Wheat Fungus & Hallucinations

Hallucinations are a psychotic symptom that cause people to see or hear things that are not there. Ergot, a plant disease caused by a fungus, causes poisoning in humans and animals. In some types of ergotism, symptoms include hallucinations. Although livestock and other animals are more susceptible to wheat fungus poisoning, humans have suffered hallucinations because of wheat fungus.

Claviceps purpurea is one type of wheat fungus that causes cereal grains to develop ergot. Although the disease is more common in rye and triticale, it can also affect spring wheat, durum, barley and other small grains. A common sign of ergot is dark purple or black bodies that replace the grains in wheat or other cereals. Ergot is more likely to develop during wet season. Although ergot causes crop loss, its potential toxicity is more devastating. Ergotism is the poisoning that develops after eating contaminated plants.

Ergot is toxic to humans and animals, but it is rare in humans in present day. Although all animals are affected, livestock are the most susceptible. The two most common types of ergotism are convulsive and gangrenous. Another less common type is characterized by low body temperature. A fourth form can disrupt milk production in mammals and cause prolonged gestation periods. The form of ergotism that develops depends on the type and amount of ergot that the animal or human consumes.

The alkaloids in ergot are serotonin agonists. This causes an overstimulation of the neurotransmitter serotonin. Too much serotonin can cause changes in mental state, including confusion, hallucinations and delusions. Different strains of the wheat fungus have various ergot alkaloid compositions and may affect people differently. Hallucinations are more common in adolescents. Survivors of ergotism reported that the hallucinations were pleasurable and made them feel like they were in paradise. LSD, an illegal hallucinogen, can be extracted from ergot.

Two main types of ergotism can occur. Convulsive ergotism is an acute form that causes nervous system problems. Animals or humans that are experiencing convulsive ergotism twist and contort their bodies and appear to be in pain. They may experience trembling, shaking, confusion and muscle spasms. Some historians speculate that ergotism may be to blame for the rash of witches during the middle ages. In gangrenous ergotism, gangrene occurs and reduces blood flow to extremities. Patients’ extremities may rot and fall off.

If you or someone you know are experiencing hallucinations, talk to a physician or go to the hospital. There is no specific antidote for ergotism, but the symptoms, including hallucinations, can be treated. Your doctor may prescribe medications such as antipsychotics to control the hallucinations. A sympathetic nerve blockade may also prevent the disease from getting worse.

Article reviewed by Denise C. Ritter Last updated on: Apr 23, 2012

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