Biosynthesis of the Iboga alkaloids : The incorporation of tryptophan-3-C14 into Ibogaine

Abstract

The biosynthesis of the Iboga alkaloids, of which ibogaine (II) is a typical example, has been discussed by several authors (1,2,3). The majority agree that tryptophan or tryptamine is the probable precursor of part of these alkaloids, and we have tested this hypothesis by tracer experiments in vivo.