceps purpurea, a pathogen of rye. Ergot transforms the rye seed into fungal pseudotissue containing medicinal alkaloids.
The L-isomers of these alkaloids are used in:
1) induction of uterine contractions
2) control of hemorrhage
3) treatment of migraine headache
General
pharmaceutical herb; medicinal herb; herbal supplement; botanical
References
Stedman's Medical Dictionary 27th ed, Williams &
Wilkins, Baltimore, 1999