1. Volume 53(2):77-82, 2009
Acta Biologica Szegediensis
http://www.sci.u-szeged.hu/ABS
REVIEW
1
Department of Crop Biology, Sect. Plant Physiology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy, 2
Department of Veterinary Clinics,
University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
Camphor: benefits and risks of a widely used natural
product
Paolo Zuccarini1
*, Giulio Soldani2
ABSTRACT The main aspects of the non-clinical profile of D-camphor, a natural product
widely used as a common remedy for several symptoms, are reviewed. The pharmacodynamics
and toxicity of this substance are analyzed, with regard to all the literature available, in order
to assess a risk profile and better understand the positive and negative results connected with
its use. The general conclusion is that the main risks of camphor as a medicinal product are
mainly due to a somehow diffused attitude of considering it as “not a real medicine”, and to
its consequent sometimes not sufficiently careful administration.
Acta Biol Szeged 53(2):77-82 (2009)
KEY WORDS
D-camphor
pharmacodynamic
pharmacokinetics
risk/benefit assessment
toxicity
Pharmacology
Pharmacodynamics

2. Pharmacokinetics
Figure 1. Structural formula of Camphor, a bicyclic monoterpene ketone
(1,7,7-trimethylbicyclo [2.2.1] heptan).

3. Interactions
Toxicity

4. Reproduction toxicity
Mutagenicity and cancerogenicity
Discussion and Conclusions

5. Acknowledgements
References