Matemone, a new bioactive bromine-containing oxindole alkaloid from the Indian Ocean sponge Iotrochota purpurea

A new bioactive bromine-containing oxindole alkaloid, matemone (1), was iso lated from the Indian Ocean sponge Iotrochota purpurea, together with the k nown 6-bromoindole-3-carbaldehyde. The structures were elucidated on the ba sis of spectral and chemical data. Compound 1 shows mild cytotoxicity again st three cancer cell lines and marginal antibacterial activity against Stap hyloccocus aureus. DNA intercalant screening demonstrated DNA interactions with 1. Both compounds inhibit division of sea-urchin eggs.