Cinnamomum Camphora Leaf Oil
Also known as: Camphor tree leaf oil, Camphor laurel leaf oil, Cinnamomum camphora (L.) J. Presl leaf oil, Cinnamomum camphora leaf oil
Overview
Cinnamomum camphora leaf oil is an essential oil extracted from the leaves of the camphor tree, native to East Asia. It contains bioactive compounds like camphor, linalool, and other terpenoids, contributing to its aromatic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Traditionally, it's used topically for skin conditions, as a food preservative, and in aromatherapy. The oil's volatile terpenoids are key to its biological activity, particularly its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. Research is moderately developed, with several in vitro and animal studies, but limited human clinical trials. The available evidence is primarily preclinical and from small-scale studies, with no comprehensive systematic reviews or meta-analyses specifically on Cinnamomum camphora leaf oil as a supplement ingredient.
Benefits
The primary benefits of Cinnamomum camphora leaf oil include anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. In vitro and animal models demonstrate anti-inflammatory activity, suggesting potential for reducing inflammation. Food preservation studies show antimicrobial and preservative effects, inhibiting spoilage and extending the shelf life of food products like bread and cheese. Secondary benefits may include potential skin infection prevention due to its antimicrobial components, although this evidence is preliminary and derived from reviews on camphor rather than the leaf oil specifically. Clinical significance and effect sizes are not well-quantified in human studies, with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects demonstrated qualitatively or in vitro.
How it works
Cinnamomum camphora leaf oil's essential oil components, such as camphor and linalool, modulate inflammatory pathways and exhibit antimicrobial activity. These components disrupt microbial membranes and inhibit microbial growth. Primarily, the effects are observed through topical or external application, as systemic absorption and effects are not well-characterized. The terpenoids in the oil may inhibit pro-inflammatory mediators and microbial enzymes, but specific molecular targets are still under investigation. The lipophilic nature of essential oils facilitates skin absorption, though systemic bioavailability remains low and variable.
Side effects
Cinnamomum camphora leaf oil is generally considered safe when used topically or in food preservation at low concentrations. However, potential side effects include skin irritation or allergic reactions with topical use. Large-scale safety data is limited, and uncommon or rare side effects are not well-documented. No specific drug interactions have been identified. Contraindications include known allergies to camphor or related compounds. Safety in pregnant or breastfeeding women has not been established, and caution is advised. Oral safety data is limited, although studies on seed kernel oil showed no toxicity in 90-day studies. Patch testing is recommended before widespread topical use to mitigate the risk of allergic reactions.
Dosage
A minimum effective dose for human supplementation has not been established. Food preservation studies have used concentrations around 0.11 to 0.33 mg per sample. Optimal dosage ranges are not defined, and the maximum safe dose is also not established. Oral toxicity studies on seed kernel oil showed no adverse effects at tested doses over 90 days. The oil is typically used as an essential oil in topical or food preservation applications. Its lipophilic nature facilitates skin absorption, but bioavailability data is lacking. There are no known required cofactors. Due to the lack of clinical dosing data, timing considerations are not applicable.
FAQs
Is Cinnamomum camphora leaf oil safe for topical use?
Generally, yes, but patch testing is recommended to avoid potential allergic reactions or skin irritation before widespread use.
Can it be taken orally as a supplement?
Oral use is not well-studied. Seed kernel oil appears safe in animal studies, but the oral safety of leaf oil remains unclear and requires further investigation.
Does it have proven clinical benefits?
No high-quality clinical trials confirm definitive benefits. Evidence is primarily preclinical and from food preservation studies, lacking robust human data.
How should it be stored?
Like most essential oils, store in a cool, dark place to preserve its potency and prevent degradation of its active compounds.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33086631/ – This study demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects of Cinnamomum camphora essential oil in vitro, showing inhibition of inflammatory mediators. The research provides preliminary evidence of the oil's potential anti-inflammatory properties, but it is not a systematic review or RCT and lacks human data, limiting its direct applicability to human supplementation.
- https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/14/12/2116 – A 90-day sub-chronic oral toxicity study of Cinnamomum camphora seed kernel oil in animals showed no clinical toxicity or teratogenicity, supporting safety for edible use. While the study suggests the seed kernel oil is safe for consumption, it is important to note that this is not leaf oil and not a human trial, so the findings may not directly translate to the leaf oil's safety profile in humans.
- https://ijfsnh.journals.ekb.eg/article_339565_5d23cd0b100e6a5bf80e2d90fb3f7783.pdf – The essential oil from camphor leaves was tested as a food preservative in bread and cheese, showing antimicrobial activity that extended shelf life and maintained sensory qualities. This study supports the antimicrobial potential of the oil in food preservation, but it is not a clinical trial and does not provide evidence for its efficacy or safety as a human supplement.
- https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/17/6/715 – This review discusses the diverse pharmacological activities of camphor, including its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties. It highlights the potential therapeutic applications of camphor, but it's important to note that the review focuses on camphor in general, rather than specifically on Cinnamomum camphora leaf oil, and further research is needed to confirm these effects in human clinical trials.
