Rutaecarpine (Evodia rutaecarpa) derivatives were synthesized by bioisosteric replacements of the quinazolone moiety of the pentacyclic system with benzothiadiazine 1,1-dioxide. Syntheses were performed efficiently by formation of phenylhydrazones via active methylene group transformations of pyrrolo- and pyrido[1,2-b]1,2,4-benzothiadiazine 5,5-dioxides, and subsequent Fischer-indolization. Preliminary testing of compound 3 showed cytotoxic activity against HeLa cells and apoptosis inducing effect.