Convolutindole A
# Convolutindole A

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.

## 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.

