Desmodium pulchellum Ben t h ex B a k e r (Papilionaceae) is widely distributed in India and is used in the indigenous system of medicine for a variety of purposes (Chop ra et al., 1956). Decoction of its bark is used in haemorrhage, antidote to poisoning, in diarrhoea, and eye diseases; flowers are used in biliousness.Previously, the presence of seven indole-3-alkylamines (I, 11, IV-VIII), in the overground portions of the plant was reported by us (G h os a 1 and M u k h e r j e e , 1966). The initial phytochemical studies has now. been extended on the various individual parts of the plant, such as the roots, stem and leaves, pods and seeds, for their alkaloid contents and for the localization of these constituents in the different parts. Another important aspect of the study has been the evaluation of alkaloid accumulation in the individual parts of the plant during different periods of its growth.Detailed pharmacological screening has been conducted with the total and individual alkaloids from the various parts of the plant. The results would seem to indicate that the medicinal properties ascribed to the plant extracts are owing to their contained alkaloids.