clinical picture similar to that of rye grass staggers (q.v.) but this disorder results from ingestion of Claviceps paspali in paspalum and Dallas grass seeds, hay, or in grain; clinical picture includes tremors and ataxia. There is also another syndrome associated with C. purpurea ergot; may produce gangrene in extremities as a result of vasoconstriction. Alkaloids produced in the sclerotium include ergotamine, ergonovine, and hallucinogenic lysergic acid. Historically, humans have been affected by these outbreaks of ergotism (e.g., St. Anthony's fire).
