Falcarindiol is a polyyne found in carrot roots which has antifungal activity. Falcarindiol is the main compound responsible for bitterness in carrots. Falcarindiol and other falcarindiol-type polyacetylenes are also found in many other plants of the family Apiaceae, including some commonly used seasonings such as dill and parsley.
A variety of bioactivities have been reported for falcarindiol and the falcarindiol-type polyacetylenes, and because of potential health-promoting metabolic effects these compounds are studied as potential nutraceuticals. Falcarindiol is the most-active among several polyynes found in Devil's club (Oplopanax horridus) that inhibit cell proliferation.
↑Czepa, A.; Hofmann, T. (2003). "Structural and sensory characterization of compounds contributing to the bitter off-taste of carrots (Daucus carota L.) and carrot puree". Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 51 (13): 3865–3873. Bibcode:2003JAFC...51.3865C. doi:10.1021/jf034085+. PMID12797757.
↑Christensen, L. P.; Brandt, K. (2006). "Bioactive polyacetylenes in food plants of the Apiaceae family: Occurrence, bioactivity and analysis". Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis. 41 (3): 683–693. doi:10.1016/j.jpba.2006.01.057. PMID16520011.