Ergot alkaloids produced by endophytic fungi of the genus Epichloë

Summary

This narrative review synthesises knowledge on ergot alkaloids produced by endophytic Epichloë fungi in forage grasses and their role in livestock toxicoses. The author examines how different alkaloid classes—ergot alkaloids, indole-diterpenes, peramine, and loline—produce distinct toxicological profiles, ranging from livestock disease (fescue toxicosis and ryegrass staggers) to insect deterrence. The review identifies ergovaline as the primary ergopeptine implicated in fescue toxicosis and explores potential mechanisms linking alkaloid exposure to toxicity through drug-metabolising enzyme interactions.

Regional applicability

Tall fescue and perennial ryegrass are widely sown in the United Kingdom for forage production, making fescue toxicosis and ryegrass staggers relevant to UK livestock farming. The findings apply directly to UK pasture management and livestock health; however, the review does not specify UK-specific epidemiological data or risk estimates, limiting direct application to UK policy and breeding programmes without additional local field evidence.

Key measures

Ergot alkaloid profiles (particularly ergovaline) in endophyte-infected tall fescue and ryegrass; clinical signs and pathophysiology of fescue toxicosis, ryegrass staggers, and related livestock diseases; alkaloid variation factors; enzyme interactions

Outcomes reported

The review characterises ergot alkaloid production by endophytic Epichloë fungi in grasses and examines resulting livestock diseases (fescue toxicosis, ryegrass staggers, sleepy grass, drunken horse grass) across mammalian species. It explores factors influencing alkaloid levels in plants and mechanistic interactions with drug-metabolising enzymes.

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