Camphor

Camphor is a naturally occurring bicyclic monoterpene ketone (C10H16O) with a strong aromatic odor. It is found in several species of laurel trees—especially Cinnamomum camphora—and can also be synthesized chemically. Camphor appears as white, waxy, slightly translucent crystals. Historically, it has been used in medicine as a topical analgesic, antipruritic, decongestant, and for its distinct scent in products such as moth repellents and flavorings. It is not itself a therapeutic target but rather a bioactive small molecule that acts on various ion channels such as some transient receptor potential (TRP) channels to produce sensations of warmth or coolness, which underpins its use in rubefacient liniments and balms. Camphor toxicity can occur, particularly with ingestion, and may result in neurological and hepatic symptoms. Caveats: - The term "Camphor" refers to the compound itself—a small molecule, not a biological macromolecule. - It is improper to list camphor as a "target" in the context of molecular pharmacology or drug discovery; rather, TRP channels (such as TRPV1 and TRPM8) are molecular targets modulated by camphor, not vice versa. If you intend to find information about a true therapeutic target (such as a camphor-activated receptor or channel), please specify the relevant receptor/channel name (e.g., "transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1" (TRPV1), which is a molecular target of camphor).

Other names

(+)-camphor(−)-camphor(S)-camphor(R)-camphorbornan-2-onel-camphord-camphor1,7,7-trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-onegum camphor