Page 71 - phytochemistry II -pharmD general

NH

N
H

Ergot alkaloids
(Tryptophan with one prenyl moiety)
On the other hand, Rauwolfia and Yohimbe alkaloids are examples of the
latter classes, where ring C is formed by cyclization of the two carbon side chain
of tryptophan, upon condensation with the C10-geranyl portion that provides rings
D and E.

NH
N

Rauwolfia and Yohimbe alkaloids
(Tryptophan with two prenyl moiety)

1. Ergot alkaloids

Ergot is a drug that consists of the dried schlerotium stage of the parasitic
fungus (Claviceps purpurea); that grows in the ovaries of various cereal grasses;
and in particular rye. For medicinal purposes, the drug is produced through
controlled cultivation of the fungus on cultivated rye. The drug has long been used
in medicine, on account of its action on the uterus and vasomotor center.

70