Abstract
The leaves of Rauwolfia cumminsii Stapf yield at least 12 indole alkaloids. Two E–seco indole alkaloids (corynantheol and corynantheal), seven ajmalantype dihydroindole
alkaloids (endolobine, norpurpeline, dihydronorpurpeline, normitoridine, norseredamine,
nortetraphyllicine and seredamine–17–O–(3', 4', 5') trimethoxybenzoate), two sarpagan
alkaloids (normacusine B–O–methyl and an incompletely characterised compound) and
the indoline alkaloid picrinine were isolated. The apparent scarcity of Namethylated
indoline alkaloids in the plant may prove to be significant.
Key Word Index
Rauwolfia cumminsii - Apocynaceae - Indole alkaloids
