Convolutindole A (2,4,6-tribromo-1,7-dimethoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine) is a brominated tryptamine alkaloid that was first identified in 2001 in Amathia convoluta, a marine bryozoan. Bryozoans are aquatic invertebrates that grow in colonies and may resemble corals.
Chemistry Convolutamine A is the 2,4,6-tribromo-1,7-dimethoxy derivative of DMT, a hallucinogen that occurs naturally in many plants and animals. Convolutamine A is chemically related to 5-bromo-DMT which also occurs in many marine invertebrates.
Until the discovery of convolutindole A, the 1-methoxyindole moiety was unknown in the marine world. 1-Methoxyindoles, such as lespedamine, were previously only known to occur in plants of the bean and mustard families.Narkowicz, C. K.; Blackman, A. J., (June 2001). Abstracts of Papers; 10th International Symposium on Marine Natural Products: Nago, Okinawa, Abstract OR1.
Biological activity This chemical was tested for its ability to kill parasitic nematodes. It was found to be more effective than levamisole - a synthetic drug used to kill parasitic worms and to treat colon cancer.
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