Falcarinol

Falcarinol, a naturally occurring unsaturated alcohol, is found as a secondary plant substance in a number of plants (especially in umbellifers). Falcarinol is an oily liquid at room temperature with a boiling point of 115 °C .

Falcarinol is found in carrots, red ginseng (Panax ginseng), '/en/naturopathy/celery-143005" title="Celery and common ivy (Hedera helix). The substance protects the roots of plants from predators and fungal infections (e.g. against Mycocentrospora acerina)

In animal experiments, falcarinol has a tumour-protective effect at low doses. Falcarinol also has an antibacterial, fungicidal and pain-relieving effect. Falcarinol inhibits platelet aggregation. Falcarinol causes contact allergic and toxic skin reactions (see below ivy dermatitis). In higher concentrations it has a toxic effect.

1. Kjellenberg L et al(2012) Polyacetylenes in fresh and stored carrots (Daucus carota): relations to root morphology and sugar content. J Sci Food Agric 92:1748-1754.
2. Leonti M et al.(2010) Falcarinol is a covalent cannabinoid CB1 receptor antagonist and induces pro-allergic effects in skin. Biochem Pharmacol 79:1815-1826 Machado S et al. (2002) Occupational allergic contact dermatitis from falcarinol. Contact dermatitis 47:113-114.