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ergot
Ergot
BOTANICAL CLASSIFICATION
Family :
Hypocreaceae
Genus :
Claviceps
Species :
purpurea (rye); africana (sorghum); paspali
COMMON NAMES
Ergot
EFFECTS CLASSIFICATION
Deadly Poison; Psychedelic
DESCRIPTION
Ergot is a fungus that infects cereal grains, replacing kernels of the fruit with small black masses of mycelium. It produces ergotamine, a potent vasoconstrictor and precursor to LSD. Ergot poisoning (St Anthony's Fire) causes hallucinations, gangrenous loss of limbs, and death. Outbreaks plagued medieval Europe and were associated with witchcraft and the Inquisition.
BASICS EFFECTS IMAGES HEALTH LAW DOSE CHEMISTRY