AN AGE OLD BOTANICAL WEAPON FOR HERBAL THERAPY: CAMPHOR TREE, CINNAMOMUM CAMPHORA

This review paper highlights the recent updates of the fragrant camphor tree (Cinnamomum camphora) and camphor oil is used as a medicine for topical applications for controlling the current outbreak of corona virus (SARS-CoV-2) Delta variant (B.1.617.2) and Delta Plus (AY.1) in India. One of the best example is medicinal plant (sweet worm wood; Artemisia annua) containing camphor essential oil has been tested against corona virus (SARS-CoV-2) disease (covid- 19). Therefore, medicinal plants containing camphor molecule could be used as an age old herbal therapy in the form of vapours for inhibiting corona virus (SARS-CoV-2). Traditionally camphor has been used as a fragrance in cosmetics, as a food flavourant, as a common ingredient in household cleaners, as well as in topically applied analgesics and rubefacients for the treatment of minor muscle aches and pains. There are many commercial products available in the Indian market where Camphor is used in products such as Vicks and VapoRub. Ravintsara oil is distilled from the leaves of Cinnamomum camphora in Madagascar is also tested against corona virus (SARS-CoV-2). Camphor is biologically characterised by insecticidal, antimicrobial, antiviral, anticoccidial, antinociceptive, anticancer and antitussive activities. It is also used as a skin penetration enhancer. However, camphor is a very toxic substance and numerous cases of camphor poisoning have been documented. Therefore, Cinnamomum camphora is used for topical applications and its components should be investigated further as a viable option in the treatment of viral diseases.