A highly regiospecific synthesis and crystal structure of (4bRS,9bRS)-5-(2,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-7,7-dimethyl-4b,9bdihydroxy-4b,5,6,7,8,9b-hexahydroindeno[1,2-b]indole-9,10-dione is reported. It was tested in vitroagainst six human tumour cell lines and two nontumourogenic cell lines. Their in vitroactivity against Mycobacterium tuberculosisis also reported. In general, it was found to possess a marginal activity.