Ergotism and Saint Anthony's fire

Abstract

It has been widely accepted that ergot is a fungal disease caused by infection with the parasitic Claviceps purpurea leading to the development of typical black kernels n the plant. Ingestion of infected rye grains containing ergot alkaloids-usually in the form of contaminated rye bread-causes poisoning, also known as ergotism. The negative impacts of ergot contamination of grain on the health of humans and animals were first documented in ancient times. The history of ergotism shows the influence of food on human health. Although ergot has been known for ages, until the 18th century, its nature was not recognized. It was a part of the rye plant and it was used in traditional medicine. The diet was based was mostly on rye that led to neurologic disorders and gangrene. In the Middle Ages, in regions where rye was a dietary staple, many cases of a peculiar epidemic were recorded. Two names are usually used to describe it: "Saint Anthony's fire" and "holy fire," although there are many more appellations. The history of ergotism is a very important part of history of dermatology. The saint who people prayed to for protection against the disease was Anthony the Great (251-356). Monks of the Order of Saint Anthony played a particular role in treating ergotism by natural methods and specialized in treating skin diseases. Ergot alkaloids still pose a risk to human and animal safety if they appear in food.