| ergot alkaloid-associated heart disease | Heart disease caused by endomyocardial fibrosis which extends into valve structures, producing stenosis and/or regurgitation, associated with ergot alkaloid use. (05 Mar 2000) |
|---|---|
| ergot alkaloids | Alkaloids isolated from the ergot fungus claviceps purpurea (hypocreaceae). The ergot alkaloids were the first alpha-adrenergic antagonists discovered, but side effects generally prevent their administration in doses that would produce more than a minimal blockade in humans. Their smooth muscle-stimulating activities may be attributed to alpha-agonistic properties, thus characterizing these alkaloids as a series of partial agonists. They have many clinical applications, notably in obstetrics and the treatment of migraine. (12 Dec 1998) |
| alkaloid | <chemistry, pharmacology> One of a large group of nitrogenous substances found in naturally in plants. They are usually very bitter and although the plant may be poisonous, many have extracts that are pharmacologically active. Examples are atropine, caffeine, coniine, morphine, nicotine, quinine, strychnine. The term is also applied to synthetic substances which have structures similar to plant alkaloids, such as procaine. (29 Sep 1997) |
|---|---|
| belladonna alkaloid | Atropine and related alkaloids which are anticholinergic. (27 Sep 1997) |
| vinca alkaloid | <drug, oncology> Anti-cancer drugs originally derived from the common periwinkle Catharantus roseus. Drugs of this type include vincristine, vinblastine. (14 Oct 1997) |
| corn ergot | A species that resembles ergot of rye in its metabolic action; its black spores on the ears of corn are dispersed by wind and can cause contamination of laboratory cultures. Synonym: corn ergot, corn smut, Ustilago zeae. (05 Mar 2000) |
| ergot | <botany> A disease of cereal plants (rye, wheat, etc.) caused by the fungus Claviceps purpurea, this fungus produces toxic alkaloids that, if ingested, cause symptoms such as hallucinations, severe gastrointestinal upset, a burning sensation in the limbs and extremities (St. Anthony's Fire) and a form of gangrene. (09 Oct 1997) |
| ergot poisoning | A syndrome brought on by the consumption of bread (notably rye) contaminated by the ergot fungus, Claviceps purpurea (rye smut), the source of numerous ergot alkaloids. The effects observed include peripheral vascular constriction leading to gangrene, partial paralysis with numbing, tingling and burning in the limbs, feeble pulse, restlessness, stupor or delirium. Can prove fatal. (05 Mar 2000) |
| fixed alkaloid | A nonvolatile alkaloid. (05 Mar 2000) |