What does ergot do to humans?: Exploring a Historic Poison and Modern Medicine
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5 min read
For centuries, the ergot fungus, *Claviceps purpurea*, contaminated rye and other grains, causing deadly outbreaks of ergotism that revealed what does ergot do to humans through severe gangrene and hallucinations. This parasitic fungus produces powerful alkaloids that have historically caused widespread suffering, but are now harnessed in modern pharmacology for therapeutic benefits.
