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Eating rye bread made from grain contaminated with the ergot fungus ( Claviceps purpurea ) can have dangerous—even fatal—consequences. This condition, called ergotism , is caused by a group of toxic compounds known as ergot alkaloids . These alkaloids affect the nervous system, blood vessels, muscles, and even the hormonal balance of the human body. Although rare today due to agricultural regulations and modern food safety practices, ergotism once caused mass poisonings across Europe. This article provides a comprehensive overview of ergot poisoning—its history, symptoms, causes, mechanisms, and modern-day relevance . What Is Ergot and What Does It Do to the Body? Ergot is a fungal disease caused by Claviceps purpurea , which infects cereal crops, especially rye . The fungus replaces developing grains with sclerotia —dark, hardened fungal structures containing ergot alkaloids , the compounds responsible for ergotism. What Does Ergot Do to the Human Body? Ergot alkaloids: Cons...