Alkaloids in ergot found on different Gramineae in The Netherlands

The alkaloid content and the composition of the alkaloid complex of thirteen samples of ergot sclerotia from different gramineous host species collected in The Netherlands were investigated. Two samples collected in France were also examined. Ergot of Glyceria fluitans (L.) R.Br. did not contain alkaloids. The total alkaloid content of ergot found on the other wild grasses was more than 0.2%. The ratio between the contents of water soluble and water insoluble alkaloids of the investigated ergot sclerotia varies between 1:10 and 1:20. The composition of the alkaloid complex in the sclerotia was studied by quantitative thin-layer chromatography. The sclerotia could be grouped into three main categories: --sclerotia of Lolium perenne L., Festuca arundinacea Schreb. and Arrhenatherum elatius (L.) P.B. ex J. et C. Presl, containing predominantly ergocornine, alpha- and beta-ergokryptine and ergosine; --sclerotia of Dactylis glomerata L., Phalaris arundinacea L., Alopecurus geniculatus L. and Holcus mollis L., containing predominantly ergosine, ergocristine and ergotamine; --sclerotia of Molinia caerulea (L.) Moench, containing predominantly ergocristine, ergosine and ergometrine. A great similarity was found between the composition of the alkaloid complex in ergot of Lolium perenne L. from different locations and also in ergot of Molinia caerulea (L.) Moench from different locations. This similarity was less in ergot of Dactylis glomerata L. collected from different locations.