Question

I am a breastfeeding mother and i want to know if it is safe to use Claviceps purpurea? Is Claviceps purpurea safe for nursing mother and child? Does Claviceps purpurea extracts into breast milk? Does Claviceps purpurea has any long term or short term side effects on infants? Can Claviceps purpurea influence milk supply or can Claviceps purpurea decrease milk supply in lactating mothers?

Claviceps purpurea lactation summary

Claviceps purpurea is dangerous in breastfeeding
  • DrLact safety Score for Claviceps purpurea is 7 out of 8 which is considered Dangerous as per our analyses.
  • A safety Score of 7 indicates that usage of Claviceps purpurea may cause toxic or severe side effects in breastfed baby.
  • Our study of different scientific research indicates that Claviceps purpurea may cause moderate to high side effects or may affect milk supply in lactating mother.
  • Our suggestion is to use safer alternate options rather than using Claviceps purpurea .
  • Usage of Claviceps purpurea is in contradiction to breastfeeding hence if it is must to use Claviceps purpurea and there is no better alternative available then breastfeeding shall be stopped permanently or temporarily.
  • Score calculated using the DrLact safety Version 1.2 model, this score ranges from 0 to 8 and measures overall safety of drug in lactation. Scores are primarily calculated using publicly available case studies, research papers, other scientific journals and publically available data.

Answer by Dr. Ru: About Claviceps purpurea usage in lactation

A parasitic fungus from the ear of some cereals, particularly rye, which since ancient times has caused epidemics of a serious disease, ergotism (Florea 2017, Belser 2013, Lee 2009). It has a complex composition, highlighting the ergoline alkaloids: lysergic acid amides such as ergometrine and ergopeptines such as ergotamine and ergotoxine (Florea 2017, Hulvová 2013) that act on adrenergic, dopaminergic and serotonergic receptors. Since the last update, we have not found published data on its excretion in breast milk. Ergot alkaloids have oxytocic, vasoconstrictive and lactation-inhibiting effects by inhibiting prolactin, among many others (Florea 2017, Hulvová 2013, Lee 2010, Lee 2009). Indications from the German Ministry of Health’s Commission E: none. Due to its serious adverse reactions and toxicity, natural alkaloids are not used in therapy, and there are recommendations for their withdrawal from sale (EMA 2014). At present, semisynthetic derivatives such as methylergometrine, dihydroergotamine, dihydroergocristine, bromocriptine and lisuride are used, among others. See below the information of these related products:

Alternate Drugs for Phytotherapy, Systemic Use

Chasteberry(Unsafe)
Chamomile(Safe)
Echinacea(Low Risk)
Alfalfa(Unsafe)
Dong Quai(Low Risk)
Cranberry(Safe)
Licorice(Unsafe)
Rhubarb(Low Risk)
Lavender(Low Risk)
Barberry(Dangerous)
Carob(Safe)
Common Poppy(Unsafe)
Angelica(Unsafe)
Star Anise(Dangerous)
Mugwort(Unsafe)
Edible Burdock(Low Risk)
Box(Unsafe)
Boldo(Unsafe)
Calaguala(Safe)
Caralluma(Low Risk)
Carrageen(Low Risk)
Blue-Cohosh(Dangerous)
Squisandra(Low Risk)
Black-Cohosh(Unsafe)
Horsetail(Unsafe)
Colocynth Pulp(Dangerous)
Ergot Fungus(Dangerous)
Ephedra(Unsafe)
Steviol(Safe)
Eucalyptus(Unsafe)
Eyebright(Safe)
Flowers(Low Risk)
Fucus(Unsafe)
Goat´s Rue(Unsafe)
Bearberry(Unsafe)
Guarana(Low Risk)
Herniary(Low Risk)
Hyssop(Unsafe)
Syrup Of Ipecac(Low Risk)
Jin Bu Huan(Dangerous)
Kava Kava(Dangerous)
Clubmoss(Unsafe)
Maca(Safe)
Nux Vomica(Dangerous)
Papain(Low Risk)
Passion Flower(Low Risk)
African Cherry(Dangerous)
Scots Pine(Unsafe)
Pennyroyal(Unsafe)
Primrose(Safe)
Radish(Safe)
Ironwort(Low Risk)
Liquorice(Unsafe)
Rooibos(Safe)
Rose Hip(Safe)
Willow(Safe)
Soy(Low Risk)
Herbal Teas(Low Risk)
Rock Tea(Low Risk)
Tormentil(Safe)
Meadow-Sweet(Low Risk)
Sarsaparilla(Low Risk)
Sweet Flag(Unsafe)
Saw palmetto(Low Risk)
Cat's Claw(Low Risk)
Milk Vetch(Low Risk)
White Mulberry(Low Risk)
Di Huang(Low Risk)
Zi Wan(Unsafe)
Dang Shen(Low Risk)
Reishi(Low Risk)
Glycyrrhizin(Unsafe)
Carrageenan(Low Risk)
Carrageenin(Low Risk)
Passion Vine(Low Risk)
Chaste Tree(Unsafe)
Sweet Cane(Unsafe)
Sweet root(Unsafe)
Irish Moss(Low Risk)
Bromelain(Safe)
Bromelin(Safe)

Synonyms of Claviceps purpurea

Disclaimer: Information presented in this database is not meant as a substitute for professional judgment. You should consult your healthcare provider for breastfeeding advice related to your particular situation. We do not warrant or assume any liability or responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information on this Site.