Within the mushroom family, there exists a “black sheep” known as the ergot fungus – Claviceps. It has harmed countless individuals for centuries during the Middle Ages.
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Ergot Fungus Claviceps on wheat |
Women suffering from childbirth complications often died. Initially, it was believed that this was caused by a contagious disease; it took many years of research to uncover the true culprit. That culprit was the ergot fungus.
The ergot fungus is a type of sac fungus that prefers to parasitize the ovaries of wheat and rye, developing into hardened, dark brown to black sclerotia resembling a chicken’s spur. When individuals consume flour contaminated with ergot, they can fall ill. Symptoms begin with muscle cramps in the limbs; thereafter, the hands, feet, breasts, and teeth experience numbness, followed by necrosis and ultimately death, which is a tragic outcome. This illness is referred to as ergotism.
Livestock that consume grasses infected with ergot fungus also suffer from poisoning and can die as a result.
By the 18th century, advancements in the flour milling industry enabled the removal of ergot, effectively controlling the disease associated with it. Furthermore, scientists discovered an alkaloid within the ergot fungus that promotes blood vessel contraction and stimulates the nervous system, leading to the development of hemostatic medications and labor-inducing drugs. Thus, the “black sheep” ergot fungus has been effectively rehabilitated.
Ergot Fungus Claviceps on wheat and various other fungi (Image: swsbm)
