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Review
. 2006 Oct 15;70(5):98.
doi: 10.5688/aj700598.

Ergot and its alkaloids

Paul L Schiff  1
Affiliations
Review

Ergot and its alkaloids

Paul L Schiff. Am J Pharm Educ. .

Abstract

This manuscript reviews the history and pharmacognosy of ergot, and describes the isolation/preparation, chemistry, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacotherapeutics of the major ergot alkaloids and their derivatives. A brief discussion of the hallucinogenic properties of lysergic acid diethylamide is also featured. An abbreviated form of the material found in this paper is presented in a 4-hour didactic format to third-professional year PharmD students as part of their study of vascular migraine headaches, Parkinson's disease, and naturally occurring hallucinogens/hallucinogen derivatives in the modular course offering Neurology/Psychiatry.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Chemical structures of ergot alkaloids and related important compounds.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Chemical structures of ergot alkaloids and related important compounds.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

    1. Swan GA. An Introduction to the Alkaloids. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, Inc; 1967. pp. 209–215.
    1. Cordell GA. Introduction to Alkaloids. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons; 1981. pp. 622–655.
    1. Trease GE, Evans WC. Pharmacognosy. 12th ed. London, England: Bailliere Tindall; 1983. pp. 599–605.
    1. Řeháček Z, Sajdl P. Ergot Alkaloids. New York, NY: Elsevier Science Publishing Company; 1990. pp. 28–86.
    1. Bruneton J. Pharmacognosy, Phytochemistry, Medicinal Plants, Paris, France: Technique & Documentation, Lavoisier; 1995. pp. 797–814.

MeSH terms

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