Vinca rosea L. yields this alkaloid which crystallizes as colourless needles from MeOH.
The base is laevorotatory having a specific rotation of [α]D_620 (MeOH) and forms
a crystalline hydrochloride, m.p. 281-3°e. The structure given above has been
elucidated from chemical and spectroscopic data.
Antihypertensive, anti-ischemic.
Antihypertensive, anti-ischemic (cerebral and peripheral)
ChEBI: Ajmalicine is a monoterpenoid indole alkaloid with formula C21H24N2O3, isolated from several Rauvolfia and Catharanthus species. It is a selective alpha1-adrenoceptor antagonist used for the treatment of high blood pressure. It has a role as an antihypertensive agent, an alpha-adrenergic antagonist and a vasodilator agent. It is a monoterpenoid indole alkaloid, a methyl ester and an organic heteropentacyclic compound. It is a conjugate base of an ajmalicine(1+).
It crystallises from MeOH, EtOH or EtOAc. [Beilstein 27 III/IV 7927.]
Janot, Le Men, Cornpt. Rend., 243, 1786 (1956)
Shamma, Moss, J. Arner. Chern. Soc., 83, 5038 (1961)
Abdurakhsimova, Yuldashev, Yunusov, Khirn. Prir. Soedin., 1,224 (1965)
