Stem Bark Alkaloids of Rauwolfia volkensii

Abstract

Seventeen alkaloids were isolated and identified from Rauwolfia volkensii stem bark. Geissoschizine was the only E–seco indole alkaloid isolated. Four sarpagan alkaloids (preperakine –O–acetyl (a new alkaloid), polyneuridine, normacusine B, normacusine B–O–acetyl), three dihydroindoles (nortetraphyllicine, tetraphyllicine, ajmaline), four heteroyohimbines (tetrahydroalstonine, aricine, isoreserpiline, reserpiline) and two yohimbines (α – yohimbine, yohimbine) were found together with peraksine, the oxindole carapanaubine and the anhydronium base alstonine. The inter–relationship of these alkaloids has been discussed.

Key Word Index

Rauwolfia volkensii - Apocynaceae - Stem Indole Alkaloids - E–seco Indole - Sarpagan - Dihydroindole - Yohimbine - Heteroyohimbine - Oxindole - Peraksine and Anhydronium Types