Ergot alkaloid

History

Attempts to characterize the activity of ergoline alkaloids began in 1907, with the isolation of ergotoxine by G. Barger and F. H. Carrin. However, the industrial production of ergot alkaloids didn't begin until 1918, when Arthur Stoll patented the isolation of ergotamine tartrate, which was marketed by Sandoz in 1921. Following the determination of the basic chemical structure of the ergot alkaloids in 1930, an era of intensive exploration of synthetic derivatives began and industrial production of ergoline alkaloids exploded, with Sandoz continuing to be the leading company in their production worldwide, up until 1950 when other competitors arose. The company, now renamed Novartis, still retains its leadership in the product of ergot alkaloids. In 1943, Arthur Stoll and Albert Hofmann reported the first total synthesis of an ergot alkaloid, ergometrine. Though the synthesis found no industrial application, this was a huge leap forward in the industry.