indole alkaloids

A group of alkaloids the members of which contain an indole nucleus. They are derived either from tryptophan or phenylalanine. Examples are strychnine, from Strychnos nux vomica, and yohimbine from the bark of Corynanthe johimbe. Certain alkaloids containing quinoline are derived from indole compounds, an example being quinine, obtained from the bark of Cinchona species.