Camphor laurel Cinnamomum

Camphor is derived from the heartwood of the camphor laurel, Cinnamomum camphor a (Lauraceae), in the (+) isomeric form. The (-) form occurs in feverfew, Tanacetum parthenium (Asteraceae), and in some lavender varieties. It is regarded as an undesirable constituent in lavender oil. Much of the camphor used in commerce is prepared synthetically from other monoterpenes. Camphor is a CNS stimulant, primarily used as a topical agent for its antipruritic, rubifacient and mucolytic properties. It is toxic in high doses. 

Camphor is naturally occurring in the camphor laurel tree Cinnamomum camphora), but it can be obtained synthetically from turpentine oil. It possesses a cyclic turpentine structure, so it is very lipophilic, which is the reason why it is so well distributed in the body and can make crossings through mucus membranes and probably attract myelinated axons. Camphor is used in medicine for its local anesthetic, antipruritic, and antiseptic activities and as a expectorant in pharmaceutical preparations [137]. Camphor has been cherished for its medical uses for ages in Asia it remains less known in other parts of the world. Camphor vapor is not irritating to the eyes, so it is used in cosmeticproducts and also in room fresheners or in food as a disinfectant [138]. 

Bicyclic ketone camphor, formed by oxidation of borneol, is a component of cinnamon, sage and rosemary essential oils. In nature, camphor is formed by the oxidation of borneol, and usually occurs as a mixture of two isomers, (+)-camphor (8-51), which is more common, and (-)-camphor (8-51). Camphor is obtained from the camphor laurel tree wood Camphor officinalis, syn. Cinnamomum camphora, Lauraceae) originating in Indochina, where it grows in large numbers. A further sesquiterpenic ketone is (-)-fenchone (8-51), which is found in many essential oils, for example in fennel essential oil. 

Synonyms 2-Bornanone Bornan-2-one 2-Camphanone Camphora Cinnamomum camphora Formosa camphor Gum camphor Japan camphor 2-Keto-1,7,7-trimethylnorcamphane Laurel camphor Matricaria camphor 2-Oxobornane 1,7,7-Trimethylbicyclo (2.2.1)-2-heptanone 1,7,7-Trimethylbicyclo [2.2.1] heptan-2-one 1,7,7-Trimethylnorcamphor Ciassification Aliphatic cyclohexyl compd. 

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