INDOLE ALKALOIDS
Indole alkaloids are derived from the amino acid tryptophan as can easily be discerned by comparing their nitrogen containing nucleus to the chemical structure of tryptophan.
![](images/indole1.gif)
Important classes of indole alkaloids include:
- the ergot alkaloids (ergotamine, ergocristine, etc.),
- the fescue alkaloids (ergovaline, ergosine,ergonine, lysergic acid amide),
- 3-methylindole (produced by rumen fermentation of tryptophan), and
- the beta-carbolines.
This series of web pages was created by an undergraduate student at Cornell University for the AS625 class. All comments and suggestions are welcome.
WARNING: These web pages are only meant to be informative. Neither Cornell University nor the author of this site endorse or recommend the use of these plants.