Canescine (C32H33O8N2), a new alkaloid possessing hypotensive and sedative activity, has been isolated from Rauwolfia canescens Linn. On basic hydrolysis canescine yielded canescic acid and one mole each of 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoic acid and methanol. Selenium dehydrogenation of methyl canescate afforded yobyrine. On the basis of chemical and spectral data, a tentative structural formula for canescine is proposed. © 1955, American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.