A RETROSPECTIVE OF RESEARCH ON ERGOT ALKALOIDS

Abstract

Abstract. Ergot is a parasitic fungus that grows on cereals, including rye and wheat. Ergot alkaloids are substances that are produced by the mycelium of the fungus of the genus Claviceps, a typical representative of which is the species Claviceps purpurea. Ergot alkaloids are derivatives of the tetracyclic compound 6-methylergoline. The ergoline backbone gives the molecules of indole alkoloids a structural similarity to biogenic amines - epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin. Due to this similarity, ergot alkaloids can interact with receptors for various primary messengers. Most of the alkoloid compounds have physiological activity, some of them are also used in medicine. In general, the mechanisms of toxic and pharmacological action of ergot alkaloids and their semisynthetic derivatives are very complex and varied. They can have agonistic, partial agonistic or antagonistic effects on α-andrenoreceptors and serotonin receptors, as well as agonistic or partial agonistic effects on dopamine receptors in the central nervous system. If the ingestion of ergot alkaloids into the human body occurs uncontrollably and in relatively large doses, intoxication occurs, which causes a disease called ergotism. In the history of pharmacology, poisoning of people with these substances was quite common in medieval Europe. In obstetric practice, they tried to induce labor, but this ended in miscarriages in women. Scientists have not studied the exact dose that causes a therapeutic effect, but these problems have been eliminated in our time. They have been used in many areas of medicine for many years. The most popular drugs based on alkaloids have acquired in such specialties as gynecology and neurology. The article discusses in detail such aspects of the topic as: the structure of the substance, pharmacological effects and clinical manifestations.