Convolutindole A (2,4,6-tribromo-1,7-dimethoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine) is a
brominatedtryptaminealkaloid 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.
Narkowicz, C. K.; Blackman, A. J.; Lacey, E.; Gill, J. H.; Heiland, K. (2002). "Convolutindole a and Convolutamine H, New Nematocidal Brominated Alkaloids from the Marine BryozoanAmathia convoluta". Journal of Natural Products. 65 (6): 938–941.
doi:
10.1021/np010574x.
PMID12088445.