Camphor
Camphor/Drug Interactions:
AnalgesicsAnalgesics: In vitro experimentation has demonstrated camphor-mediated activation of human and murine transient receptor potential cation channel vanilloid 3 (TRPV3) and sensitization to heat (65; 66). The effects of camphor with other analgesic agents are not well understood. AntibioticsAntibiotics: Limited antibacterial action (on basis of zone of inhibition) against Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus vulgaris, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa was observed in vitro following incubation with camphor essential oil (67). The effects of camphor with antibiotics are not well understood. AntifungalsAntifungals: Based on in vitro evidence, camphor (essential oil extracted from the leaves of Cinnamomum camphora) may have antimycotic action (on basis of zone of inhibition) on Candida albicans (68; 69). The effects of camphor with antifungal agents are not well understood. Antihypertensive agentsAntihypertensive agents: Based on clinical evidence, the combination product Korodin? Herz-Kreislauf-Tropfen may increase systolic blood pressure (24; 25; 26; 3; 2). The effects of camphor and antihypertensive agents are not well understood. Anti-inflammatory agentsAnti-inflammatory agents: Based on in vitro study, camphor may have anti-inflammatory effects (70). The effects of camphor with anti-inflammatory agents are not well understood. Hepatotoxic agentsHepatotoxic agents: Symptoms of camphor intoxication have included increases in alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase, as noted in case reports of topical treatment with a preparation that contained camphor (e.g., traditional balm for use in coining, Vicks? VapoRub?) (40; 41; 23). Theoretically, concurrent use of camphor and hepatotoxic agents may increase the risk of liver dysfunction. Iron saltsIron salts: In an in vitro model of porphyria, (+)-camphor produced an increase in porphyrin production and increases in the activity and amount of ?-aminolevulinic acid synthase (53). In the absence of deferoxamine mesylate, which mimicked defective hepatic heme-synthesis in the model, (+)-camphor produced increases in heme oxygenase and benzphetamine demethylase activity. The effects of camphor with iron are not well understood. Neurologic agentsNeurologic agents: In human experimentation, camphor's odor evoked happiness, sadness, or surprise using a decision tree that linked basic emotions with autonomic nervous system measures during inhalation (71). Secondary sources indicate that extensive application may cause damage to the central nervous system. The effects of camphor with neurologic agents are not well understood. Nephrotoxic agentsNephrotoxic agents: According to secondary sources, extensive application of camphor may cause kidney damage. Caution is warranted when using camphor with nephrotoxic agents.Camphor/Herb/Supplement Interactions:
AnalgesicsAnalgesics: In vitro experimentation has demonstrated camphor-mediated activation of human and murine transient receptor potential cation channel vanilloid 3 (TRPV3) and sensitization to heat (65; 66). The effects of camphor with other analgesic agents are not well understood. AntibacterialsAntibacterials: Limited antibacterial action (on basis of zone of inhibition) against Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus vulgaris, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa was observed in vitro following incubation with camphor essential oil (67). The effects of camphor with antibiotics are not well understood. AntifungalsAntifungals: Based on in vitro evidence, camphor (essential oil extracted from the leaves of Cinnamomum camphora) may have antimycotic action (on basis of zone of inhibition) on Candida albicans (68; 69). The effects of camphor with antifungal agents are not well understood. Anti-inflammatory herbsAnti-inflammatory herbs: Based on in vitro study, camphor may have anti-inflammatory effects (70). The effects of camphor with anti-inflammatory agents are not well understood. AntioxidantsAntioxidants: Cinnamomum camphora leaf extract has been observed to have free radical-scavenging action in vitro (70). The effects of camphor with antioxidants are not well understood. CapsaicinCapsaicin: In animal study, camphor has been found to activate and desensitize the capsaicinreceptor (TRPV1) while inhibiting the TRPA1 channel, both ofwhich are heavily expressed in nociceptive sensory neurons (65; 66). Following camphor's activation of the TRPV1 receptor, this ion channel decreased in sensitivity to camphor (66). Hepatotoxic herbsHepatotoxic herbs: Symptoms of camphor intoxication have included increases in alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase, as noted in case reports of topical treatment with a preparation that contained camphor (e.g., traditional balm for use in coining, Vicks? VapoRub?) (40; 41; 23). Theoretically, concurrent use of camphor and hepatotoxic agents may increase the risk of liver dysfunction. HypotensivesHypotensives: Based on clinical evidence, the combination product Korodin? Herz-Kreislauf-Tropfen may increase systolic blood pressure (24; 25; 26; 3; 2). The effects of camphor and antihypertensive agents are not well understood. IronIron: In an in vitro model of porphyria, (+)-camphor produced an increase in porphyrin production and increases in the activity and amount of ?-aminolevulinic acid synthase (53). In the absence of deferoxamine mesylate, which mimicked defective hepatic heme synthesis in the model, (+)-camphor produced increases in heme oxygenase and benzphetamine demethylase activity. The effects of camphor with iron are not well understood. Nephrotoxic agentsNephrotoxic agents: According to secondary sources, extensive application of camphor may cause kidney damage. Caution is warranted when using camphor with nephrotoxic agents.Neurologic herbs and supplementsNeurologic herbs and supplements: In human experimentation, camphor's odor evoked happiness, sadness, or surprise using a decision tree that linked basic emotions with autonomic nervous system measures during inhalation (71). Secondary sources indicate that extensive application may cause damage to the central nervous system. The effects of camphor with neurologic agents are not well understood. Camphor/Food Interactions:
Insufficient available data.Camphor/Lab Interactions:
Blood pressureBlood pressure: Based on clinical evidence, the combination product Korodin? Herz-Kreislauf-Tropfen may increase systolic blood pressure (24; 25; 26; 3; 2). Liver function testsLiver function tests: Symptoms of camphor intoxication have included increases in alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase, as noted in case reports of topical treatment with a preparation that contained camphor (e.g., traditional balm for use in coining, Vicks? VapoRub?) (40; 41; 23). Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR)Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR): In healthy adults with the common cold, 60 minutes of vapor from a mixture of aromatics (camphor 35% w/w, menthol, eucalyptus oil) was reported to improve forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in three seconds, forced expiratory flow after exhalation of 25% of vital capacity, closing capacity, and change in concentration of nitrogen per liter (8). Protoporphyrin levelsProtoporphyrin levels: Camphor produced accumulation of protoporphyrin in an in vitro model of porphyria (53).