Ustilago

Therapy. Ellingwood is authority for the statement that ustilago is preferable to ergot as a parturient because it produces intermittent (clonic) instead of tonic contractions; and decreases after-pains, conduces to better uterine involution, and controls hemorrhage.

Therapy. It is a useful remedy in uterine inertia as it does not exercise the irritating influence of the ergot of rye. Its mild influence prevents any possible injury to the child, and it possesses a very small percentage of the oil of ergot, which is supposed to poison the infant.

Action. This fungus unquestionably possesses power, acting as a spinal excitant and producing convulsions and destroying life either by tetanus or exhaustion. It dilates the pupils. Upon animals it acts as an abortifacient and produces a shedding of hair, hoofs and horns. Its action has been compared to that of ergot and nux vomica combined.

Physiological Action. The ergot of maize or common Indian corn is similar in its properties and in its physiological action upon the central nervous system and upon the capillary circulation of these organs, to those of the better known ergot of rye. It is, however, not so irritating in its influence, for, while possessing power, it works in a smooth, even and pleasant, but positive manner. It produces uterine contractions of a perfectly regular, intermittent and safe character, thus possessing a great advantage over the rye ergot.