17019-01-1

This carboline alkaloid is present in Banisteria caapi, a plant indigenous toSouth America. It is dextrorotatory with [o:]l>s + 32° (c 1.0, CHCI3). One methoxyl group, a methyl group and two imino groups are present in the molecule.

Tetrahydroharmine is a β-Carboline derivative. β-Carboline alkaloids are inhibitors of human monoamine oxidase enzymes. β-carboline derivatives were also reported to have antiviral and fungicidal activity. Tetrahydroharmine is related to 3,4-Dihydroharmine (D449718).

MAO-B: 74 nM (IC₅₀)

Hochstein, Paradies., J. Arner. Chern. Soc., 79, 5735 (1957)
Bernauer., Helv. Chirn. Acta, 47, 1075 (1960)
Koblicova, Trojanek., Chern. Ind., 1342 (1966)