Synthesis and pharmacological properties of the products of condensation of tryptamine derivatives with pyridoxal.

Four new derivatives of 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-beta-carboline 2a--d were synthetized with the pyridoxal moiety in position 1; there were also obtained four Schiff bases 1a--d which are intermediate products in this synthesis. Schiff bases 1a--d revealed a sedative and analgesic action, and compound 1b also had potential antidepressive properties. The derivatives of tetrahydro-beta-carboline 2a--d were inactive in the carried out tests.