Polygodial

Polygodial is a naturally occurring drimane-type sesquiterpene dialdehyde (molecular formula C₁₅H₂₂O₂) found in multiple plant species such as dorrigo pepper, mountain pepper, and horopito. It is known for its pungent flavor, which arises from activation of the TRPA1 pain receptor in sensory nerve endings. Polygodial exhibits diverse biological activities, including antifungal, antibacterial, antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and insect antifeedant properties. Its primary antifungal mechanism is disruption of lipid-protein interfaces in membranes, acting as a nonionic surfactant. It is being researched for its potential utility as an antifungal potentiator and for pain modulation via TRPA1 activation/desensitization. However, it is not considered a classical drug target but rather a bioactive natural product and ligand.

Other names

TadeonalPoligodial(-)-TadeonalDrim-7-ene-11,12-dial1,4,4A,5,6,7,8,8A-Octahydro-5,5,8A-trimethyl-1,2-naphthalenedicarboxaldehyde

For its own bioactivity: Activation of TRPA1 ion channel to elicit pungency and pain; Membrane disruption (nonionic surfactant action against fungi/microbes); Desensitization of sensory neurons (analgesia)