Compound Monograph

Polygodial

A pungent bicyclic sesquiterpene dialdehyde from horopito (Pseudowintera colorata) that gives the leaf its peppery heat, with well-documented antifungal activity against Candida and other yeasts.

Classification

Polygodial is one of the sesquiterpenes, part of the terpenoids class. The largest class of plant compounds, built from five-carbon isoprene units — the essential-oil aromatics, resins, bitter principles, saponins, and plant sterols.

Where Does It Come From? (3)

Polygodial is one of the sesquiterpenes, found in Dorrigo pepper, Horopito and Water-pepper.

Dorrigo pepper Horopito Pseudowintera colorata Water-pepper