Get Your Personalized Supplement StackSupplement Stack Quiz

CAMPHOR

Also known as: 2-bornanone, Cinnamomum camphora, Camphor

Overview

Camphor is a white, crystalline terpenoid compound (C10H16O) primarily derived from the wood of the camphor laurel tree (Cinnamomum camphora) or produced synthetically. It is widely recognized for its strong, distinctive odor and its ability to produce a cooling sensation upon topical application. Historically and currently, camphor is utilized as a topical analgesic and counterirritant, commonly found in formulations aimed at relieving cough, muscle pain, and skin irritation. While its use as a single agent has limited dedicated clinical research, it is a significant component in various traditional medicine and herbal formulations. Notably, it is often combined with other herbal extracts, such as hawthorn, in products targeting cardiovascular effects. The evidence supporting its benefits, particularly for blood pressure regulation, largely stems from studies on these combination products, indicating a moderate level of research maturity and quality for these specific applications.

Benefits

Camphor, particularly when combined with hawthorn extract, has shown evidence of benefit in specific populations. A 2019 meta-analysis and systematic review indicated that this combination significantly increases systolic and diastolic blood pressure in hypotensive patients, suggesting its potential utility in managing low blood pressure. This effect was observed in adults with hypotension, with statistically significant increases in blood pressure, although precise effect sizes were not detailed. The quality of evidence for this specific application is considered moderate, primarily derived from studies on combination products rather than camphor as a standalone ingredient. The same meta-analysis, however, reported no significant improvement in cognitive performance from the combination product. The optimal dose and duration of treatment for these benefits remain unclear due to limited data.

How it works

Camphor primarily functions as a counterirritant when applied topically. It stimulates nerve endings in the skin, producing a cooling sensation that can help modulate pain signals and provide relief from localized discomfort. When incorporated into combination products, such as those with hawthorn extract, camphor's mechanism for increasing blood pressure in hypotensive individuals is less precisely defined but may involve contributions to vasoconstriction or other pathways that influence cardiovascular dynamics. Camphor is absorbed through the skin upon topical application, with systemic absorption generally being low at therapeutic doses. The exact molecular targets for its cardiovascular effects are not yet fully elucidated.

Side effects

The combination of camphor and hawthorn extract has generally been well tolerated in clinical trials, with adverse effects comparable to placebo. When used topically, mild skin irritation or allergic reactions may occur. However, toxicity is a concern with ingestion or excessive topical application. Symptoms of camphor toxicity can include nausea, dizziness, vomiting, and in severe cases, seizures. Due to the risk of toxicity, camphor should be avoided in infants and young children. While no significant drug interactions were reported in the reviewed studies for the combination product, caution is advised when used concurrently with other cardiovascular agents. The safety of camphor during pregnancy and lactation has not been well established, and its use in these populations is generally not recommended.

Dosage

The minimum effective dose for camphor as a standalone agent is not clearly established. For combination products, such as those containing camphor and hawthorn extract (e.g., Korodin®), specific formulations have been used in clinical trials, but optimal dosing and dose-response relationships require further research. Topical applications should not exceed recommended limits to prevent toxicity; ingestion of camphor is contraindicated. Camphor is commonly found in topical rubs, ointments, and oral herbal preparations. When applied topically, skin integrity can affect absorption, and it should not be applied to broken skin. The timing of administration varies by product, with blood pressure effects from combination products typically requiring days to weeks to manifest.

FAQs

Is camphor safe for topical use?

Yes, at recommended topical doses, camphor is generally safe, but it should never be ingested due to toxicity risks.

Can camphor raise blood pressure?

When combined with hawthorn extract, camphor may increase blood pressure in individuals with hypotension, as shown in some studies.

How quickly does it work?

The onset of effects varies; for blood pressure benefits from combination products, it typically requires days to weeks of consistent use.

Is it effective for cognitive enhancement?

No, current evidence does not support significant cognitive benefits from camphor or its combination with hawthorn extract.

Can it be used in children?

Camphor is generally not recommended for use in infants and young children due to a higher risk of toxicity.

Research Sources

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31255877/ – This meta-analysis and systematic review by Csupor et al. (2019) investigated the effects of a hawthorn extract and camphor combination (Korodin®) on blood pressure and cognition in hypotensive adults. The study included four RCTs for blood pressure and three for cognitive performance, finding a statistically significant increase in systolic and diastolic blood pressure but no cognitive benefits. The authors noted the combination was well-tolerated, with adverse effects comparable to placebo, but highlighted the need for further high-quality trials to establish optimal dosing and efficacy.