Camphor: risks and benefits of a widely used natural product

This study analyzes the main aspects of the non-clinical profile of d-camphor, a natural product widely used as a common remedy for several symptoms. the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics 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 aspects 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.