Indole Alkaloids - Distribution in Nature

Distribution in Nature

The plants that are rich in non-isoprenoid indole alkaloids include harmal (Peganum harmala), which contains harmane, harmine and harmaline, and Calabar bean (Physostigma venenosum) containing physostigmine. Some members of the family Convolvulaceae, in particular Ipomoea violacea and Turbina corymbosa, contain ergolines and lysergamides. Despite the considerable structural diversity, most of monoterpenoid indole alkaloids is localized in three families of dicotyledon plants: Apocynaceae (genera Alstonia, Aspidosperma, Rauwolfia and Catharanthus), Rubiaceae (Corynanthe) and Loganiaceae (Strychnos).

Indole alkaloids are also present in fungi. For example, psilocybin mushrooms contains derivatives of tryptamine and Claviceps contains derivatives of lysergic acid. The skin of many toad species of the Bufo genus contains a derivative of tryptamine, bufotenin, and the skin and venom of the species Bufo alvarius (Colorado River Toad) contains 5-MeO-DMT. Serotonin, which is an important neurotransmitter in mammals, can also be attributed to simple indole alkaloids.