Ergot Alkaloids: A Review on Therapeutic Applications

Ergot of Rye is a plant disease caused by the fungus Claviceps purpurea which infects the grains of cereals and grasses but it is being used for ages for its medicinal properties. All the naturally obtained ergot alkaloids contain tetracyclic ergoline ring system, which makes them structurally similar with other neurotransmitters such as noradrenaline, dopamine or serotonin. Due to this structure homology these alkaloids can be used for the treatment of neuro related conditions like migraine, Parkinson’s disease etc. For hundreds of years, it has been used in obsctrics and gynecology as an uterotonics. Ergot drugs have important role in treating prolactinomas and type II Diabetes. Their role in cancer treatment has also been established. These drugs constitute an important group of compounds called “Smart drugs” used to improve cognitive function and memory and other age related brain disorders. Structural resemblance with various neurotransmitters allows them to interact with a number of receptors which makes them work on different target thus designing new ergot based drugs with receptor subtype selectivity will be more effective.