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).
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