In the title compound, C(15)H(13)NO(4), the conjugated double-bond system between the two rings adopts a cis configuration and there is an intra-molecular indole-ketone C-H⋯O inter-action. The indole N-H group forms an inter-molecular hydrogen bond with a ketone O-atom acceptor, giving a chain structure along the ab direction. The O-heterocyclic ring adopts a boat conformation and makes a dihedral angle of 16.72 (6)° with the indole ring system.