Ergotinine is a chemical compound found in ergot, a fungus that grows on grains like rye. Its spelling comes from its Greek roots, with "ergot" meaning "spur" and "ine" representing a nitrogen-containing organic compound. The IPA phonetic transcription for ergotinine is ɜrˈɡɒtɪniːn, with the stress on the second syllable. Ergotinine has been used in medicine to treat migraines and postpartum bleeding but has also been associated with causing ergotism, a serious condition that can lead to gangrene and hallucinations.
Ergotinine is a noun that refers to a toxic alkaloid compound derived from the fungus Claviceps purpurea, which infects rye and other grains. This compound is primarily found in the sclerotium or ergot body of the fungus. Ergotinine belongs to a group of ergot alkaloids known as ergopeptines.
Chemically, ergotinine is a dipeptide consisting of two amino acids: L-phenylalanine and L-proline. This compound possesses vasoconstrictive properties and exhibits ergotism-inducing effects. Ergotism is a condition characterized by the constriction of blood vessels leading to poor circulation, resulting in symptoms such as tingling, numbness, muscle pain, and hallucinations.
Historically, ergotinine has been associated with various detrimental effects. Consumption of ergot-infected grains led to outbreaks of ergotism, also known as St. Anthony's Fire, in medieval Europe. This disease caused severe symptoms and even death in some cases. Ergotinine's vasoconstrictive properties have also been utilized in modern medicine for the treatment of migraines and postpartum hemorrhage.
It is important to note that ergot alkaloids, including ergotinine, can be highly toxic and should be handled with caution. Exposure to high concentrations can lead to poisoning and severe health complications. In agriculture, efforts are made to minimize the presence of ergotines in crops to ensure safe consumption.
In summary, ergotinine is a toxic alkaloid compound derived from the fungus Claviceps purpurea. It is primarily found in ergot bodies and has vasoconstrictive properties. The compound has historical significance due to its association with ergotism outbreaks and has both therapeutic and toxic
1. A crystalline alkaloid, C36H40N4O5, obtained from ergot. 2. A yellowish amorphous alkaloid obtained from ergot; has been employed hypodermically in dose of gr. 1/240 (0.00025) as an oxytocic and hemostatic.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "ergotinine" is derived from two main components: "ergot" and "-ine".
The term "ergot" refers to a type of fungus called Claviceps purpurea, which infects cereal grains, particularly rye. The fungus produces toxic alkaloids, including ergotamine and ergotinine. These alkaloids can cause various symptoms and disorders when consumed, collectively known as ergotism.
The suffix "-ine" is commonly used in chemistry and pharmacology to denote a compound derived from or related to a particular substance. In the case of "ergotinine", it refers to an alkaloid derived from ergot or related to ergotamine.
So, "ergotinine" essentially means an alkaloid compound related to ergot or derived from ergotamine, both of which are linked to the Claviceps purpurea fungus.