Indole alkaloids from cell suspension cultures of stemmadenia tomentosa and voacanga africana

Abstract

Cell suspension cultures of Stemmadenia tomentosa synthesized under normal growth condition the eight major indole alkaloids: (−)-tabersonine, (−)-minovincinine, (+)-conoflorine (voaphylline), condylocarpine, (+)-tubotaiwine (dihydrocondylocarpine), (−)-norfluorocurarine (vincanine), (−)-vinervine, and (−)-coronaridine. These alkaloids consist of the three different types, Aspidosperma, Strychnos and Iboga. In contrast, cultures of Voacanga africana produced mainly one alkaloid group (Aspidosperma-type) represented by (−)-tabersonine, lochnericine and (−)- minovincinine. Therefore this cell culture seems to be qualified for investigation concerning the biosynthesis of Aspidosperma alkaloids. © 1982, Walter de Gruyter. All rights reserved.