4963-01-3

This Mitragyna alkaloid has been isolated from the leaves of M. speciosa Korth by Beckett and his colleagues. It is an amorphous solid which cannot be obtained crystalline. The base may be characterized as the picrate which forms pale yellow needles from MeOH, m.p. 223°C (dec.). A methylgroup, a methoxycarbonyl group and one imino group are present. The second nitrogen atom is tertiary.

Isomitraphylline is an oxoindole alkaloid derivied from amazonian plants and maintain medicinal benefits. Used in the treatment of ulcers, arthritis, etc.

Isomitraphylline, an oxindole alkaloid, has potent anti-cancer activity.

Beckett et al., J. Pharm. Pharmacol., 17,753 (1965) Beckett et ai., Planta Med., 14, 266 (1966) Structure: Finch, Taylor., J. Amer. Chem. Soc., 84,3871 (1962) Prepara tion: Seaton et al., Can. J. Chem., 38, 1035 (1960)