Some alkaloids are poisonous. Ergot alkaloids can be toxic sometimes (and not just hallucinogenic). Other alkaloidal substances can be more benign.
Allan M. Goodeve has written: 'An investigation of the biosynthesis of ergot alkaloids'
Abortive medications include triptans, ergot alkaloids, NSAIDs, combination analgesics, and antiemetics.
Ergot belongs to the group of fungi known as Claviceps. This group typically infects cereal grains, forming hard masses known as ergot sclerotia. Ergot fungi produce toxic alkaloids that can have psychoactive effects on animals and humans when consumed.
Ergot typically infects grasses such as Paspalum dilatatum through its reproductive structures called sclerotia, which resemble grains of wheat or rye. These sclerotia contain alkaloids that can be toxic to animals and humans if ingested. Therefore, it is important to be cautious when dealing with grasses known to be susceptible to ergot infection.
Ergot fungus can be found growing on certain types of grains like rye. It can also be purchased from specialty suppliers or online stores that specialize in mycology or natural medicines. Be cautious when handling ergot as it contains compounds that can be toxic if ingested in large quantities.
Lumi-alkaloids are a type of alkaloids that exhibit fluorescence properties under UV light. An example of a lumi-alkaloid is berberine, which can be found in plants such as barberry and goldenseal.
May cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, itching, cold skin, thirst, tingling sensations, and severe muscle cramps; also may cause severe rebound headaches.
I think the explanation is: Ergot is a fungus the grows on grains, so maybe if you ate spoiled grain it could have had ergot on it?
Ergot is actually a specific genus of fungi called Claviceps. The most prominent member of genus Claviceps is Claviceps purpurea. Ergot grows on rye and related plants and produces a powerful hallucinogenic toxin called ergotamine, a precursor to LSD.
Ergot is the name of a toxic fungus that affects the rye plant.
Ergot is a kind of fungus that can infect cereal grains.