The genera Nectandra and Ocotea (Lauraceae) are well represented in the Brazilian flora. They are generally characterized by the occurrence of alkaloids of the benzylisoquinoline-aporphine group [1, 2]. We now report the occurrence in a Nectandra species of indoles which have previously been associated with hallucinogenic preparations from, for example, Piptadenia (Leguminosae) [3,4] Banisteriopsis (Malpighiaceae) [5, 6] and Virola (Myristicaceae) [7] species. The bark of Nectandra megapotamica (Sprg.) Chodat et Hassler, a tree of medium height growing in the north-east of S. Paulo state, is popularly attributed with the property of relieving pain [8]. A chemical and pharmacological investigation was therefore undertaken. Two strong bases were isolated and shown to be indoles by UV spectrometry. One was identified as N-methyltryptamine (1). The other was identified by IR, UV and NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry as 6-methoxy-N-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-β-carboline (2). Comparison with authentic samples [9] confirmed the identity. Both alkaloids 1 and 2 inhibit the growth of Crithidia fasciculata (Trypanosomatidae) in brain heart infusion hemin medium at 6 μg/ml. It is not yet known whether this activity is related to the previously reported pharmacological properties of the bases [5, 10].