Compound Monograph

Cryptolepine

An indoloquinoline alkaloid and the main alkaloid of the West African root Cryptolepis sanguinolenta; a traditional antimalarial strongly active against Plasmodium that also shows antibacterial and DNA-intercalating activity.

Classification

Cryptolepine is one of the indole alkaloids, part of the alkaloids class. Nitrogen-containing, often bitter and physiologically potent compounds — the group behind many of the strongest plant medicines and poisons.

Where Does It Come From? (2)

Cryptolepine is one of the indole alkaloids, found in Cryptolepis and Wireweed.