Camphor (Cinnamomum camphora), a traditional remedy with the history of treating several diseases

Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of this literature review is to gain knowledge of the long history, wide variety and extensive applications of camphor, both in traditional and modern medicine. Camphor (Cinnamomum camphora) is obtained from the wood of camphor tree. It has been used for centuries, throughout the world as a remedy for treating variety of symptoms such as inflammation, infection, congestion, pain, irritation, etc. The studies have shown that some of the components of Cinnamomum camphora have suppressive and antimutagenic effect in number of human cancer cells without harming the healthy cells. In this paper our focus is on the use of camphor as a remedy for daily minor problems as well as reporting some information about the new applications of this traditional medicine to treat or prevent some serious lifethreatening diseases sucha as cancer and diabetes. We hope to get the attention of researchers for conducting more studies on the effects of camphor on patients with memory and brain disorders as well.

Camphor Induces Cold and Warm Sensations with Increases in Skin and Muscle Blood Flow in Human

“…2,3) In addition, camphor has been used as an antiseptic, contraceptive, aphrodisiac, and lactation suppressant. 4) Because camphor has mild expectant, nasal decongestant, and cough-suppressant effects, camphor in ointments, oils, and inhalants has been widely used as a home treatment for colds even recently.…”

TD-DFT Analysis of the Dissymmetry Factor in Camphor

“…16 A long history of its use, especially in medicine, is reported in literature. 17 Recently, several works are contributing to its description and properties analyses. [18][19][20][21][22] In this work we have studied the electronic and molecular properties of the S-enantiomer ( Figure 1a) and, for comparative purpose, of the L-tryptophan ( Figure 1b).…”

A Review on Aroma Profile of Cinnamomum Species in North and North East India

“…Cinnamomum camphora grown in Madagascar, is high in 1,8 cineole (averaging between 40 and 50%). [8] The major compounds in the leaf oil of C. camphora were camphor (18.5%), eucalyptol (16.5%), linalool (11.9%) and 3,7-dimethyl-1,3,7-octatriene (11.1%) while the major constituents in the twig essential oil were eucalyptol (17.2%), camphor (13.2%) and 3,7-dimethyl-1,3,7-octatriene (11.47%). The major components in the seed oil of C. amphora were eucalyptol (20.9%), methyleugenol (19.9%), linalool (14.7%) and camphor (5.5%).…”

“…This tree flowers in the month of April-May. [8] Cinnamomum camphora grown in Taiwan and Japan is normally very high in linalool, often between 80 and 85%. In India and Sri Lanka, the high camphor chemotype is dominant.…”

“…[1] About muscle pains and is also used in aromatherapy. [8] Due to its immense benefits on human health, we here present a review on the taxonomy, distribution, aroma profile and medicinal importance of Cinnamomum species present in north India. In India, it is grown in Kerala.…”