Two new alkaloids, 9-carbethoxy-3-methylcarbazole and 9-formyl-3-methy
lcarbazole, and a known metabolite, 3-methyl-carbazole were isolated f
rom the roots of Murraya koenigii. All three compounds were identified
by detailed spectral analyses including 2D NMR studies and their stru
ctures confirmed by synthesis. Of the two new metabolites, the 9-formy
l compound displayed weak cytotoxicity against both mouse melanoma B16
and adriamycin-resistant P388 mouse leukemia cell lines. (C) 1997 Els
evier Science Ltd.