Claviceps purpurea
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er·got
(er'got),The resistant, overwintering stage of the parasitic ascomycetous fungus Claviceps purpurea, a pathogen of cereal rye that transforms the seed of rye into a compact spurlike mass of fungal pseudotissue (the sclerotium) containing five or more optically isomeric pairs of alkaloids. The levorotary isomers induce uterine contractions, control bleeding, and alleviate certain localized vascular disorders (migraine headaches).
See also: ergotism.
See also: ergotism.
Synonym(s): rye smut
[O. Fr. argot, cock's spur]
Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012
ergot
Herbal medicineA fungus that infects rye, which is the primary source for ergonovine and ergotamine; its use in herbal medicine is confined to haemostasis and strengthening uterine contractions during childbirth.
Segen's Medical Dictionary. © 2012 Farlex, Inc. All rights reserved.