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The Bread The Caused Hallucinations, Gangrene, and Witch Trials: Ergot
đź”— Check Out all our links, sources, and socials:https://linktr.ee/thecadaverslessons
In this episode, we dive into the strange and powerful story of ergot poisoning—from medieval epidemics to modern pharmacology. Caused by the fungus Claviceps that infects rye and other grains, ergot has triggered mass poisonings, fueled mysterious outbreaks of convulsions and hallucinations, and may even have influenced events like dancing plagues and witch trials.
But ergot isn’t just a historical curiosity. The same compounds responsible for devastating outbreaks also laid the groundwork for modern medicines used to treat migraines, control bleeding after childbirth, and manage neurological diseases.
We explore how ergot alkaloids interact with key receptors in the body—including serotonin, dopamine, and adrenergic pathways—producing powerful effects on blood vessels, the nervous system, and the brain.
You’ll also hear how ergot toxicity can still appear in modern medicine through drug interactions or overdoses, and why understanding its pharmacology remains important today.
Sometimes the line between poison and medicine is thinner than we think.
đź“š ReferencesÂ
- Hagan A. From poisoning to pharmacy: a tale of two ergots. American Society for Microbiology. Published November 2, 2018. Accessed March 15, 2026. https://asm.org/articles/2018/november/from-poisoning-to-pharmacy-a-tale-of-two-ergots
- Haarmann T, Rolke Y, Giesbert S, Tudzynski P. Ergot: from witchcraft to biotechnology. Mol Plant Pathol. 2009;10(4):563-577. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6640538/
- Ngo M, Tadi P. Ergotamine/caffeine. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island, FL: StatPearls Publishing; 2026. Accessed March 15, 2026. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK555953/
- Ergot. Europeana. Accessed March 15, 2026. https://www.europeana.eu/en/exhibitions/magical-mystical-and-medicinal/ergot
- Ergotism in medieval Europe. National Geographic. Accessed March 15, 2026. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/history-magazine/article/ergotism-infections-medieval-europe
- St. Anthony’s fire. World History Encyclopedia. Accessed March 15, 2026. https://www.worldhistory.org/St_Anthony%27s_Fire/
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By Bernadette & Samantha Smithđź”— Check Out all our links, sources, and socials:https://linktr.ee/thecadaverslessons
In this episode, we dive into the strange and powerful story of ergot poisoning—from medieval epidemics to modern pharmacology. Caused by the fungus Claviceps that infects rye and other grains, ergot has triggered mass poisonings, fueled mysterious outbreaks of convulsions and hallucinations, and may even have influenced events like dancing plagues and witch trials.
But ergot isn’t just a historical curiosity. The same compounds responsible for devastating outbreaks also laid the groundwork for modern medicines used to treat migraines, control bleeding after childbirth, and manage neurological diseases.
We explore how ergot alkaloids interact with key receptors in the body—including serotonin, dopamine, and adrenergic pathways—producing powerful effects on blood vessels, the nervous system, and the brain.
You’ll also hear how ergot toxicity can still appear in modern medicine through drug interactions or overdoses, and why understanding its pharmacology remains important today.
Sometimes the line between poison and medicine is thinner than we think.
đź“š ReferencesÂ
- Hagan A. From poisoning to pharmacy: a tale of two ergots. American Society for Microbiology. Published November 2, 2018. Accessed March 15, 2026. https://asm.org/articles/2018/november/from-poisoning-to-pharmacy-a-tale-of-two-ergots
- Haarmann T, Rolke Y, Giesbert S, Tudzynski P. Ergot: from witchcraft to biotechnology. Mol Plant Pathol. 2009;10(4):563-577. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6640538/
- Ngo M, Tadi P. Ergotamine/caffeine. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island, FL: StatPearls Publishing; 2026. Accessed March 15, 2026. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK555953/
- Ergot. Europeana. Accessed March 15, 2026. https://www.europeana.eu/en/exhibitions/magical-mystical-and-medicinal/ergot
- Ergotism in medieval Europe. National Geographic. Accessed March 15, 2026. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/history-magazine/article/ergotism-infections-medieval-europe
- St. Anthony’s fire. World History Encyclopedia. Accessed March 15, 2026. https://www.worldhistory.org/St_Anthony%27s_Fire/