It is found in the Apocynaceae family of plants including Picralima nitida,[1][2] Vinca minor and the Aspidosperma.

Akuammicine is a monoterpene indole alkaloid of the Vinca sub-group which shares a common biosynthesis with other members, namely that they are derived from strictosidine.

[4] Akuammicine has been a target for total synthesis,[10] partly because of its relationship to the well-known alkaloid strychnine which has often attracted chemists in academia.

[11][12][13][14] Plant metabolites have long been studied for their biological activity and alkaloids in particular are major subjects for ethnobotanical research.

[15] Akuammicine is reported to have effects on glucose uptake[2] and be a κ- and μ-opioid receptor agonist.