World Journal of
Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences

THERAPEUTICS POTENTIALS OF CINNAMOMUM CAMPHORA (KAFOOR) IN SKIN DISORDERS: A REVIEW

*Mohammad Ruman Khan, Mohd Arshad Jamal and Fahmeeda Zeenat

ABSTRACT

Kafoor or camphor is a well known Unani drug used in a number of pathological conditions including skin diseases (Amraze Jildiya) since centuries. Its therapeutic values are clearly defined in classical Unani literature. The source of this drug is the tree of Cinnamomum camphora. The tree is native of Japan, China, and Florida. In India it is found in northern hilly areas of middle and lower Himalaya. Kafoor is mohallil (resolvent), dafe awram (anti-inflammatory). It dissolves dry and wet pruritus by its natural counter irritant action. Due to these medicinal properties, kafoor is therapeutically used in skin disorders. The pharmacological actions described in Unani literature have been scientifically validated by a number of studies. The result of various scientific studies shows that camphor possesses anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties but it reduces the activity of male hormone function by effect on male hormonal glands. A number of compounds are prepared using camphor such as Marhame Kafoor, Marhame Raal, Roghane Hindi that are being used to treat various skin diseases. There is an emphasis that availability of low cost in term of money, high cost in term of efficacy, safe in term of side effects because kafoor possess hepatoprotective and anti-oxidative properties also. The present review reveals that kafoor is a precious source of natural medicament and provides credible support for its potential use in modern medicament. The drug has shown diverse biological and pharmacological activities. It has been used in Unani Medicine and other traditional systems of medicine from time immemorial. Keeping in view the high medicinal importance of the drug in Unani Medicine, the present review provides available information on traditional uses and pharmacological properties of the Unani drug Kafoor.

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