Claviceps purpurea - Ergot, Spurred Rye
"CONSTITUENTS: Ergotine, Ecbolene, Ergotic acid, fixed oil.
PREPARATIONS: Extractum Ergotae Fluidum, Fluid Extract of Ergot. Dose: from one-half to one dram. Specific Ergot. Dose: five to sixty minims.
Therapy: In labor, when there is threatened post-partum hemorrhage, or when the history of previous labors shows a tendency to such an accident, a full dose of ergot may be given just at the close of the second stage, or after the head has passed the perineum. No harm can come from such a procedure, and it will serve as a positive safeguard. If there is then free hemorrhage and lack of full uterine contraction, the dose may be repeated in perhaps half an hour, but the attendant must be assured that the womb is entirely empty. If the contractions are not firm and continuous, and hemorrhage at all violent should occur, other measures, such as external irritation and compression of the uterine fundus, or the introduction of hot water into the uterine cavity, must be resorted to in addition. Ergot is in general use in post-partum hemorrhage. It must be given in doses of from half a dram to a dram of the fluid extract. If this dose be added to an ounce or two of hot water and drunk, its influence is more immediate and pronounced.
In uterine hemorrhage at the menstrual epoch, menorrhagia, or in metrorrhagia, it is a most valuable agent.
In patients of relaxed muscular fiber its action is very prompt. The dose can be so measured and timed as to reduce the flow to normal time and quantity, while by the use of other agents, a healthy condition is being secured. Its influence, upon the womb structure is at the same time conducive to a sure acting in harmony with other uterine tonics.
In the treatment of uterine subinvolution or of chronic metritis, ergot is a good remedy. The use of the agent conjointly with the bromide of potassium is especially advised in this condition, and with the further administration of properly selected uterine tonics the cure can be speedily completed.
Polypi are expelled from the uterine cavity by ergot, and the agent having a specific action upon the substance of the womb, is opposed to hypertrophy and to the development of abnormal growths within that structure. Uterine fibroids are expelled by ergot if possible, and if impossible, the persistent internal use of the agent is advised as a means of limiting their growth. Interstitial or submucous fibroids only, are influenced by it. Sub-peritoneal fibroids are apt to be a little outside of its influence, because outside of the range of the contraction of the muscular fibers.
Mammary tumors, from uterine irritation, are slowly reduced by the action of ergot.
The hemorrhage and excessive discharges, purulent or otherwise, occasioned by the growth of foreign bodies about the womb, will be beneficially influenced by this agent. The growth of a uterine cancer is sometimes retarded a little, and the hemorrhage from the cancer is more or less controlled by ergot. ...
In certain forms of inflammation of the brain and its meninges, where the capillary circulation is very full, ergot is most pronounced and certain in its action.
In cerebro-spinal meningitis of an acute endemic or epidemic form, it may be given in the early stages of the attack, but should be withheld in the latter stages. Other directly indicated agents should not, however, be neglected for this. It is especially applicable to children in the early stages of acute cerebral or cerebro-spinal inflammation. ...
In hemophilia ergot is recommended. In this condition in infants it may be used for a short time locally and internally.
Hemorrhages about the eye-ball are controlled from its local application, and acute conjunctivitis and phlyctenular ophthalmia will be benefited, if it be used locally and internally in small quantities.
Occasional large doses of ergot in the treatment of pneumonia are spoken of as highly beneficial by excellent authorities. The remedy exercises its influence upon the capillaries. ...
In paralysis of the walls of the bladder after retention of urine, causing over-distention, ergot serves a good purpose. If hemorrhage be present it is quickly controlled and the muscular atonicity of the walls is greatly benefited.
Ergot is given in urinary incontinence when the cystic walls are greatly relaxed, or when there is a mild form of local paralysis.
Ergotin in full doses has quite a prompt influence upon diabetes insipidus. It is also useful in diabetes mellitus, but is not depended upon alone. In children afflicted with the latter disease it may be given in positive doses for a time, but should not be given continuously.
In that form of spermatorrhea where there is a tendency to fullness of the circulation of the parts, with erratic and spasmodic erections, and undue sexual excitement, the emissions quickly occurring after erection, there is no better remedy known than ergot. It should be given in about twenty drop doses at bedtime, and its influence is increased and a soothing influence upon the nervous system induced by giving it with ten grains of the sodium bromide.
In the treatment of aneurism, and of enlarged veins, and of varicocele, ergot is much used. Its influence is more positive though upon the arterial than upon the venous coats. It is used with good results in hemorrhoids. Bartholow and others injected it into the dorsum of the penis to contract the veins there and overcome impotency."
(Finley Ellingwood: The American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy, 1915)