PREPARATION OF ERGOT TOTAL ALKALOIDS FOR INJECTIONS

An injectable aqueous solution of ergot alkaloids was prepared from native ergot by repercolation with 50% alcohol acidified with tartaric acid as menstruum. The alcoholic percolate was extracted with ether and finally with 1% tartaric acid solution. The aqueous solution was assayed colorimetricalty. After its concentration was adjusted to 0.32 mg/ml and filtered, the solution was put into 2 ml ampoules under an atmosphere of carbon dioxide and sterilized at 100°for 30 minutes. Stability studies show that filling the ampoules under CO₂ and adding, 0.1% ascorbic acid and 10 ppm of EDTA markedly improve the stability of the alkaloid.