# Karpura Camphor

> Karpura Camphor is an isolated compound rather than a whole plant drug. Rapidly metabolized hepatically to hydroxycamphor and glucuronic acid conjugates. Peak plasma levels in 15-30 minutes. Narrow therapeutic index; doses above 500 mg may cause toxicity.

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Karpura ([Camphor](/herb/camphor/)) |

## Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)

| Property | Value | Description |
|----------|-------|-------------|
| **Rasa** (Taste) | Tikta, Katu | Primary taste |
| **Guna** (Quality) | Laghu, Ruksha | Physical quality |
| **Virya** (Potency) | Sheeta | Heating/Cooling effect |
| **Vipaka** (Post-digestive) | Katu | Post-digestive effect |

## What is it made of?

### Mineral/Elemental Profile

- **Primary component:** Mineral-derived preparation
- **Note:** Composition varies by specific preparation method

**Analytical Methods:** XRD, ICP-OES, SEM-EDS

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Tablet (with excipients to prevent sublimation), Taila (camphorated oil), Balm/Ointment, Inhalation preparation, Lepa (paste), [Arka](/herb/arka/) (distillate)

**Standard Dosage:** Internal: 60-125 mg with appropriate Anupana (honey, ghee); External: 2-10% concentration in oil/ointment base; Inhalation: 2-5% in steam

**Bioavailability:** [Camphor](/herb/camphor/) is rapidly and almost completely absorbed through all routes — oral, inhalation, and transdermal. Oral bioavailability >90%. Rapidly metabolized hepatically to hydroxycamphor and glucuronic acid conjugates. Peak plasma levels in 15-30 minutes. Narrow therapeutic index; doses above 500 mg may cause toxicity. Transdermal delivery through lipophilic bases provides sustained local effects.

**Optimal Timing:** External applications: as needed, 2-4 times daily; inhalation: before bed for respiratory congestion; internal: after meals under medical supervision only

**Standardized Extract:** Natural camphor: minimum 96% d-camphor (dextrorotatory) by GC; camphor oil standardized to 50-65% camphor with [cineole](/glossary/compounds-c-d/#cineole) and [safrole](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#safrole) content <0.1%

**Shelf Life:** 12 months for tablets (sublimation loss); 36 months for oil preparations; 24 months for balms/ointments in sealed containers

**Storage:** Store in airtight, hermetically sealed containers at 15-25°C. Camphor sublimes readily — loose containers will lose content. Keep away from heat, flame (highly flammable), and children. Double containment for bulk camphor storage.

**Marker Compounds:** d-Camphor (natural), dl-Camphor (synthetic), [Borneol](/glossary/compounds-a-c/#borneol), [Camphene](/glossary/compounds-a-c/#camphene), 1,8-Cineole, Alpha-pinene, [Linalool](/glossary/compounds-l-o/#linalool)

### Extraction Methods

- Steam distillation from Cinnamomum camphora wood
- Sublimation and resublimation for purification
- Fractional distillation of camphor oil
- Synthetic production from alpha-pinene (turpentine-derived — must be labeled if synthetic)

### Synergistic Combinations

- [Menthol](/herb/menthol/) for cooling [analgesic](/reference/analgesic/) balms
- Nilgiri Taila ([Eucalyptus](/herb/eucalyptus/) oil) for respiratory decongestant
- [Ajwain](/herb/ajwain/) for topical pain relief
- Kapoor Kachri for aromatic medicinal preparations
- Gandhapura Taila (Wintergreen oil) for counter-irritant formulations

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/karpura-camphor/

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

Published by Age Ayurveda in the Nighantu. Educational reference only, not medical advice.
Incorporates material from the Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database under CC BY 4.0.