Sporysz - fungus - from A to Z

Sporysz: What is it and what is its history?

Sporicium is a spore of a fungus of the genus Claviceps purpurea, which parasitizes grains, especially rye. It is formed in place of grains and contains alkaloids with strong pharmacological effects, such as ergotamine and ergometrine. These substances can affect the nervous and vascular systems, making ergot both a dangerous poisoner and a valuable medicinal resource.

History and ergot poisoning

In the Middle Ages, ergot poisoning was a common problem in Europe, especially among poor people who consumed bread made from flour contaminated with spores. The disease was known as ergotism and came in two forms:

  • Convulsive, manifested by convulsions, hallucinations and muscle pain.
  • Gangrenova, leading to the death of limb tissues due to the contraction of blood vessels.

One of the best-known cases of mass ergot poisoning occurred in 944 in the Aquitaine region of France. Thousands of people were reported to have died there after eating bread containing contaminated flour. Similar incidents, albeit on a smaller scale, continued to occur until the 18th century, when grain purification methods were improved.

Contemporary application

Despite ergot's tragic history, its alkaloids have found use in medicine. Ergotamine is used to treat migraines, and ergometrine is used in obstetrics, such as to inhibit postpartum bleeding. In the 20th century, from one of ergot's alkaloids, lysergic acid, was developed LSD, which has become the foundation of modern research on psychedelics.

Sporysz, although dangerous in the past, has contributed to the development of both medicine and the study of human consciousness.