8Paradol

8-Paradol is a natural chemical compound classified as a diarylheptanoid in the paradol family. It is a constituent identified in ginger (Zingiber officinale) and related plants, and it occurs in small amounts alongside other paradols such as 6-paradol and 4-paradol in ginger rhizomes and extracts.

Chemistry and isolation: 8-Paradol has the diarylheptanoid skeleton, consisting of two aromatic rings linked by a seven-carbon chain, with functional groups that classify it as a paradol. It is a lipophilic compound, typically extracted from plant material with organic solvents and purified by chromatographic methods. Structural confirmation relies on spectroscopic techniques such as NMR and mass spectrometry.

Occurrence and isolation: It has been isolated from ginger and sometimes from commercial ginger extracts. It is generally present in lower abundance than some related paradols.

Biological activity: In preclinical studies, paradols show antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities in various systems. Some evidence suggests potential effects on metabolism and weight management in animal models, but data for 8-paradol specifically are limited and not well established.

Safety and regulation: There are no approved pharmaceutical uses for 8-paradol. It is a natural constituent of food ingredients and dietary supplements that contain ginger extracts. Safety data for high-dose or long-term use of 8-paradol alone are limited, and potential interactions with medications have not been thoroughly evaluated.

See also: 6-paradol, paradol, shogaol, gingerol.