Camphor

Animal

Mechanism of Action

Topical analgesic via TRPV3 and TRPA1 receptor activation; CNS stimulant at low doses; antimicrobial against gram-positive bacteria. Neurotoxic at high doses — GABA-A antagonism leads to seizures.

Major terpenoid constituent; analgesic, antispasmodic, and antimicrobial properties; neurotoxic at high doses

Camphor activates TRPV1 and TRPA1 thermosensory channels, producing warming and counter-irritant sensations that reduce pain perception. It also activates TRPM8 channels at lower concentrations and acts as a mild local anesthetic by blocking voltage-gated sodium channels. Topically, it increases local blood flow and enhances percutaneous absorption of co-applied compounds.

Camphor activates TRPV1 and TRPV3 thermoreceptors, producing a warming sensation and mild local anesthesia. It blocks voltage-gated sodium channels in sensory neurons, reducing pain signaling. At therapeutic doses, it stimulates respiratory drive and acts as a nasal decongestant through TRPM8 receptor stimulation in nasal epithelium.

Research Notes

African WormwoodAfrican

Well-characterised compound with established pharmacology. Topical use is safe and effective for pain relief. Internal use requires strict dose control due to narrow therapeutic index. Hepatic metabolism via CYP2B6 generates reactive metabolites.

SantolinaWestern

Camphor is a well-characterised monoterpene with established analgesic, antispasmodic, and antimicrobial activity. Neurotoxic at doses modestly above therapeutic range.

TansyWestern

The TRPV1 and TRPA1 agonist activity of camphor is well established in electrophysiology studies (Xu et al., 2005, Journal of Neuroscience). Topical camphor-containing preparations have demonstrated analgesic efficacy in several small clinical trials for musculoskeletal pain. Camphor content in tansy is highly chemotype-dependent, ranging from trace amounts to over 40% of the essential oil.

White SageWestern

Camphor is well-established in topical analgesic formulations with FDA monograph status for OTC external analgesic use at 3–11% concentration. Anti-inflammatory activity via NF-κB and COX-2 inhibition has been confirmed in vitro. White sage essential oil typically contains 10–25% camphor, contributing significantly to its aromatic and therapeutic profile.

Found In 4 Herbs

3D Molecular Structure

Bicyclic monoterpene ketone

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Camphor

Bicyclic monoterpene ketoneAromatic plant metabolites with anti-inflammatory properties

Representative pattern: C₁₀H₁₆O

Atoms

Carbon

Oxygen

Hydrogen

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