The former popular hypnotic chloral hydrate has been known to spontaneously condense with tryptamine in the body to give rise to a highly unpolar 1-trichloromethyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-beta-carboline (TaClo) derivative. Earlier studies have revealed the relative permeability of the molecule through the body, and its ability to induce Parkinson-like symptoms in rats. In this study, we report that TaClo is a highly cytotoxic agent that leads to apoptosis in human neuroblastoma cells involving caspase-3 activation.