Process for isolation of ergot alkaloids from ergot

Ergot alkaloids are isolated from ergot in high yields and purity by a process including extracting Claviceps purpurea, i.e., ergot, with a toluene/ethanol solvent mixture to obtain a primary extract. The primary extract can be further subjected to two steps of liquid-liquid extraction to purify the alkaloids resulting in a purified toluene extract. The toluene extract can be further partially evaporated and a crystalline product obtained by crystallization from the toluene or a mixture of toluene and an aliphatic hydrocarbon.