Nine alkaloids of the beta-carboline type have been isolated from Banisteriopsis caapi Morton (Malighiaceae). Two new alkaloids of a different structural type, shihunine and digydroshihunine, are reported here. The former had been isolated earlier from Dmdrobium lohohensc Tang. and Wang., and D.picrardii Roxb.; this is the first recorded natural occurrence of the latter, whch poasansa the S configuration.