(1R)-(+)-Camphor is a terpene that has been found in
C. sativa, C. indica, and
C. sativa/C. indica hybrid strains as well as the essential oils from a variety of herbs including rosemary, lavender, and sage and has diverse biological activities.
1,2,3,4,5,6 It inhibits norepinephrine secretion and cytosolic calcium and sodium increases induced by the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) agonist 1,1-dimethyl-4-phenylpiperazinium iodide (DMPP) in chromaffin cells (IC
50s = 70, 88, and 19 μM, respectively).
2 (1R)-(+)-Camphor (65-260 μM) induces proliferation of and increases expression of collagen IA, collagen IIIA, collagen IVA, and elastin in human primary dermal fibroblasts.
3 In vivo, (1R)-(+)-camphor increases expression of collagen IA, collagen IIIA, collagen IVA, and elastin in skin in UV-exposed mice when administered at doses of 26 and 55 mM in drinking water post UV-exposure. It reduces cough frequency in citric acid-challenged guinea pigs.
4 (1R)-(+)-Camphor is insecticidal, reducing digging activity and inducing mortality of fire ant workers.
5 It has also been used as a building block in the synthesis of cannabinergic ligands.
6