Biosynthesis of brevicolline

Conclusions 1. When DL-[2^–14C] tryptophan, sodium [2^–14C] pyrotartrate, sodium [¹⁴/C]-formate, and universally labeled L-[¹⁴C] glutamic acid were introduced through the root system intoCarex brevicollis DC, active brevicolline was obtained.2. Tryptophan and sodium pyrotartrate are precursors of the -carboline moiety of the brevicolline molecule, and sodium formate is a precursor of the N-methyl grouping.3. The introduction of universally labeled L-glutamic acid does not lead to an unambiguous indication of the role of this precursor in the biosynthesis of brevicolline.Khimiya Prirodnykh Soedinenii, Vol. 5, No. 1, pp. 39–43, 1969