A new alkaloid has been isolated from the eipgeal part of the Aconitum karakolicum Rapaics. and has been called 12-epinapelline. The structure of the new alkaloid has been shown by the preparation of a diacetate and an iso derivative and also by the direct passage from songorine to 12-epinapelline and a study of their spectral characteristics. © 1987 Plenum Publishing Corporation.