Abstract New derivatives of the naturally occurring amino acid 4, 5, 6, 7-tetrahydro-1H- imidazo [4, 5-c] pyridine-6-carboxylic acid (spinacine) are reported. These include amide, ester, 5-alkyl and acyl, and regiospecific N im-alkyl and aralkyl derivatives. Synthesis via the Pictet-Spengler reaction on N im-substituted histidines is described. Cyclic hydantoin derivatives of spinacines are included.