A novel Daphniphyllum alkaloid with an unprecedented tetracyclic ring system consisting of an octahydroindole and a hexahydroazulene rings, daphniglaucin C (1), has been isolated from the leaves of Daphniphyllum glaucescens and the structure and relative stereochemistry were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data. Daphniglaucin C (1) inhibited the polymerization of tubulin. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.