Synthesizing Novel Neuroactive Compounds Found in Rainforest Tree

Potions made from the bark of Galbulimima belgraveana have long been known to have hallucinogenic and other neuroactive effects, but the precise compounds involved, and their biological targets, have largely been a mystery. The Scripps Research chemists believe they have found what is essentially the first streamlined, practical method for synthesizing many of these compounds.