Polygodial is a sesquiterpene dialdehyde compound found in several plants, such as Polygonum hydropiper (water pepper) and Drimys winteri (Winter's bark). Its antifungal activity has been investigated in vitro and is well documented in scientific literature. Studies have demonstrated that polygodial exhibits broad-spectrum antifungal effects against yeasts and filamentous fungi, including Candida albicans and Trichophyton species. The proposed mechanism involves disruption of fungal cell membranes, likely due to the compound’s lipophilic nature and ability to interact with membrane phospholipids, leading to increased permeability and cell death.

While these findings support the potential for polygodial as an antifungal agent, most evidence is limited to laboratory (in vitro) studies and animal models. There is a lack of robust clinical trials in humans evaluating the efficacy, safety, and optimal dosing of polygodial for treating fungal infections. Thus, while the use of polygodial for fungal infections is justified by scientific investigation at the preclinical level, it cannot be considered an established or clinically validated therapy at this time. Further research, particularly well-designed human studies, is required to fully assess its therapeutic potential.