Cannabis & Cannabinoids · Terpenes · A plant scent molecule found in valerian, ginger, fir and rosemary oils and in cannabis

Camphene

Q: What is camphene?

Camphene is a small plant scent molecule (a bicyclic monoterpene, C10H16). Cannabis makes it, and so do valerian root, ginger, fir and other conifers, and rosemary. It is not camphor.

Q: Where is camphene found?

In valerian root oil (13.8% in one oil), ginger oil (7.8% in one, and the main compound in the vapour of another), fir twig oil (12.48%), some pine oils (8.5% in one), rosemary oil (5.1 to 8.7%) and cannabis flower. We found no source naming it in citronella oil.

Q: Which cannabis strains have the most camphene?

In our lab data, 31 named strains have a measurement, from 0.000054 (FLO) to 0.000195 (Rollex OG), printed in a column headed '% dry wt' from one New Mexico study; each is one sample. The same strain name varies between samples, and the unit is not independently verified. These numbers say nothing about effects.

Q: Is there human research on camphene?

No trial has tested camphene on its own. The only human studies found tested whole fir and ginger essential oils that contain it among many ingredients, and their abstracts give no sample sizes.

Q: Does camphene lower cholesterol?

In rats with induced high blood fats it lowered cholesterol and triglycerides, and in liver cells it lowered cholesterol production. It was not tested in people, and the work comes from one group. Do not change cholesterol medicine because of it.

Q: Does camphene help with pain or itch?

In mice it reduced pain behaviour and scratching, partly by blocking Cav3.2 calcium channels. The pain study used injection into the spinal fluid and the itch study needed a carrier. No one has tested it for pain or itch in people.

Q: Is camphene safe?

There is not enough human data to say. The pure chemical is notified as a flammable solid, an eye irritant and an aspiration hazard if swallowed. No data on skin allergy could be read. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using concentrated products.

Q: Is camphene safe in pregnancy?

No human or animal pregnancy data were found. People who are pregnant or breastfeeding should ask their doctor before using essential oils, terpene products or cannabis.

Q: Is camphene the same as camphor?

No. Camphor is a different molecule (it has an oxygen atom). They share part of their ring shape and often appear in the same oils, such as rosemary and camphor tree oil, but they have different research and safety profiles.

Q: Can camphene treat cancer or infections?

No. It killed tumour cells, bacteria and parasites in dishes and slowed a mouse melanoma, a mouse Giardia infection and mouse hydatid cysts, but nothing has been shown in people. Do not use it in place of treatment.

2,2-dimethyl-3-methylidenebicyclo[2.2.1]heptane (camphene), C10H16 · also called Camphene, DL-camphene, 2,2-dimethyl-3-methylenenorbornane, (+)-camphene (D-camphene), (-)-camphene (not camphor, which is a different molecule)

Camphene is a small plant molecule (a bicyclic monoterpene with ten carbon atoms). PubChem lists it as C10H16. Cannabis makes it, and so do valerian root, ginger, fir and other conifers, and rosemary. Almost all research is in cells, rats and mice. No trial has tested camphene on its own in people.

General information, not medical advice. Last substantive update October 25, 2026 · Not medically reviewed. A named clinician has not signed off on this page. How this page is made

About Camphene

Camphene is a small plant scent molecule. Cannabis makes it, as do valerian root, ginger, fir and other conifers, and rosemary. Almost all research is in cells, rats and mice, and no trial has tested it on its own in people. The best-documented hazards are those of the pure chemical: a flammable solid, an eye irritant and an aspiration hazard if swallowed. In our lab data it appears in 31 named strains from one New Mexico study, as single samples.

What it is

Camphene is a small plant scent molecule, a bicyclic monoterpene with the formula C10H16. PubChem lists it as 2,2-dimethyl-3-methylidenebicyclo[2.2.1]heptane (compound 6616). It comes in two mirror forms, (+)-camphene (PubChem 92221) and (-)-camphene (PubChem 440966), and most studies do not say which one they used. It is not camphor, which has an oxygen atom added and is a different molecule.

Cannabis makes terpenes in the resin glands of the female flower. How plants make camphene was not described in the sources read.

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Where you meet it

Camphene turns up in the essential oils of many plants. A valerian root oil was 13.8% camphene. An Ecuadorian ginger oil was 7.8% camphene, and in the vapour above another ginger oil camphene was the most abundant compound (50.39%). Fir twig oil (Abies koreana) was 12.48% camphene, and a study of 30 conifers found camphene characteristic of the fir, cedar and hemlock group. Pine oils differ: a limber pine needle oil was 8.5% camphene, while two other pines in the same study did not list it as a main part. Tunisian rosemary oils were 5.1 to 8.7% camphene. Camphor tree oil showed (-)-camphene in its headspace, without a percentage.

We searched for citronella oil and found no abstract naming camphene in it, so we do not say it is a source. In cannabis, THC-dominant varieties had more camphene than CBD-dominant ones in one 21-variety study. A percentage in a plant oil does not tell you what the oil will do; oils differ by species, place and batch. Camphene is also an allowed food flavouring in the US (see Regulatory status).

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What the lab numbers show

Our data hold camphene measurements for 31 named strains (34 measurements, because Lemon Skunk, Chemdawg #4 and Jabberwocky each have two separate samples). Two of them have a profile page here: Blue Dream and Chemdawg. Every value comes from one published study of 72 commercial medical cannabis samples from licensed producers in New Mexico, analysed by gas chromatography with a flame detector (GC-FID). Each is a single batch, one cured flower sample. The test dates are not reported.

The values are printed in the paper's supplementary table in a column headed '% dry wt' and run from 0.000054 to 0.000195. The paper's own numbers for other compounds look like fractions of the dry weight rather than true percentages, so the unit is not independently verified. Please do not compare these numbers with mg/g or % figures from other datasets or other compounds.

The same strain name varies from sample to sample. Lemon Skunk's two samples were 0.0000573 and 0.000135, a gap of more than two-fold; Chemdawg #4 gave 0.000122 and 0.0000769; Jabberwocky gave 0.000138 and 0.000109. Examples: highest, Rollex OG 0.000195, 8-Ball Kush 0.000171, Lucky Charms 0.000150 and 97 Sage 0.000144; lowest, FLO 0.0000540, Cosmic Lotus 0.0000609, Sunset Sherbet 0.0000637 and Blue Dream 0.0000669; Chemdawg was 0.0000752. These are real lab results for specific samples, not our own testing. They measure the content of the flower and say nothing about how a strain will feel or whether camphene has any effect in people.

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The popular claims

"Camphene lowers cholesterol." It did in rats with induced high blood fats and in liver cells, in one research group's work. Nobody has shown it in people, and the rat doses were far above what a scent or a cannabis flower gives.

"Camphene is a natural painkiller." In mice it reduced pain behaviour after injection into the spinal fluid, and blocking Cav3.2 channels seems to be involved. No human pain trial exists.

"Camphene fights cancer and infection." It does not treat either. It killed tumour cells and microbes in dishes and slowed a mouse melanoma and some parasite infections in mice, nothing more.

"Camphene changes the high from THC." No source read tested this.

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What the research shows

Human: no trial has tested camphene on its own. The only human studies found tested whole fir and ginger oils that contain camphene among many ingredients: fir oil changed brain-wave readings, and ginger oil had an 'activating' effect after inhalation. Their abstracts give no sample sizes, so camphene cannot be given credit.

Animals: in rats with induced high blood fats, camphene lowered cholesterol and triglycerides, and in mice on a high-fat diet it reduced liver fat. In rats it reduced heart-injury size, chemotherapy-linked brain oxidative stress and muscle wasting signs. In mice it reduced pain behaviour and itch, and in mouse infections it reduced Giardia cysts and hydatid cysts and slowed one melanoma.

Cells: camphene protected rat lung cells from oxidative stress, killed tumour cells and some bacteria and parasites, and in liver cells lowered cholesterol production without acting on the statin target. All of this is in dishes. Many of the animal studies come from a small number of research groups.

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Regulatory status

In the US, section 172.515 of the Code of Federal Regulations lists camphene among synthetic flavouring substances and adjuvants that may be safely used in food under stated conditions (minimum quantity needed for the effect, good manufacturing practice). This is a food-flavouring rule and says nothing about vaping, supplements or cannabis products. We read it through the eCFR on 2026-10-25.

Companies' notified hazard classes for the pure chemical (summarised by PubChem) are flammable solid, serious eye irritation and very toxic to aquatic life. We did not read EFSA or EU flavouring documents or any rules on cannabis or vape products, and this page gives no legal advice.

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At a glance

Traditional uses history, not proof

Flavouring ingredient in food: the US FDA lists camphene among allowed synthetic flavourings (eCFR)
Part of the essential oils of plants such as valerian, ginger, fir and rosemary, which have their own traditional uses; those are uses of the plants, not of camphene
A 1981 animal study tested a chest-rub ointment that contained camphene with menthol and other oils

Studied for research

Cholesterol and blood fats: rats and liver cells, very low certainty
Fatty liver: one mouse study, very low
Antioxidant, heart, brain and muscle protection: cells and rats, very low
Pain and itch: mice only, very low
Cancer cells: dishes and one mouse model, very low (not a treatment)
Bacteria and parasites: dishes and mice, insufficient to very low
Whole fir and ginger oils in people: insufficient for camphene itself

Main compounds

Camphene, C10H16 (PubChem CID 6616; (+)-form CID 92221, (-)-form CID 440966)
Camphor (CID 2537), borneol (CID 64685) and bornyl acetate (CID 6448): related molecules often found in the same oils
Related cannabis terpenes: alpha-pinene, limonene, myrcene, alpha-bisabolol, terpineol

Common forms

Natural part of cannabis flower and extracts
Component of valerian, ginger, fir, pine and rosemary essential oils
Pure compound in lab studies
Ingredient in flavours and some fragrances

Research links: PubChem: Camphene · US eCFR: 21 CFR 172.515 (synthetic flavouring substances) · Camphene lowers blood fats in rats, Vallianou 2011 (PubMed) · Camphene and alpha-bisabolol block Cav3.2 channels, Gadotti 2021 (PubMed) · Medical cannabis metabolites, Richins 2018 (PubMed) · Research Library · Genes & Biomarkers Library

What it is and its history

Name: Camphene
Chemical name: 2,2-dimethyl-3-methylidenebicyclo[2.2.1]heptane
Other names: Camphene; DL-Camphene; 2,2-Dimethyl-3-methylenenorbornane; 2,2-Dimethyl-3-methylenebicyclo[2.2.1]heptane; 3,3-Dimethyl-2-methylenenorbornane; 3,3-Dimethyl-2-methylenenorcamphane; (+)-Camphene / D-camphene (CID 92221); (-)-Camphene (CID 440966)
Common names: Camphene (English); Canfeno (Spanish)
Formula: C10H16
Molecular weight: 136.23
CAS number: 79-92-5
PubChem ID: 6616
Chemical class: Bicyclic monoterpene (monoterpenoid hydrocarbon): a ten-carbon plant molecule with two joined rings and no oxygen (formula C10H16)
How the plant makes it: Not verified here. None of the sources read describes how the cannabis plant, or any plant, makes camphene. Cannabis makes terpenes in the sticky resin glands (trichomes) of the female flower, but the pathway for camphene was not read.
Where it is found: Cannabis flower: in a 21-variety study THC-dominant varieties had higher camphene than CBD-dominant ones. Camphene was among the five top compounds in the extract of one medicinal variety (Bedrobinol). Our lab data hold values for 31 named strains (see the Overview tab).; Valerian root (Valeriana officinalis) essential oil: 13.8% camphene, next to bornyl acetate (48.2%) in the oil that was tested. Camphene and bornyl acetate were also the characteristic compounds in the oils of four Valerianaceae plants.; Ginger (Zingiber officinale): 7.8% camphene in an Ecuadorian rhizome oil (the same oil gave citral 19.4% and alpha-zingiberene 17.4% in another report). In the headspace (the vapour above) of an Amazonian Ecuador ginger oil, camphene was the most abundant compound at 50.39%.; Conifers: a study of 30 conifer species found camphene and bornyl acetate characteristic of the fir, cedar and hemlock group (Abies, Cedrus, Tsuga). Abies koreana twig oil was 12.48% camphene; seven Abies oils had bornyl acetate, alpha-pinene and camphene as main compounds. Pinus flexilis needle oil was 8.5% camphene, while two other pines in the same study (P. ponderosa, P. contorta) did not list it among major components.; Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) essential oil from two Tunisian locations: 5.1 to 8.7% camphene.; Camphor tree (Cinnamomum camphora, Taiwan): the headspace of the oil showed (-)-camphene among light, aroma-active volatiles; the liquid oil was mostly (+)-borneol (31.7%), eucalyptol (11.4%) and (+)-camphor (8.4%). No percentage for camphene was given.; Chios mastic gum essential oil: camphene was identified as the part that lowered blood fats in rats. Leaf oil of Piper cernuum was the source of camphene in a melanoma study. No percentages are given in those abstracts.; Citronella: no source naming camphene in citronella oil was found in the abstracts searched, so it is not claimed here.
Related or similar compounds: Name: Camphor; Note: PubChem CID 2537, C10H16O. A ketone made of the same ring skeleton with an oxygen added. It is a different molecule with a different safety profile.; Name: Borneol and bornyl acetate; Note: Borneol is CID 64685 (C10H18O); bornyl acetate is CID 6448 (C12H20O2). Related oxygen-containing molecules that often travel with camphene in valerian, fir and rosemary oils.; Name: Alpha-pinene; Note: PubChem CID 6654, C10H16, the same formula as camphene but a different shape. One of the main cannabis and conifer terpenes.; Name: Tricyclene; Note: PubChem CID 79035, C10H16. Another ten-carbon hydrocarbon with a similar skeleton.; Name: Camphene-based derivatives (thiosemicarbazones and similar); Note: Many PubMed papers with 'camphene' in the title are about synthetic chemicals built from camphene, or about industrial uses of camphene as a building material. They are different substances and are not used on this page.

Traditional use and history history, not clinical proof

Tradition or era	Documented use	Source
Food flavouring ingredient (United States)	The FDA lists camphene among synthetic flavouring substances and adjuvants that may be safely used in food under stated conditions (read 2026-10-25).	21 CFR 172.515 via eCFR
1970 inhalation paper (title only)	A 1970 paper in the Archives of Otolaryngology is titled 'Nutmeg oil and camphene as inhaled expectorants'. PubMed holds no abstract and we could not read it, so we do not say what it found. NOT verified.	PubMed record 5455589
1981 animal study of a chest-rub ointment	German researchers tested an ointment of menthol, camphene and essential oils on the airways of animals. The effect cannot be credited to camphene.	PubMed record 7194098
Traditional use of plants that contain it	Valerian, ginger, rosemary, fir and mastic gum each have their own traditional uses. Those are uses of the plants and their oils, not of camphene, and no source read claims otherwise. Wikipedia-only claims were not used.	None read

History shows how a substance was used or discovered. It does not show that a product works or is safe today.

What is inside, and how it may work

What it contains and how those compounds act in cells and animals. Laboratory and animal mechanisms are not proven effects in people.

Main compounds

Compound	Family	Where it is concentrated	Activity studied	Level of evidence
Camphene (unspecified mirror form) PubChem 6616	Bicyclic monoterpene	Essential oils of valerian root, ginger rhizome, conifer (especially fir) needles and twigs, rosemary; cannabis flower Varies by plant and batch; see the Overview tab for measured cannabis values and the occurrence list for oil percentages.	Studied in rats and mice for blood fats and liver fat, in cells for antioxidant action, in mice for pain and itch, and in dishes against tumour cells, bacteria and parasites. No human trial of camphene on its own. ^{34 21 13}	Animal research
(+)-Camphene (D-camphene) PubChem 92221	Bicyclic monoterpene (one mirror form)	Not stated in the sources read Not stated	Most abstracts do not say which mirror form was used. The mouse pain and antioxidant study used (+)-camphene. ²⁴	Animal research
(-)-Camphene PubChem 440966	Bicyclic monoterpene (the other mirror form)	Camphor tree oil headspace (Taiwan) detected (-)-camphene Not stated	Named in the camphor-tree oil study; its own effects were not found. ¹⁷	None
Bornyl acetate PubChem 6448	Bicyclic monoterpene ester	Valerian root oil (48.2% in the oil tested); fir oils (19.31% in Abies koreana twig oil) See occurrence	Tested with camphene against stored-product insects; synergy was seen in one valerian species. ^{10 11 27}	Lab
Camphor and borneol PubChem 2537	Related bicyclic monoterpenes (ketone and alcohol)	Rosemary oil (camphor 18.2 to 28.1%), camphor tree oil See occurrence	Different molecules with their own research; not covered here. ^{9 17}	None

Mechanisms, receptors and pathways

Target or pathway	Gene or receptor	What was found	Level
T-type calcium channel Cav3.2	CACNA1H (Cav3.2)	Camphene partly blocked Cav3.2 channels in cultured cells and in mouse pain neurons (IC50 in the low micromolar range). Its pain-relieving and anti-itch effects in mice were lost or reduced in mice lacking Cav3.2. ^{13 4}	Animal research
Cholesterol and fat production in liver cells	SREBP-1, MTP, apolipoprotein AI; not HMG-CoA reductase	In human liver cells camphene lowered cholesterol and triglyceride production without acting on HMG-CoA reductase. It raised the mature form of SREBP-1 and apolipoprotein AI, and the authors propose that MTP is involved. ^{34 35}	Lab
Adiponectin and AMPK signalling	ADIPOQ, AMPK (PRKAA1/2)	In mice on a high-fat diet camphene raised adiponectin and AMPK activation in the liver and shifted gene activity toward fat burning. ²¹	Animal research
Antioxidant defences	NFE2L2 (Nrf2), SOD, catalase, glutathione, GPX4	In rat hearts and brains, and in cells, camphene raised Nrf2 and its target enzymes, glutathione and SOD, and lowered lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis markers. In test tubes it scavenged hydroxyl and superoxide radicals. ^{30 28 20 24}	Animal research
Inflammation and brain support cells	NF-kappa B, GFAP, IL-6, IL-1 beta, TNF-alpha	Camphene lowered inflammatory signals in the brains of cyclophosphamide-treated rats. ²⁰	Animal research
Cell death in tumour cells	Endoplasmic reticulum stress, caspase-3, HMGB1, calreticulin	In melanoma cells camphene caused ER stress and calcium release, lost mitochondrial membrane potential and activated caspase-3 (the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis). ¹⁴	Lab
Parasite and bacterial cell membranes	Membrane permeability, reactive oxygen species, DNA-damage genes	In parasites and bacteria camphene made membranes leakier and, in parasites, raised reactive oxygen species and DNA-damage and caspase gene signals. ^{1 2 22 36}	Lab

Absorption, metabolism and elimination

Absorption: No human data were found for camphene by mouth, by inhalation, through the skin or from cannabis. Animal studies gave camphene by mouth, by injection or into the spinal fluid; the abstracts do not give blood levels.
Distribution: No data found.
Metabolism: In rabbits given dl-camphene, four neutral breakdown products were identified: 6-exo-hydroxycamphene, 10-hydroxycamphene and two forms of camphene-2,10-glycol; two more alcohols (7-hydroxycamphene and 3-hydroxytricyclene) were estimated. This is a 1979 animal study; nothing is known about human breakdown or the liver enzymes involved.
Elimination: No data found.
Bioavailability: Not established for any route or product. Nothing is known about blood levels from cannabis flower, vaporised terpenes or essential oils.

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13benefits and uses looked at

36studies and sources checked

Very low certaintybest evidence rating found

12lab markers tracked in trials

10 very low certainty3 not enough evidence

What was looked at

The 13 benefits and uses checked for Camphene, each with how strong the evidence is. Tap one to open it.

Cholesterol and blood fats (rats and liver cells, not people)Very low certainty
Fatty liver and insulin signals (mice)Very low certainty
Antioxidant effects in cells and test tubes (laboratory)Very low certainty
Heart protection during blocked blood flow (rat hearts, not people)Very low certainty
Brain effects of a chemotherapy drug (rats, not people)Very low certainty
Muscle wasting (rat muscle cells and rats)Very low certainty
Pain in mice (not people)Very low certainty
Itch in mice (not people)Very low certainty
Cancer cells in dishes and mice (not a treatment)Very low certainty
Killing bacteria in dishesNot enough evidence
Parasites in dishes and mice (not people)Very low certainty
Bronchial effects of an ointment that contains camphene (animals)Not enough evidence
Brain waves and alertness from fir and ginger oils (people; whole oils)Not enough evidence

Lab markers tracked in the studies

Blood cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides in ratsNew cholesterol and triglyceride production in liver cellsLiver fat, adiponectin and insulin signals in miceOxidative stress markers (SOD, glutathione, lipid peroxidation, Nrf2)Infarct (dead tissue) size and cell injury in rat heartsPain behaviour in mice (paw licking, writhing, heat and touch sensitivity)Scratching behaviour in itch modelsTumour cell death and tumour growthBacterial growth and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC)Parasite viability and cyst burdenBronchospasm and airway secretion in animalsBrain-wave (EEG) activity and self-rated alertness

What is Camphene good for?

The uses people ask about and how strong the evidence is for each. For camphene, almost all of it is from animals or cells, and no trial has tested camphene on its own in people. The last two rows are about whole products or oils that contain camphene among other ingredients.

Benefits, one by one

Each card is a research question, not a promise. Tap a goal to filter. Open a card to see the studies, doses and limits.

Cholesterol and blood fats (rats and liver cells, not people)

Very low certainty

In rats made to have high blood fats, camphene lowered total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. Liver-cell tests suggest it works differently from statin drugs. No trial in people has been done.

2 studiesPure camphene given to rats, and applied to liver cells in dishes. Th…

Studies, doses and limits

Results

In rats with detergent-induced high blood fats, camphene lowered total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. In human liver cells (HepG2) it lowered cell cholesterol to about the same extent as mevinolin, a statin-type drug, and in a second study it cut new cholesterol production and triglycerides.

Effect sizes as reported

Rats given 30 micrograms per gram of body weight: total cholesterol down 54.5%, LDL cholesterol down 54%, triglycerides down 34.5% (all p<0.001). Liver cells: new cholesterol production fell by up to 39% at 100 micromolar, and triglycerides fell by 34%.

Why this rating

All the results are from rats and cultured liver cells. The rat model used a detergent to raise blood fats, which is not how people get high cholesterol. Both studies come from the same research group. No human study exists.

Form and dose studied

Pure camphene given to rats, and applied to liver cells in dishes. This is not mastic gum, not an essential oil from a shop, and not cannabis flower.

Who was studied

Rats (with and without induced high blood fats); human liver cancer cells (HepG2).

Limits

Doses were per kilogram of body weight in rats, far above anything a scent or a cannabis flower gives. The abstracts do not state the number of animals or any funding statement.

Why researchers looked

Camphene is a part of mastic gum oil. Greek researchers asked which part of the oil lowered blood fats in rats, and found camphene.

Proposed mechanism Lab

In liver cells camphene lowered cholesterol and fat production without acting on HMG-CoA reductase, the enzyme statins block. It raised the mature form of a fat-control protein called SREBP-1, and the authors propose that a protein called MTP is involved. This is a proposal from cell work, not shown in people.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

Do not use these results to treat cholesterol. If you take cholesterol medicine, do not change it because of this research.

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Fatty liver and insulin signals (mice)

Very low certainty

In mice fed a high-fat, high-cholesterol diet, camphene in the food reduced fat build-up in the liver and improved insulin signals. One mouse study, no human data.

1 studiesPure camphene mixed into the food of mice (0.2% of the diet) for 10 w…

Studies, doses and limits

Results

Male mice ate a normal diet, a high-fat diet (20% fat and 1% cholesterol), or the high-fat diet with 0.2% camphene for 10 weeks. Camphene reduced the rise in liver weight and liver fat, raised adiponectin, and improved insulin-signalling markers in the liver.

Effect sizes as reported

The abstract gives no numbers for the size of the effects.

Why this rating

One mouse study that tells us nothing about people. The abstract does not give group sizes or effect sizes.

Form and dose studied

Pure camphene mixed into the food of mice (0.2% of the diet) for 10 weeks.

Who was studied

Male C57BL/6N mice.

Limits

Single study, no numbers in the abstract. Mice are not people.

Why researchers looked

Fatty liver and insulin resistance are common in people with metabolic problems. Korean researchers asked whether camphene could protect mice fed a rich diet.

Proposed mechanism Animal research

Camphene raised the hormone adiponectin in the blood and in fat cells, and turned on a cell energy switch called AMPK in the liver. It increased genes for burning fat and lowered genes for making fat.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

Not a treatment for fatty liver. The same study did not test long-term safety.

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Antioxidant effects in cells and test tubes (laboratory)

Very low certainty

In lab tests camphene mopped up harmful oxygen molecules and protected rat lung cells from oxidative stress. Whether it does this in the human body is unknown.

2 studiesPure camphene on rat lung cells and in test tubes.

Studies, doses and limits

Results

Rat alveolar macrophages stressed with t-BHP lived longer when pre-treated with camphene. Camphene raised SOD activity by 29% and glutathione content by 28%, and lowered lipid peroxidation and reactive oxygen species. In a separate study (+)-camphene had the strongest antioxidant effect of three monoterpenes in two test-tube assays (TBARS and TRAP/TAR).

Effect sizes as reported

SOD +29% (p<0.05), glutathione +28%, nitric oxide release inhibited by 83.84% in the first study. The second study gives no figures in the abstract.

Why this rating

Dish and test-tube work. Antioxidant effects in a dish often do not carry over to the body.

Form and dose studied

Pure camphene on rat lung cells and in test tubes.

Who was studied

Rat alveolar macrophages; chemical assays.

Limits

No human data. Test-tube antioxidant strength does not show a benefit in people. One study also found that (+)-camphene increased nitric oxide production in a particular test-tube assay.

Why researchers looked

Oxidative stress is damage caused by reactive oxygen molecules, and researchers often test plant molecules for antioxidant action first.

Proposed mechanism Lab

In rat lung cells camphene raised the antioxidant enzyme SOD and the antioxidant glutathione, restored mitochondrial membrane potential and lowered lipid damage and nitric oxide release. In test tubes it scavenged hydroxyl and superoxide radicals.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

Not a treatment for any lung disease.

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Heart protection during blocked blood flow (rat hearts, not people)

Very low certainty

In rat hearts, camphene given before blood flow was cut off and restored reduced the size of the damaged area. One rat study.

1 studiesPure camphene given to rats, then the hearts were tested outside the …

Studies, doses and limits

Results

Adult rats were given one dose of camphene before their hearts were put through ischemia and reperfusion outside the body. Camphene reduced the infarct (dead tissue) size and the release of LDH, a sign of cell injury.

Effect sizes as reported

The abstract does not give numbers or the dose.

Why this rating

One rat study done on isolated hearts, with a single dose given before the injury. A treatment given after a heart attack is a different question.

Form and dose studied

Pure camphene given to rats, then the hearts were tested outside the body.

Who was studied

Adult rats.

Limits

Isolated-heart model, dose and group size not in the abstract, no human data.

Why researchers looked

When blood flow to the heart is blocked and then restored, the returning blood causes extra damage. Researchers look for molecules that limit it.

Proposed mechanism Animal research

Camphene lowered markers of oxidative damage, raised Nrf2 (a switch for antioxidant genes) and its target enzymes, and lowered a type of cell death called ferroptosis.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

Not a way to prevent or treat a heart attack. Anyone with chest pain should get emergency care.

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Brain effects of a chemotherapy drug (rats, not people)

Very low certainty

In rats given the cancer drug cyclophosphamide, camphene by mouth lessened signs of brain oxidative stress and inflammation and improved behaviour tests. One rat study.

1 studiesPure camphene by mouth in rats, 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg a day for 21 da…

Studies, doses and limits

Results

Wistar rats took camphene by mouth for 21 days and got one injection of cyclophosphamide on day 7. At the middle and highest camphene doses the rats had less oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain and better results in behaviour tests (elevated plus maze, forced swim, grip strength, sucrose preference).

Effect sizes as reported

Doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg per kilogram of body weight by mouth; the 100 and 200 mg/kg doses worked. No other numbers in the abstract.

Why this rating

One rat study with large doses and no human data. Behaviour tests in rats do not show how a person would feel or think.

Form and dose studied

Pure camphene by mouth in rats, 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg a day for 21 days.

Who was studied

Wistar albino rats.

Limits

Doses were large relative to body weight. Group sizes are not in the abstract. Not shown in people.

Why researchers looked

Chemotherapy can cause thinking and mood problems, and oxidative stress is one suspected cause. Researchers tested camphene in a rat model.

Proposed mechanism Animal research

Camphene changed Nrf2, NF-kappa B and GFAP (a brain support-cell marker), raised antioxidant enzymes and lowered inflammatory signals such as IL-6 and TNF-alpha.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

Do not use camphene or any terpene product during chemotherapy without asking your cancer team.

²⁰

Muscle wasting (rat muscle cells and rats)

Very low certainty

In starved rat muscle cells and in rats with muscle wasting, camphene reduced signs of muscle breakdown and oxidative stress. One study, no people.

1 studiesPure camphene on rat muscle cells and given to rats.

Studies, doses and limits

Results

In rat L6 muscle cells under starvation or hydrogen peroxide, and in rat atrophy models, camphene reversed small cell size and abnormal muscle shape and lowered the breakdown markers.

Effect sizes as reported

No figures are given in the abstract.

Why this rating

One report on cells and rats from one research network, with no effect sizes in the abstract.

Form and dose studied

Pure camphene on rat muscle cells and given to rats.

Who was studied

Rat L6 muscle cells and rats.

Limits

Doses and group sizes are not in the abstract. No human data.

Why researchers looked

Muscle loss in ageing or serious illness is linked to poor energy handling and oxidative stress, so researchers tested a plant molecule against it.

Proposed mechanism Lab

Camphene lowered a muscle-breakdown enzyme (MuRF1), fission of mitochondria and a DNA-damage marker (8-oxoguanine), and shifted fat handling in the cells.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

Not a treatment for muscle loss.

⁷

Pain in mice (not people)

Very low certainty

In mice, camphene blocked pain behaviour in several tests. The effect depended on a calcium channel called Cav3.2. Nobody has tested camphene for pain in people.

2 studiesPure camphene injected into the spinal fluid of mice, and a high dose…

Studies, doses and limits

Results

Camphene was given into the spinal fluid of mice (intrathecally). It reduced pain behaviour after a formalin injection, reduced heat sensitivity in mice with inflamed paws, and reduced touch sensitivity in a nerve-pain model. In a separate study (+)-camphene given at 200 mg/kg also reduced writhing and formalin pain behaviour.

Effect sizes as reported

The abstracts give IC50 values in the low micromolar range but no other numbers. Alpha-bisabolol was stronger than camphene in the formalin test.

Why this rating

Mouse studies only, with the main one using injection into the spinal fluid. That route is very different from smelling, vaping or eating a terpene.

Form and dose studied

Pure camphene injected into the spinal fluid of mice, and a high dose (200 mg/kg) in a second mouse study.

Who was studied

Mice, including mice without the Cav3.2 gene; cultured cells.

Limits

Animal pain tests do not predict pain relief in people. The Cav3.2 study came from one group. Doses in the second study were large.

Why researchers looked

Researchers screened eight cannabis terpenes on pain-related calcium channels and found that camphene and alpha-bisabolol partly blocked Cav3.2.

Proposed mechanism Animal research

Camphene partly blocked Cav3.2 T-type calcium channels (IC50 in the low micromolar range) in cultured cells and in mouse pain neurons. Its pain effect was absent in mice that lack Cav3.2.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

Do not use these results to treat pain.

^{13 24}

Itch in mice (not people)

Very low certainty

In mice, camphene reduced scratching in two itch models, but only when it was dissolved with a carrier (a cyclodextrin). It did not work in plain saline.

1 studiesPure camphene dissolved in hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin, injected …

Studies, doses and limits

Results

Camphene reduced scratching in the histamine itch model by injection under the skin or into the belly cavity, and reduced scratching in the chloroquine (non-histamine) itch model. In mice lacking Cav3.2 it did not significantly reduce histamine scratching.

Effect sizes as reported

The abstract gives no numbers. Without the cyclodextrin carrier, camphene had no effect.

Why this rating

One mouse study. The finding that a carrier was needed means results depend heavily on how the compound is prepared.

Form and dose studied

Pure camphene dissolved in hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin, injected into mice.

Who was studied

Mice, including Cav3.2 knockout mice.

Limits

Injected doses; no human or topical test. One author is co-founder of a company working on Cav3.2 (Zymedyne Therapeutics).

Why researchers looked

Pain and itch share nerve pathways, and Cav3.2 has been linked to itch, so the same group tested camphene for itch.

Proposed mechanism Animal research

The effect on histamine itch was lost in mice lacking Cav3.2, which suggests that blocking this channel is involved. Camphene also reduced itch in a model that does not use histamine.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

Not a treatment for itchy skin.

⁴

Cancer cells in dishes and mice (not a treatment)

Very low certainty

Camphene killed melanoma and other tumour cells in dishes, and slowed the growth of a mouse melanoma. It is not a cancer treatment.

1 studiesPure camphene isolated from Piper cernuum leaf oil.

Studies, doses and limits

Results

Camphene (isolated from Piper cernuum leaf oil) was toxic to several human tumour cell lines and to murine B16F10-Nex2 melanoma cells. In mice with melanoma under the skin it inhibited tumour growth.

Effect sizes as reported

The abstract gives no numbers.

Why this rating

Dish and one mouse tumour model. Substances that kill cells in a dish often also harm healthy cells, and most never become treatments.

Form and dose studied

Pure camphene isolated from Piper cernuum leaf oil.

Who was studied

Human tumour cell lines; mouse melanoma cells; mice.

Limits

No data on healthy cells or on safe levels in the abstract.

Why researchers looked

Researchers separated the parts of Piper cernuum leaf oil and tested each one on cancer cells.

Proposed mechanism Lab

In mouse melanoma cells camphene caused stress in the endoplasmic reticulum, a calcium release, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and caspase-3 activity, which led to cell death (apoptosis).

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

Not a cancer treatment. Do not use it in place of treatment.

¹⁴

Killing bacteria in dishes

Not enough evidence

In a lab study camphene slowed Staphylococcus aureus and, together with a terpene called myrcene or an antibiotic, helped against some resistant bacteria. No infection was treated in any person.

1 studiesPure camphene, myrcene and ceftazidime in lab dishes.

Studies, doses and limits

Results

Against 14 bacterial strains, camphene alone showed inhibitory activity against Staphylococcus aureus. Camphene and myrcene together were more active than either alone. Terpenes combined with the antibiotic ceftazidime lowered the needed antibiotic level in six strains, by eightfold for Acinetobacter baumannii. The terpenes did not break red blood cells in a hemolysis test.

Effect sizes as reported

Combined effects ranged from 1.8% to 44.2% above each terpene's own activity, as stated in the abstract.

Why this rating

One lab study, with no infection in animals or people.

Form and dose studied

Pure camphene, myrcene and ceftazidime in lab dishes.

Who was studied

14 bacterial strains.

Limits

Dish study; not tested against infection in an animal.

Why researchers looked

Antibiotic resistance is a major problem, so labs test plant molecules alone and with antibiotics.

Proposed mechanism Lab

The release of cell contents that absorb light at 260 nm suggests the terpenes affect bacterial membranes. The study did not look further.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

Not a treatment for infection. Resistant infections need medical care.

³⁶

Parasites in dishes and mice (not people)

Very low certainty

In dishes and infected mice, camphene on its own or with a standard drug reduced Toxoplasma, Giardia and hydatid cyst parasites. No person has been treated.

3 studiesPure camphene alone and with pyrimethamine or metronidazole.

Studies, doses and limits

Results

Camphene lowered the viability of Toxoplasma gondii and its infection rate in macrophages, and worked together with pyrimethamine. In Giardia-infected mice (camphene 100 and 200 mg/kg, with or without metronidazole 5 mg/kg) it reduced cyst load for 7 days of treatment. In mice with hydatid cysts (20, 40 and 80 mg/kg a day for 28 days) it reduced the number, size and weight of the cysts, with no significant change in liver and kidney blood markers.

Effect sizes as reported

The abstracts report p-values below 0.001 for the main effects but no effect sizes. The selectivity index for Toxoplasma was above 10, which the authors read as safe for macrophages.

Why this rating

Three reports from the same research group at one university, mostly in dishes with two mouse studies.

Form and dose studied

Pure camphene alone and with pyrimethamine or metronidazole.

Who was studied

Parasites in culture; infected mice.

Limits

Same group for all three studies; no animal Toxoplasma test; mouse doses were large.

Why researchers looked

Current parasite drugs have side effects and resistance, so one research group tested camphene alone and with each drug.

Proposed mechanism Lab

In the parasites camphene raised reactive oxygen species, DNA damage and cell death signals and made membranes leakier. In the mouse studies it also changed immune signals.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

Not a treatment for any parasite infection.

^{1 2 22}

Bronchial effects of an ointment that contains camphene (animals)

Not enough evidence

A 1981 animal study tested an ointment of menthol, camphene and essential oils. The effects cannot be credited to camphene, and the authors only predicted a benefit in people.

1 studiesA branded ointment containing menthol, camphene and essential oils.

Studies, doses and limits

Results

Blowing the ointment into the airways reduced acetylcholine-induced bronchospasm by 50% and increased airway secretion by 44%. Putting it on shaved skin increased secretion by 54% and only slightly reduced bronchospasm.

Effect sizes as reported

50% less bronchospasm, 44% and 54% more secretion; animal species not stated in the abstract.

Why this rating

A mixture of several ingredients, tested in animals in 1981. The abstract does not identify the species or the number.

Form and dose studied

A branded ointment containing menthol, camphene and essential oils.

Who was studied

Animals (species not stated in the abstract).

Limits

Camphene cannot be separated from menthol and the other oils. Product is not named here on purpose.

Why researchers looked

A German chest-rub ointment contained menthol, camphene and essential oils, and its makers tested its effect on the airways of animals.

Proposed mechanism Animal research

No mechanism was reported in the abstract.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using chest rubs or essential oils, especially for children.

²⁶

Brain waves and alertness from fir and ginger oils (people; whole oils)

Not enough evidence

Two small human studies tested whole essential oils that contain camphene, a fir oil and a ginger oil. Camphene cannot be given credit for what they found.

2 studiesInhaled Abies koreana twig oil; inhaled and skin-applied ginger oil.

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

Two human studies of whole oils exist. Neither tested camphene on its own. The abstracts do not give the number of volunteers.

Results

Fir (Abies koreana) twig oil, with 12.48% camphene, changed brain-wave (EEG) readings in people when breathed through both nostrils or one nostril, in a way the authors link to relaxation or alertness. Ginger oil, with 7.8% camphene, had an 'activating' effect after inhalation in healthy people.

Effect sizes as reported

No numbers for sample size or effect sizes are in the abstracts.

Why this rating

Whole oils with dozens of ingredients, tiny unspecified samples, and effects on brain waves and self-rating, not on health outcomes.

Form and dose studied

Inhaled Abies koreana twig oil; inhaled and skin-applied ginger oil.

Who was studied

Human volunteers (numbers not stated in the abstracts); the ginger study says healthy subjects.

Limits

The main components of the fir oil were limonene (25.29%) and bornyl acetate (19.31%), and of the ginger oil citral (19.4%) and alpha-zingiberene (17.4%). Camphene was one of several.

Why researchers looked

Aromatherapy researchers measure brain waves, blood pressure and mood after people breathe an essential oil.

Proposed mechanism Human data

None reported.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

Essential oils can irritate skin and airways; ask a doctor or pharmacist before using them, and keep them away from children.

^{27 29}

Connections to the rest of health

How Camphene connects to the rest of our health knowledge graph. Every link says what kind of connection it is. A safety link (for example to the liver) is a warning, not a benefit. A study that merely mentions a topic never creates a benefit link.

Explore every connection: goals, body systems, organs, symptoms, genes

Kind of connection Connected to Search

B. Body systems

Connected to	Kind of connection	Evidence status	Context	Studies
Cardiovascular System	Biological association	Very low certainty	Studied for: Cholesterol and blood fats (rats and liver cells, not people) Studied for: Heart protection during blocked blood flow (rat hearts, not people)	^{34 35 28}
Metabolism	Biological association	Very low certainty	Studied for: Cholesterol and blood fats (rats and liver cells, not people) Studied for: Fatty liver and insulin signals (mice)	^{34 35 21}
Digestive System	Biological association	Very low certainty	Studied for: Fatty liver and insulin signals (mice) Studied for: Parasites in dishes and mice (not people)	^{21 1 2 22}
Immune System	Biological association	Very low certainty	Studied for: Antioxidant effects in cells and test tubes (laboratory) Studied for: Cancer cells in dishes and mice (not a treatment)	^{30 24 14 36 1 2 22}
Respiratory System	Biological association	Very low certainty	Studied for: Antioxidant effects in cells and test tubes (laboratory) Studied for: Bronchial effects of an ointment that contains camphene (animals)	^{30 24 26}
Nervous System	Biological association	Very low certainty	Studied for: Brain effects of a chemotherapy drug (rats, not people) Studied for: Pain in mice (not people)	^{20 13 24 4 27 29}
Musculoskeletal System	Biological association	Very low certainty	Studied for: Muscle wasting (rat muscle cells and rats)	⁷
Integumentary System	Biological association	Very low certainty	Studied for: Itch in mice (not people)	⁴

C. Body parts and organs

Connected to	Kind of connection	Evidence status	Context	Studies
Eyes	Adverse effect or risk	Low certainty	Serious eye irritation is the most commonly notified hazard class. Preparation or compound: Pure camphene	³²
Lungs	Adverse effect or risk	Low certainty	About 61% of reports notify an aspiration hazard. Preparation or compound: Pure camphene if swallowed	³²
Liver		Very low certainty	Reduced liver fat in mice on a high-fat diet; no change in liver and kidney blood markers at 20 to 80 mg/kg a day for 28 days. No human data. Preparation or compound: Camphene in mice	^{21 22}

I. Biomarkers

Connected to	Kind of connection	Evidence status	Context	Studies
Blood cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides in rats	Biological association	Very low certainty	Measured in trials: lowered. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	³⁴
New cholesterol and triglyceride production in liver cells	Biological association	Very low certainty	Measured in trials: lowered. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	^{35 34}
Liver fat, adiponectin and insulin signals in mice	Biological association	Very low certainty	Measured in trials: improved. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	²¹
Oxidative stress markers (SOD, glutathione, lipid peroxidation, Nrf2)	Biological association	Very low certainty	Measured in trials: improved. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	^{30 28 20 7}
Infarct (dead tissue) size and cell injury in rat hearts	Biological association	Very low certainty	Measured in trials: lowered. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	²⁸
Pain behaviour in mice (paw licking, writhing, heat and touch sensitivity)	Biological association	Very low certainty	Measured in trials: lowered. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	^{13 24}
Scratching behaviour in itch models	Biological association	Very low certainty	Measured in trials: lowered. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	⁴
Tumour cell death and tumour growth	Biological association	Very low certainty	Measured in trials: lowered. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	¹⁴
Bacterial growth and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC)	Biological association	Not enough evidence	Measured in trials: lowered. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	³⁶
Parasite viability and cyst burden	Biological association	Very low certainty	Measured in trials: lowered. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	^{1 2 22}
Bronchospasm and airway secretion in animals	Biological association	Not enough evidence	Measured in trials: mixed. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	²⁶
Brain-wave (EEG) activity and self-rated alertness	Biological association	Not enough evidence	Measured in trials: mixed. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	^{27 29}

L. Active compounds

Connected to	Kind of connection	Evidence status	Context	Studies
Camphene (unspecified mirror form)	Biological association	Animal	Studied in rats and mice for blood fats and liver fat, in cells for antioxidant action, in mice for pain and itch, and in dishes against tumour cells, bacteria and parasites. No human trial of camphene on its own. Preparation or compound: Essential oils of valerian root, ginger rhizome, conifer (especially fir) needles and twigs, rosemary; cannabis flower	^{34 21 13}
(+)-Camphene (D-camphene)	Biological association	Animal	Most abstracts do not say which mirror form was used. The mouse pain and antioxidant study used (+)-camphene.	²⁴
(-)-Camphene	Biological association	None	Named in the camphor-tree oil study; its own effects were not found. Preparation or compound: Camphor tree oil headspace (Taiwan) detected (-)-camphene	¹⁷
Bornyl acetate	Biological association	Lab	Tested with camphene against stored-product insects; synergy was seen in one valerian species. Preparation or compound: Valerian root oil (48.2% in the oil tested); fir oils (19.31% in Abies koreana twig oil)	^{10 11 27}
Camphor and borneol	Biological association	None	Different molecules with their own research; not covered here. Preparation or compound: Rosemary oil (camphor 18.2 to 28.1%), camphor tree oil	^{9 17}

Each connection is stored with the ingredient, the connected record, the kind of connection, the evidence status, the supporting studies, the preparation or compound involved, and a review date (last reviewed October 25, 2026).

Evidence at a glance: what changed in 10 lab markers

Tap a number to show only those markers. Counts are markers, not people.

Other82

The evidence

The research centre for Camphene. Every record here was checked against PubMed or the publisher's page; we never list a study we have not verified.

Evidence by outcome

Bars show how many studies we found for each outcome, not how well it works. People are added up across trials only (reviews are not added, to avoid double counting).

How we rate evidence

High certainty

Several well-run trials or reviews agree; further research is unlikely to change the picture much.

Moderate certainty

Good trials point the same way, but some doubt remains.

Low certainty

Small, short or inconsistent trials. The finding could change with better research.

Very low certainty

Very little or very weak human data. Treat as a possibility only.

Mixed findings

Trials or reviews disagree with each other.

Not enough evidence

Not enough human research to say either way.

Evidence against

Good research found no benefit, or found harm.

We take the reviewers' own risk-of-bias and GRADE statements where they exist, and otherwise judge from study size, design, consistency, directness and whether a product matches what is sold. Many publications do not make evidence high. Method note: We searched PubMed and read the abstracts of about 30 sources, read the FDA flavouring list through the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations, read PubChem for chemical identity and hazard notifications, and used our own cultivar lab-data file for the cannabis numbers. We say which sources we could not read.

Study library: every study we checked 36

Design Research type Year from Search

Study	Design	People	Product, dose, length	Result
Al-Aredhi 2025 In vitro antiparasitic and synergic effects of camphene combined with pyrimethamine against Toxoplasma gondii. Trop Biomed · PMID 41619238 · DOI	Laboratory research parasite	Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites and macrophages	Camphene with pyrimethamine Isolated compound · vs Pyrimethamine alone	Camphene, mostly with pyrimethamine, lowered tachyzoite viability and the infection rate in macrophages (p<0.001). FICI values below 0.5 indicate synergy. Selectivity index was above 10. Parasite killing in dishes Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Parasite viability, infection rate, cytokines, DNA-damage genes, NO, caspase-3, membrane permeability Limitations: In-vitro only; the authors say animal and clinical tests are needed. Funding and conflicts: No competing interests stated in the abstract. Read: abstract
Alwan 2025 High efficacy of camphene and metronidazole combination therapy against Giardia lamblia infection in mice. Parasite Epidemiol Control · PMID 40585948 · DOI	Animal research mouse	Giardia lamblia (cysts, trophozoites) and infected mice	Camphene with metronidazole Isolated compound Camphene 100 and 200 mg/kg; metronidazole 5 mg/kg 7 days · vs Metronidazole alone; untreated	Camphene alone and with metronidazole increased mortality of cysts and trophozoites (p<0.001), and in mice reduced the load and viability of cysts, changed serum electrolytes and cytokines, and lowered caspase gene expression. Fewer Giardia cysts in mice Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Cyst load and viability, serum electrolytes, cytokines, caspase genes, ROS Limitations: Same research group as the Toxoplasma and hydatid studies. Funding and conflicts: The authors declare no known competing interests. Read: abstract
Ankney 2022 Essential Oil Compositions of Pinus Species (P. contorta Subsp. contorta, P. ponderosa var. ponderosa, and P. flexilis); Enantiomeric Distribution of Terpenoids in Pinus Species. Molecules · PMID 36080426 · DOI	Chemical analysis plant material	Needle oils of three Pinus species from Oregon and Idaho	Pine needle essential oils Needle oil (hydrodistillation)	Pinus flexilis oil: alpha-pinene 37.1%, beta-pinene 21.9%, bornyl acetate 12.8% and camphene 8.5%. P. ponderosa and P. contorta oils were dominated by other compounds and camphene is not named among their main components. Camphene is 8.5% of limber pine needle oil, and not a main part of two other pines Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Composition by GC Limitations: Three species only. Funding and conflicts: The authors declare no conflict of interest. Read: abstract
Antunes 2025 The terpenes alpha-bisabolol and camphene modulate pruritus via an action on Cav3.2 T-type calcium channels. Mol Brain · PMID 40102984 · DOI	Animal research mouse	Mice, including Cav3.2 knockout mice	Camphene (and alpha-bisabolol) Isolated compound Subcutaneous or intraperitoneal; dose not given in the abstract Acute tests · vs Vehicle	Both terpenes failed to reduce itch in plain saline but worked when diluted in hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin. Camphene reduced histamine scratching and chloroquine scratching. It did not significantly reduce histamine scratching in Cav3.2 null mice. Less scratching in mice, with a carrier Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Scratching in histamine and chloroquine itch models Limitations: Mice only; effect depended on the carrier. Funding and conflicts: No conflict of interest declared by the authors, except that one author (GWZ) is co-founder and chief science officer of Zymedyne Therapeutics. Read: abstract
Api 2023 RIFM fragrance ingredient safety assessment, camphene, CAS Registry Number 79-92-5. Food Chem Toxicol · PMID 38029877 · DOI	Authoritative guidance n/a	n/a	Camphene Pure chemical	Not read: PubMed holds the citation only, with no abstract. No finding is reported here. Existence of an industry safety assessment only Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Fragrance ingredient safety assessment Limitations: No abstract, so no finding could be read. Funding and conflicts: No competing financial interests declared. Read: citation-only
Ayupova 2025 Comparative Phytochemical Profiling of Essential Oils from Selected Abies Species and Analysis of Their Antifungal and Antiradical Activity. Pharmaceutics · PMID 41599132 · DOI	Chemical analysis plant material	7 Essential oils of seven Abies species	Fir essential oils Steam-distilled oils (and two other extraction methods for A. sibirica)	The main compounds were bornyl acetate, alpha-pinene and camphene. The chemotype rich in bornyl acetate included A. sibirica, A. grandis and A. lowiana. Camphene is among the main compounds of Abies oils Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Composition by GC-MS; antifungal and antiradical activity Limitations: Percentages of camphene are not in the abstract. Funding and conflicts: The authors declare no conflicts of interest. Read: abstract
Baek 2020 Camphene Attenuates Skeletal Muscle Atrophy by Regulating Oxidative Stress and Lipid Metabolism in Rats. Nutrients · PMID 33287349 · DOI	Animal research rat	Rat L6 myoblast cells and rat muscle-atrophy models	Camphene Isolated compound · vs Untreated cells and animals	Camphene reversed abnormal cell size and muscle shape under starvation and in the animal models, lowered MuRF1, mitochondrial fission and 8-oxoguanine, and regulated lipid metabolism. Reduced signs of muscle breakdown in cells and rats Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Cell size and muscle shape, MuRF1, mitochondrial fission, 8-oxoguanine, lipid metabolism genes Limitations: Cell and rat study; no numbers in the abstract. Funding and conflicts: No conflict of interest declared; funded by Korean research programmes. Read: abstract
Bako 2024 Chemometric analysis of monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes of conifers. Front Plant Sci · PMID 39297010 · DOI	Chemical analysis plant material	30 30 conifer species (Pinaceae and Cupressaceae) from arboreta in Hungary	Volatile compounds (SPME-GC/MS) Conifer foliage volatiles	Camphene and bornyl acetate were characteristic of the abietoid group (Abies, Cedrus, Tsuga); sabinene was characteristic of the cupressoid group; longifolene and beta-pinene of the pinoid group. Camphene is a marker of fir, cedar and hemlock volatiles Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Characteristic volatiles by chemometrics Limitations: Volatile profiles of trees in one place, not oils sold as products. Funding and conflicts: No commercial or financial relationships; one author was an editorial board member of the journal. Read: abstract
Ben Arfa 2022 Seasonal changes in rosemary species: A chemotaxonomic assessment of two varieties based on essential oil compounds, antioxidant and antibacterial activities. PLoS One · PMID 36037220 · DOI	Chemical analysis plant material	Rosemary essential oil from two Tunisian locations over two years	Rosemary essential oil Hydrodistilled oil	Main constituents were camphor (18.2-28.1%), 1,8-cineole (6.4-18.0%), alpha-pinene (9.7-13.5%), borneol (4.4-9.5%) and camphene (5.1-8.7%). Camphene is 5.1 to 8.7% of Tunisian rosemary oil Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Composition by GC and GC/MS Limitations: Two locations only; composition changes with season and variety. Funding and conflicts: The authors declare no competing interests. Read: abstract
Feng 2019 Efficacy of bornyl acetate and camphene from Valeriana officinalis essential oil against two storage insects. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int · PMID 30972667 · DOI	Chemical analysis plant material	Valeriana officinalis root essential oil; two storage insects	Valerian root essential oil, bornyl acetate and camphene Root essential oil (hydrodistillation)	Seventeen compounds were found; the major ones were bornyl acetate (48.2%) and camphene (13.8%). The oil and the two compounds were toxic to two storage insects. Camphene is 13.8% of the valerian root oil tested Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Composition by GC-MS and GC-FID; insecticidal activity Limitations: Composition of one oil; the insect tests say nothing about people. Funding and conflicts: Funded by regional research programmes; no conflict statement in the abstract. Read: abstract
Feng 2020 Contact toxicity and repellent efficacy of Valerianaceae spp. to three stored-product insects and synergistic interactions between two major compounds camphene and bornyl acetate. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf · PMID 31877546 · DOI	Chemical analysis plant material	Four Valerianaceae plants (Valeriana officinalis, V. officinalis var. latifolia, V. jatamansi, Nardostachys chinensis)	Essential oils and CO2 extracts Root essential oil and supercritical CO2 extract	Bornyl acetate and camphene were the characteristic compounds in the essential oils and extracts. A mixture of the two was additive or synergistic against the red flour beetle. Camphene is a characteristic compound of valerian-family oils Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Composition; insect toxicity; camphene plus bornyl acetate mixtures Limitations: Composition and insect work only. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract
Fischedick 2010 Cannabinoid receptor 1 binding activity and quantitative analysis of Cannabis sativa L. smoke and vapor. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo) · PMID 20118579 · DOI	Chemical analysis plant material	3 Three medicinal cannabis varieties (Bedrocan, Bedrobinol, Bediol)	Cannabis extracts, vapour (Volcano vaporizer) and smoke Dried flower · vs Pure THC (CB1 binding)	The top five compounds in Bedrobinol extract were Delta-9-THC, myrcene, CBG, CBC and camphene. Camphene is not in the lists of major vapour or smoke components in the abstract. Camphene is among the main compounds of one medicinal variety's extract Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Quantitative GC-FID, GC-MS and HPLC; CB1 binding Limitations: Three varieties only; no camphene amount in the abstract. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract
Gadotti 2021 The terpenes camphene and alpha-bisabolol inhibit inflammatory and neuropathic pain via Cav3.2 T-type calcium channels. Mol Brain · PMID 34775970 · DOI	Animal research mouse	tsA-201 cells, mouse dorsal root ganglion neurons, mice (including Cav3.2 null mice)	Camphene (and alpha-bisabolol) Isolated compound Intrathecal injection; dose not given in the abstract Acute tests · vs Vehicle; Cav3.2 null mice	Camphene partly inhibited Cav3.2 (IC50 in the low micromolar range). Given into the spinal fluid it reduced formalin pain behaviour, thermal hyperalgesia after Complete Freund's adjuvant (absent in Cav3.2 null mice) and mechanical hypersensitivity in a neuropathic pain model. Less pain behaviour in mice, through Cav3.2 Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Calcium channel currents; formalin pain, thermal hyperalgesia (CFA), mechanical hypersensitivity (neuropathic pain model) Limitations: Mice only; spinal injection; one laboratory group. Funding and conflicts: Funded by CIHR; the authors declare no competing interest. Read: abstract
Girola 2015 Camphene isolated from essential oil of Piper cernuum (Piperaceae) induces intrinsic apoptosis in melanoma cells and displays antitumor activity in vivo. Biochem Biophys Res Commun · PMID 26471302 · DOI	Laboratory research mouse	Human tumour cell lines, murine B16F10-Nex2 melanoma cells, and mice	Camphene (isolated from Piper cernuum leaf oil) Isolated compound from leaf essential oil · vs Untreated controls	Camphene induced apoptosis by the intrinsic pathway in melanoma cells, mainly by causing endoplasmic reticulum stress, and inhibited subcutaneous tumour growth in a syngeneic mouse model. Killed melanoma cells in dishes and slowed tumour growth in mice Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Cell death, ER stress, mitochondrial potential, caspase-3, tumour growth Limitations: Cells and one mouse model. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract
Guerrini 2023 A Comparative Study on Chemical Compositions and Biological Activities of Four Amazonian Ecuador Essential Oils: Curcuma longa L., Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf, Ocimum campechianum Mill., and Zingiber officinale Roscoe. Antibiotics (Basel) · PMID 36671378 · DOI	Chemical analysis plant material	Four essential oils from cultivated plants in Amazonian Ecuador	Essential oils and their vapour phase Essential oils · vs Thymus vulgaris oil (reference)	In the vapour phase (headspace), Zingiber officinale showed camphene (50.39%) as the most abundant compound, while Cymbopogon citratus showed cis-isocitral (15.27%). In the oil itself, alpha-zingiberene was 15.45% for ginger and geraniol 39.43% for lemongrass. Camphene dominates the vapour above one ginger oil Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Composition (GC-FID, GC-MS, headspace); antioxidant, antimicrobial and mutagen-protective tests Limitations: Headspace figures are not the same as the liquid oil's composition. The lemongrass studied here is Cymbopogon citratus, not citronella. Funding and conflicts: The authors declare no conflict of interest. Read: abstract
Hoferl 2015 Composition and Comprehensive Antioxidant Activity of Ginger (Zingiber officinale) Essential Oil from Ecuador. Nat Prod Commun · PMID 26197557	Chemical analysis plant material	Ginger rhizome essential oil from Ecuador	Ginger essential oil Rhizome essential oil	71 compounds, mainly citral (geranial 10.5%, neral 9.1%), alpha-zingiberene (17.4%), camphene (7.8%), alpha-farnesene (6.8%) and beta-sesquiphellandrene (6.7%). Camphene is 7.8% of this ginger oil Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Composition by GC/FID/MS; antioxidant assays Limitations: One oil; composition varies by origin. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract
Hong 2026 Stereochemical profiling of essential oils from Cinnamomum Camphora using GC/MS: effects of sampling method and chiral separation. J Chromatogr A · PMID 41950854 · DOI	Chemical analysis plant material	Essential oil of a Cinnamomum camphora variant grown in Taiwan	Camphor tree essential oil Essential oil	Headspace sampling detected light aroma-active volatiles such as (+)-alpha-pinene and (-)-camphene; liquid sampling found (+)-borneol (31.7%), eucalyptol (11.4%) and (+)-camphor (8.4%) as major constituents. Camphene is a light volatile in camphor tree oil, not a major liquid component Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Composition by headspace and liquid GC-MS Limitations: No percentage for camphene in the abstract. Funding and conflicts: The authors declare no competing financial interests. Read: abstract
Ishida 1979 Terpenoid biotransformation in mammals. II: Biotransformation of dl-camphene in rabbits. J Pharm Sci · PMID 458621 · DOI	Animal research rabbit	Rabbits	dl-Camphene Isolated compound	Four neutral metabolites were identified (6-exo-hydroxycamphene, 10-hydroxycamphene and two diastereoisomers of camphene-2,10-glycol); two alcohols (7-hydroxycamphene and 3-hydroxytricyclene) were estimated by spectra and chemical degradation. Camphene is oxidised to hydroxylated products in rabbits Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Breakdown products of camphene Limitations: Rabbit study from 1979; nothing about people. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract
Jin 2021 Identification of Chemotypic Markers in Three Chemotype Categories of Cannabis Using Secondary Metabolites Profiled in Inflorescences, Leaves, Stem Bark, and Roots. Front Plant Sci · PMID 34276749 · DOI	Chemical analysis plant material	21 21 cannabis varieties in three chemotypes	Cannabis plant parts Inflorescences, leaves, stem bark, roots	THC-dominant varieties had higher camphene, limonene, ocimene, terpinolene, linalool, fenchol, alpha-terpineol, beta-caryophyllene, alpha-humulene and others than CBD-dominant varieties. Camphene is higher in THC-dominant than CBD-dominant varieties Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Chemotype markers Limitations: Chemotype marker study; no amounts for camphene in the abstract. Funding and conflicts: Two authors were employed by PBG BioPharma Inc. and one by Egret Bioscience and Lighthouse Genomics; the other authors declare no commercial or financial relationships. Read: abstract
Khan 2025 Camphene Mitigates Cyclophosphamide-Induced Oxidative Stress, Neuroinflammation, and Cognitive Dysfunction via Nrf2, NF-kappaB, and Astrocytic GFAP Modulation in Wistar Albino Rats. J Biochem Mol Toxicol · PMID 40952831 · DOI	Animal research rat	Wistar albino rats given cyclophosphamide	Camphene Isolated compound 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg by mouth 21 days (cyclophosphamide 200 mg/kg injected on day 7) · vs Cyclophosphamide without camphene	At 100 and 200 mg/kg camphene reversed cyclophosphamide-induced oxidative stress, inflammation and behavioural changes, in a dose-dependent way. Less brain oxidative stress and inflammation and better behaviour test results in rats Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Behaviour tests, brain histology, Nrf2, NF-kappa B, GFAP, SOD, catalase, glutathione reductase, TBARS, IL-6, IL-1 beta, IL-10, TNF-alpha Limitations: Rats only; group size not in the abstract; high doses. Funding and conflicts: No conflict statement in the abstract. Read: abstract
Kim 2014 Dietary camphene attenuates hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance in mice. Obesity (Silver Spring) · PMID 23818423 · DOI	Animal research mouse	Male C57BL/6N mice; 3T3-L1 fat cells	Camphene Isolated compound 0.2% of a high-fat (20% fat, 1% cholesterol) diet 10 weeks · vs Normal diet and high-fat diet without camphene	Camphene reduced the high-fat diet rise in liver weight and liver lipids, raised circulating adiponectin, and increased AMPK activation, fat-burning genes and insulin signalling in the liver. In fat cells it raised adiponectin expression and secretion. Less fat build-up in mouse liver Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Liver weight and fat, adiponectin, AMPK activation, liver insulin signalling Limitations: Mouse study; the abstract gives no numbers or group sizes. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract
Marhoon 2025 Promising Anthelminthic Effects of Camphene Against Protoscoleces and Hydatid Cysts of Echinococcus granulosus. Acta Parasitol · PMID 40397315 · DOI	Animal research mouse	Echinococcus granulosus protoscoleces and mice infected with hydatid cysts	Camphene Isolated compound 20, 40 and 80 mg/kg a day 28 days · vs Untreated infected mice	Camphene reduced protoscolex viability and cysts' number, size and weight in a dose-dependent way, and lowered TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta, with no significant changes in blood markers of liver and kidney function. Fewer and smaller hydatid cysts in mice Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Protoscolex viability, apoptosis genes, ROS, number/size/weight of cysts, TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta, liver and kidney markers Limitations: Same research group; mouse study. Funding and conflicts: The authors declare no competing interests. Read: abstract
Procter 1970 Nutmeg oil and camphene as inhaled expectorants. Arch Otolaryngol · PMID 5455589 · DOI	Other n/a	n/a	Nutmeg oil and camphene	Not read: PubMed holds the citation only, with no abstract. No finding is reported here. Existence of a 1970 paper only Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Unknown (no abstract) Limitations: No abstract, so no finding could be read. Funding and conflicts: n/a Read: citation-only
Quintans-Junior 2013 Antinociceptive Activity and Redox Profile of the Monoterpenes (+)-Camphene, p-Cymene, and Geranyl Acetate in Experimental Models. ISRN Toxicol · PMID 23724298 · DOI	Animal research mouse	Mice; free-radical test systems	(+)-Camphene (and p-cymene, geranyl acetate) Isolated compound 200 mg/kg for the significant pain effect; route not stated in the abstract Acute tests · vs Vehicle	(+)-Camphene had the strongest in-vitro antioxidant effect of the three at TBARS and TRAP/TAR and the highest scavenging of hydroxyl and superoxide radicals. It also reduced pain behaviour at high doses (200 mg/kg), although p-cymene was strongest. Nitroprusside-derived nitric oxide production was increased by (+)-camphene. Antioxidant in test tubes; pain behaviour reduced at a high dose in mice Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Writhing and formalin pain tests; TBARS, TRAP/TAR and radical-scavenging assays Limitations: Mouse and test-tube study; the abstract gives no figures. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract
Richins 2018 Accumulation of bioactive metabolites in cultivated medical Cannabis. PLoS One · PMID 30036388 · DOI	Chemical analysis plant material	72 Commercial medical cannabis grown by licensed producers in New Mexico (72 samples in the supplementary table)	Cannabis flowers Cured flower	The authors developed an extraction and analysis method for cannabinoids and terpenoids, found that terpenoid composition varied by accession and used it to cluster strains, and found that flower maturity and position on the plant add variability. Source of the camphene values in our lab data Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Cannabinoids and terpenoids by GC-FID Limitations: The abstract does not give camphene amounts; they were read from the paper's supplementary table by our lab-data file. Funding and conflicts: Researchers at a public university collaborated with two licensed medical marijuana industry members in New Mexico (Rio Grande Analytics and Ultra Health), who the authors say did not influence the study. Read: abstract
Schafer 1981 Pharmacological studies with an ointment containing menthol, camphene and essential oils for broncholytic and secretolytic effects. Arzneimittelforschung · PMID 7194098	Animal research animal	Animals (species not stated in the abstract)	An ointment of menthol, camphene and essential oils Branded ointment Acute tests	Insufflated into the airways the ointment reduced bronchospasm by 50% and increased secretion by 44%; applied to epilated skin it increased secretion by 54% and slightly reduced bronchospasm. Fewer airway spasms and more secretion in animals Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Acetylcholine-induced bronchospasm; tracheobronchial secretion Limitations: A mixture of ingredients; camphene's own part cannot be known. Abstract in English, article in German. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract
Seo 2016 Influence of Binasal and Uninasal Inhalations of Essential Oil of Abies koreana Twigs on Electroencephalographic Activity of Human. Behav Neurol · PMID 28042202 · DOI	Human experimental	Human volunteers (number and health status not stated in the abstract)	Abies koreana twig essential oil (limonene 25.29%, bornyl acetate 19.31%, camphene 12.48%) Twig essential oil Inhalation, amount not stated in the abstract	Absolute alpha (left frontal, right parietal) and fast alpha (right parietal) rose with binasal inhalation; absolute beta and theta fell with uninasal inhalation. The authors link this to relaxation and alertness. Brain-wave changes with a whole fir oil Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: EEG power spectrum Limitations: Number of volunteers, comparator and effect sizes are not in the abstract; whole oil. Funding and conflicts: The authors declare no competing interests. Read: abstract
Stamatiou 2024 Camphene as a Protective Agent in Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury. Antioxidants (Basel) · PMID 38671853 · DOI	Animal research rat	Adult rats (isolated hearts)	Camphene Isolated compound A single dose; amount not stated in the abstract Single dose before ex-vivo ischemia/reperfusion · vs Untreated hearts	Camphene pretreatment significantly reduced infarct size and cell death, lowered oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation, increased mitochondrial content, modulated antioxidant enzymes and Nrf2 targets, and reduced ferroptosis. Smaller damaged area in rat hearts Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Infarct size (TTC staining), LDH release, protein carbonylation, GSH/GSSG, Nrf2 and enzyme activities, GPx4, lipid peroxidation Limitations: One isolated-heart rat study; dose and numbers not in the abstract. Funding and conflicts: No conflicts declared; a university postgraduate programme was named as a source of support. Read: abstract
Stappen 2016 Influence of Essential Ginger Oil on Human Psychophysiology after Inhalation and Dermal Application. Nat Prod Commun · PMID 30549623	Human experimental	Healthy human subjects (number not stated in the abstract)	Ginger essential oil (citral 19.4%, alpha-zingiberene 17.4%, camphene 7.8%) Rhizome essential oil Inhalation and skin application; amount not stated in the abstract Two experiments · vs Control condition	An activating effect was seen for ginger oil in the inhalation experiment compared with control. A mild 'activating' effect after inhaling ginger oil Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Blood pressure, heart rate, subjective well-being Limitations: Whole oil; sample size not in the abstract. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract
Tiwari 2009 Plant derived antioxidants - Geraniol and camphene protect rat alveolar macrophages against t-BHP induced oxidative stress. Toxicol In Vitro · PMID 19135518 · DOI	Laboratory research rat cells	Rat alveolar macrophages (cell line) stressed with t-BHP	Camphene (and geraniol; quercetin as a reference) Isolated compound Pre-treatment and post-treatment · vs Quercetin; untreated stressed cells	Camphene raised cell survival, SOD activity by 29% (p<0.05) and glutathione content by 28%, restored mitochondrial membrane potential, lowered lipid peroxidation and reactive oxygen species, and inhibited nitric oxide release by 83.84%. Protected rat lung immune cells from oxidative stress in a dish Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Cell survival, SOD, glutathione, lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide, reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial membrane potential Limitations: Cell study only. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract
US Food and Drug Administration 2026 US Code of Federal Regulations Title 21, section 172.515: Synthetic flavoring substances and adjuvants eCFR (API; text version dated 2026-10-01, retrieved 2026-10-25) · Source	Authoritative guidance n/a	n/a	n/a	Section 172.515 says that synthetic flavouring substances and adjuvants may be safely used in food under stated conditions, including use in the minimum quantity required for the intended effect and following good manufacturing practice. The list includes 'Camphene; 2,2-dimethyl-3-methylenenorbornane'. Section 172.515 says that synthetic flavouring substances and adjuvants may be safely used in food under stated conditions, including use in the minimum quantity required for the intended effect and following good manufacturing practice. The list includes 'Camphene; 2,2-dimethyl-3-methylenenorbornane'. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Whether camphene is on the FDA's list of synthetic flavouring substances allowed in food Limitations: A food-flavouring rule. It says nothing about inhaling, vaping or heating camphene, supplements, or use in cannabis products. Funding and conflicts: n/a Read: full-text
US National Library of Medicine (PubChem) 2026 PubChem: Camphene (CID 6616), GHS classification (aggregated company notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory) PubChem PUG-View API (retrieved 2026-10-25) · Source	Authoritative guidance n/a	n/a	n/a	Of 2,128 company reports, 2.3% (48) say camphene does not meet GHS hazard criteria. Among reports with hazard codes: H228 flammable solid 94.8%; H304 may be fatal if swallowed and enters airways 61.4%; H319 serious eye irritation 97.5%; H400 very toxic to aquatic life 85.8%; H410 very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects 97.6%. Of 2,128 company reports, 2.3% (48) say camphene does not meet GHS hazard criteria. Among reports with hazard codes: H228 flammable solid 94.8%; H304 may be fatal if swallowed and enters airways 61.4%; H319 serious eye irritation 97.5%; H400 very toxic to aquatic life 85.8%; H410 very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects 97.6%. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Hazard classes notified for the pure chemical Limitations: Company notifications that vary with impurities and additives; not an official classification. Funding and conflicts: n/a Read: full-text
US National Library of Medicine (PubChem) 2026 PubChem: Camphene (CID 6616), with records for the (+)-form (CID 92221), the (-)-form (CID 440966) and related molecules (camphor CID 2537, borneol CID 64685, bornyl acetate CID 6448, alpha-pinene CID 6654, tricyclene CID 79035) PubChem REST API (retrieved 2026-10-25) · Source	Authoritative guidance n/a	n/a	n/a	CID 6616: C10H16, molecular weight 136.23, IUPAC name 2,2-dimethyl-3-methylidenebicyclo[2.2.1]heptane, CAS 79-92-5 among the synonyms. CID 92221 is the (1R,4S)-form (D-camphene) and CID 440966 the (1S,4R)-form ((-)-camphene). CID 6616: C10H16, molecular weight 136.23, IUPAC name 2,2-dimethyl-3-methylidenebicyclo[2.2.1]heptane, CAS 79-92-5 among the synonyms. CID 92221 is the (1R,4S)-form (D-camphene) and CID 440966 the (1S,4R)-form ((-)-camphene). Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Chemical identity of camphene and its mirror forms Limitations: Database records; they identify the molecules but say nothing about effects. Funding and conflicts: n/a Read: full-text
Vallianou 2011 Camphene, a plant-derived monoterpene, reduces plasma cholesterol and triglycerides in hyperlipidemic rats independently of HMG-CoA reductase activity. PLoS One · PMID 22073134 · DOI	Animal research rat	Rats (naive and detergent-induced hyperlipidemic) and human HepG2 liver cells	Camphene (and the essential oil of Chios mastic gum) Isolated compound 30 micrograms per gram of body weight in hyperlipidemic rats; dose route not stated in the abstract · vs Untreated or vehicle animals; mevinolin in cells	Camphene lowered total cholesterol by 54.5%, LDL cholesterol by 54% and triglycerides by 34.5% (p<0.001) in hyperlipidemic rats. In HepG2 cells it lowered cell cholesterol about as much as mevinolin, without changing HMG-CoA reductase activity. Lower blood fats in rats, by a route that is not the statin route Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Serum total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides; HMG-CoA reductase activity; cell cholesterol Limitations: Animal and cell study. The abstract does not give the number of animals or the route of dosing. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract
Vallianou 2016 Camphene, a Plant Derived Monoterpene, Exerts Its Hypolipidemic Action by Affecting SREBP-1 and MTP Expression. PLoS One · PMID 26784701 · DOI	Laboratory research human cells	Human HepG2 liver cancer cells	Camphene Isolated compound Concentration-dependent; maximum effect at 100 micromolar · vs Mevinolin (statin-type drug)	Camphene inhibited cholesterol production by up to 39% at 100 micromolar and cut triglycerides by 34%, and raised apolipoprotein AI expression. It raised the nuclear mature form of SREBP-1, whereas mevinolin raised SREBP-2. Mechanism study in liver cells Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Cholesterol and triglyceride production from labelled acetate; SREBP-1, SREBP-2 and MTP levels Limitations: Cultured cells only, from the same group as the rat study. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract
de Lacerda Coriolano 2026 Synergistic potential between camphene, myrcene, and ceftazidime against medically important bacteria. Future Microbiol · PMID 42226680 · DOI	Laboratory research bacteria	14 bacterial strains	Camphene, myrcene and ceftazidime Isolated compounds · vs Each substance alone	Camphene inhibited Staphylococcus aureus. The camphene-myrcene combination raised activity compared with each alone. The terpenes plus ceftazidime lowered the antibiotic MIC in six strains (eightfold for A. baumannii). No hemolysis was seen. Added antibacterial effect in dishes Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: MIC by broth microdilution, release of 260-nm material, checkerboard assay, hemolysis Limitations: Lab study only. Funding and conflicts: All authors declare no conflict of interest. Read: abstract

What we do not know yet

What the evidence supports: everything is very-low or insufficient certainty. It is almost all from cells and animals.
No human trial of camphene alone for any use, and no human safety study; the only human studies found tested whole fir and ginger oils.
The rat and mouse doses were milligrams per kilogram, far above what a scent or cannabis flower gives; whether small amounts do anything is unknown.
The cholesterol work comes from one group, the Cav3.2 pain and itch work from another, and the parasite work from a third; independent repeats were not found.
No data on how the human body absorbs and breaks down camphene, on skin allergy that could be read, on pregnancy, or on interactions with medicines.
The fragrance industry's safety assessment and EFSA documents could not be read.

How new research is added

New studies are found by a saved PubMed search and are placed in a review queue. A person reads each one before it changes any evidence rating or safety wording. New publications can change what this page says.

Lab markers

What changed in blood or saliva tests during trials. A changed number is not the same as feeling or being healthier, and we give no "normal ranges".

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Blood cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides in rats

Lowered in trials

Fats carried in the blood. High LDL cholesterol and triglycerides are linked to heart disease in people.

Very low certainty

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

They are the usual first check for whether a molecule might lower blood fats.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

One animal study from one group; no human study.

Safety implication

None reported in the abstract.

Study	Result	People	Product
³⁴	Total cholesterol fell 54.5%, LDL cholesterol 54% and triglycerides 34.5% in rats with induced high blood fats.	Rats	Camphene, 30 micrograms per gram of body weight

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New cholesterol and triglyceride production in liver cells

Lowered in trials

How much cholesterol and fat liver cells make from a labelled building block.

Very low certainty

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

It shows the mechanism and whether the effect resembles a statin.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

Consistent in two papers from one group; cells only.

Safety implication

Unknown.

Study	Result	People	Product
³⁵	Cholesterol production fell by up to 39% at 100 micromolar and triglycerides fell by 34%; apolipoprotein AI expression rose.	HepG2 human liver cancer cells	Camphene versus mevinolin (a statin-type drug)
³⁴	Cell cholesterol content fell to about the same extent as with mevinolin, without changing HMG-CoA reductase activity.	HepG2 cells	Camphene

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Liver fat, adiponectin and insulin signals in mice

Improved in trials

Adiponectin is a hormone from fat cells that helps the body handle sugar and fat.

Very low certainty

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

Raised adiponectin and lower liver fat are signs of better metabolic health in animals.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

One mouse study; the abstract has no numbers.

Safety implication

None reported in the abstract.

Study	Result	People	Product
²¹	Camphene reduced the rise in liver weight and liver fat on a high-fat diet and raised blood adiponectin; liver insulin-signalling markers rose.	Male C57BL/6N mice	0.2% camphene in a high-fat, high-cholesterol diet for 10 weeks

²¹

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Oxidative stress markers (SOD, glutathione, lipid peroxidation, Nrf2)

Improved in trials

Chemical signs of oxidative damage and of the cell's antioxidant defences.

Very low certainty

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

Plant molecules are often screened for whether they lower oxidative damage.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

Consistent direction across four cell or animal studies, but none in people.

Safety implication

Unknown.

Study	Result	People	Product
³⁰	In stressed rat macrophages camphene raised SOD activity 29% and glutathione 28% and lowered lipid peroxidation and reactive oxygen species.	Rat alveolar macrophages	Camphene pre-treatment
²⁸	Reduced protein carbonylation and lipid peroxidation, raised GSH/GSSG ratio and Nrf2-linked enzymes in ischemic rat hearts.	Adult rats (isolated hearts)	A single dose of camphene before ischemia
²⁰	Reversed the rise in TBARS (a lipid-damage marker) and the fall in SOD, catalase and glutathione reductase caused by cyclophosphamide at 100 and 200 mg/kg.	Wistar rats	Camphene by mouth for 21 days
⁷	Lowered the DNA-damage marker 8-oxoguanine in muscle cells under stress.	Rat L6 muscle cells	Camphene

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Infarct (dead tissue) size and cell injury in rat hearts

Lowered in trials

The area of heart muscle killed after blood flow is cut off, and the LDH enzyme that leaks from injured cells.

Very low certainty

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

Smaller infarct size is the main measure of heart protection in animal models.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

One animal study; numbers not in the abstract.

Safety implication

None reported in the abstract.

Study	Result	People	Product
²⁸	Camphene pretreatment significantly reduced infarct size and cell death after ischemia and reperfusion.	Adult rats (isolated hearts)	A single dose of camphene before the injury

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Pain behaviour in mice (paw licking, writhing, heat and touch sensitivity)

Lowered in trials

How much an animal licks, writhes or withdraws when a painful stimulus is given.

Very low certainty

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

It is the usual way to test whether a compound might work against pain before any human study.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

Two mouse studies in one direction; no human data.

Safety implication

None reported in the abstracts.

Study	Result	People	Product
¹³	Intrathecal camphene reduced formalin pain behaviour, heat sensitivity in inflamed paws and touch sensitivity in a nerve-pain model. The effect was absent in Cav3.2 null mice.	Mice	Camphene injected into the spinal fluid
²⁴	(+)-Camphene reduced writhing and formalin pain behaviour at a high dose (200 mg/kg); p-cymene was stronger.	Mice	(+)-Camphene

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Scratching behaviour in itch models

Lowered in trials

The number of scratching bouts after itch is triggered by histamine or chloroquine.

Very low certainty

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

It is the standard animal measure of itch.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

One mouse study.

Safety implication

None reported in the abstract.

Study	Result	People	Product
⁴	Camphene reduced scratching in the histamine model by two injection routes and in the chloroquine model; no significant effect in Cav3.2 null mice for histamine itch.	Mice	Camphene in hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin

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Tumour cell death and tumour growth

Lowered in trials

Whether cancer cells die in a dish and whether a tumour grows more slowly in an animal.

Very low certainty

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

It is a first screen for anticancer activity, nothing more.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

One study; no human data.

Safety implication

Not reported in the abstract.

Study	Result	People	Product
¹⁴	Camphene induced apoptosis in melanoma cells and inhibited growth of a subcutaneous melanoma in mice.	B16F10-Nex2 murine melanoma cells; mice	Camphene from Piper cernuum oil

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Bacterial growth and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC)

Lowered in trials

The lowest concentration of a substance that stops visible bacterial growth.

Not enough evidence

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

It shows whether a substance, alone or with an antibiotic, can slow bacteria in a dish.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

One lab study.

Safety implication

The terpenes did not cause hemolysis in the test.

Study	Result	People	Product
³⁶	Camphene inhibited Staphylococcus aureus; terpenes with ceftazidime lowered the antibiotic MIC in six strains, eightfold for A. baumannii.	14 bacterial strains	Camphene, myrcene, and ceftazidime

³⁶

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Parasite viability and cyst burden

Lowered in trials

How many parasites survive in a dish, and how many cysts remain in infected animals.

Very low certainty

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

It is a first test of whether a substance might fight parasites.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

Three reports from one research group.

Safety implication

No significant change in liver or kidney markers in the hydatid mouse study.

Study	Result	People	Product
¹	Lowered Toxoplasma tachyzoite viability and infection rate in macrophages; synergistic with pyrimethamine.	T. gondii in cell culture	Camphene with or without pyrimethamine
²	Lowered Giardia cyst and trophozoite viability and cyst load in mice.	G. lamblia; infected mice	Camphene with or without metronidazole
²²	Reduced the number, size and weight of hydatid cysts in mice; liver and kidney markers unchanged.	E. granulosus; infected mice	Camphene 20-80 mg/kg a day for 28 days

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Bronchospasm and airway secretion in animals

Mixed results in trials

How much the airways narrow after acetylcholine, and how much fluid the airway lining secretes.

Not enough evidence

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

They are standard animal tests for chest-rub and cough products.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

A 1981 animal study of a mixture.

Safety implication

Not reported.

Study	Result	People	Product
²⁶	A menthol-camphene-essential oil ointment reduced bronchospasm by 50% when breathed in and raised secretion by 44% after intratracheal insufflation and by 54% after skin application.	Animals (species not stated)	Ointment containing menthol, camphene and essential oils

²⁶

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Brain-wave (EEG) activity and self-rated alertness

Mixed results in trials

Electrical activity of the brain recorded from the scalp.

Not enough evidence

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

Aromatherapy studies use it as an indirect measure of relaxation or alertness.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

Two small human studies of whole oils; changes cannot be linked to camphene.

Safety implication

None reported in the abstracts.

Study	Result	People	Product
²⁷	Absolute alpha power rose during binasal inhalation of Abies koreana twig oil; beta and theta fell during one-nostril inhalation.	Healthy volunteers (number not given in the abstract)	Abies koreana twig oil (camphene 12.48%)
²⁹	An 'activating effect' was seen after inhalation of ginger oil compared with control.	Healthy volunteers (number not given in the abstract)	Ginger oil (camphene 7.8%)

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Safety

What studies and official sources say about side effects, medicines and who should check first. Each point shows what kind of evidence it comes from.

Main points to know 4

There is no human safety study of camphene on its own. No trial has given camphene by itself to people, so nobody knows how often it causes side effects. The only human studies found tested whole fir and ginger essential oils that contain camphene among dozens of other ingredients, and their abstracts do not report side effects. Gap ^{27 29}
The pure chemical is a flammable solid and an eye irritant. Companies notify the pure chemical as a flammable solid (94.8% of reports), a cause of serious eye irritation (97.5%), and very toxic to water life. About six in ten reports (61.4%) also say it may be fatal if swallowed and enters the airways. These are classes for the pure chemical in industry notifications, not measured side effect rates in users. Authoritative guidance ³²
Animal studies used large doses and mostly found no harm markers, but they were not safety studies. In mice given camphene for 28 days (20, 40 and 80 mg per kg a day), blood markers of liver and kidney function did not change significantly. Rats took up to 200 mg per kg for 21 days in a brain study. Neither study was designed to test safety, and the abstracts give few details. Animal research ^{22 20}
Pure terpene oils and essential oils should be kept away from children. Because of the aspiration hazard if swallowed, keep pure camphene, concentrated terpene products and essential oils out of reach of children. If one is swallowed and the person coughs, chokes or struggles to breathe, call a poison centre or emergency services. Authoritative guidance ³²

Side effects 4

Effect	How often	Severity and recovery	Evidence
Serious eye irritation from the pure chemical A classification of the pure chemical, not a measured rate in users.	97.5% of 2,128 company reports notify it as a hazard class	moderate Not described	Authoritative guidance ³²
Chemical pneumonia (aspiration) if the pure chemical is swallowed and enters the lungs Applies to the pure liquid or concentrated oil, not to the tiny amount in cannabis flower or in foods.	61.4% of reports with hazard codes list the aspiration hazard	severe Not described	Authoritative guidance ³²
Skin irritation or allergy The 2023 fragrance-industry safety assessment of camphene (RIFM) exists, but its findings could not be read here. Skin irritation is not among the main hazard classes in the company notifications that PubChem summarises.	Not established	unknown Not described	Gap ⁵
Side effects in people The abstracts of the two human studies of whole fir and ginger oils report no adverse effects, but they were not safety studies.	Not established	unknown Not described	Gap ^{27 29}

Liver

No human case of liver injury from camphene was found in the sources read, and LiverTox was not read. In mice treated for 28 days with 20 to 80 mg per kg a day, blood markers of liver and kidney function were not significantly changed. In another mouse study, camphene reduced liver fat on a high-fat diet. ^{22 21}

How often. No human rate was found.

Monitoring. No agency monitoring advice was read.

This is a safety connection. It is not evidence that Camphene supports liver health.

Medicines and supplements 4

With	Why it matters	Importance	Evidence	What to do
THC (cannabis) cannabis	No study tested camphene with THC. Camphene partly blocks Cav3.2 calcium channels in the lab and in mice, which is a different target from the cannabis receptors.	Unknown. No study measured whether camphene changes THC's effects, impairment or side effects in people.	Gap Not enough evidence ¹³	Do not assume a terpene makes THC safer or milder. The risks of THC, such as impairment, anxiety and dependence, still apply (see the THC profile).
Cholesterol medicines (statins and others) drug	In rat and liver-cell work, camphene lowered blood fats without acting on HMG-CoA reductase, the enzyme statins block. No one tested camphene together with a cholesterol medicine.	Unknown. Whether camphene adds to a statin or interferes with it has not been studied.	Laboratory research Not enough evidence ^{34 35}	If you take cholesterol medicine, do not change it because of this research. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using concentrated terpene products.
Antibiotics and antiparasitic drugs (ceftazidime, pyrimethamine, metronidazole) drug	In dishes, and in some mouse tests, camphene made these drugs work better against bacteria or parasites (synergy).	Unknown. Synergy in a dish does not show a benefit or harm in a person, and no human test was found.	Laboratory research Not enough evidence ^{36 1 2}	Take prescribed anti-infective medicines as directed. Do not add terpene products on your own.
Sedatives, alcohol and sleep medicines drug	No study tested camphene with sedatives. The human studies of whole fir and ginger oils reported changes in brain waves and alertness, not sedation.	Unknown.	Gap Not enough evidence ^{27 29}	No camphene-specific advice can be given. The sedative effects of THC and alcohol are covered in the THC profile.

Who should check first 6

Situation	Advice	Evidence
Pregnancy and breastfeeding	No human or animal pregnancy safety study of camphene was found. Ask your doctor before using cannabis products, essential oils or concentrated terpenes. LactMed was not read.	Gap
Children and teenagers	No studies of camphene in young people were found. Keep pure terpene oils and essential oils out of reach of children because of the swallowing hazard. The risks of THC for teenagers are covered in the THC profile; camphene has not been shown to change them.	Authoritative guidance ³²
Older adults	No studies of camphene in older adults were found. The risks of THC for older adults are covered in the THC profile.	Gap
Mental health conditions, including a history of psychosis or severe anxiety	No study looked at camphene in people with these conditions. The mental health risks of THC are covered in the THC profile; do not treat camphene as a safeguard.	Gap
Driving and machinery	No driving study of camphene exists. The human fir-oil study reported brain-wave changes that the authors link to relaxation or alertness. Do not drive or use machinery after THC, or if you feel drowsy.	Gap ²⁷
Asthma or chronic lung disease	No study tested inhaled camphene in people with lung disease. Pure terpene oils and essential oils can irritate the airways of some people; ask a doctor if you have a lung condition.	Gap

Overdose, product quality and regulators

Summary. No human toxicity study of camphene on its own was found. Animal studies were not designed to test safety, and none looked at long-term use. The best-documented hazards are those of the pure chemical: a flammable solid, an eye irritant and an aspiration hazard if swallowed.

Animal. Mice given camphene at 20, 40 and 80 mg per kg a day for 28 days showed no significant change in blood markers of liver and kidney function. Rats took up to 200 mg per kg a day by mouth for 21 days in a brain study. No death, organ damage or lifelong-exposure data were read.

Overdose response. Not described in the sources read. The company notifications list an aspiration hazard if the pure chemical is swallowed.

Genotoxicity. Not tested in the sources read for camphene itself. In the Toxoplasma and hydatid studies, camphene raised DNA-damage gene signals in the parasites, not in human cells.

Environmental. Company notifications list the pure chemical as very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects (97.6% of reports with hazard codes). Do not pour it down drains.

Terpene amounts on cannabis and scent-product labels are not reliable guides. The camphene numbers in our lab data each come from a single sample of cured flower, so they show how much one sample held, not what a strain name usually holds.

Strain names and chemistry. A New Mexico study of commercial medical cannabis noted that complete chemical analyses can vary considerably between producers and are often not fully provided to consumers. It found that terpene composition varied by variety (accession) and by flower maturity and position on the plant. ²⁵

Chemical type of the plant. In a study of 21 cannabis varieties, THC-dominant varieties had higher camphene than CBD-dominant ones. ¹⁹

Vapour and smoke. A study of three medicinal cannabis varieties analysed extracts, vapour and smoke. Camphene was among the top five compounds in the extract of one variety (Bedrobinol); it was not on the lists of major vapour or smoke components in the abstract. ¹²

Body	Action	Date
US Food and Drug Administration (Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, section 172.515) (United States)	Lists "Camphene; 2,2-dimethyl-3-methylenenorbornane" among synthetic flavouring substances and adjuvants that may be safely used in food under stated conditions (minimum quantity needed for the effect, good manufacturing practice). source	2026-10-25
Company hazard notifications to the European Chemicals Agency's classification and labelling inventory (as summarised by PubChem) (European Union / EEA)	For pure camphene, companies' notifications most often list flammable solid (94.8%), serious eye irritation (97.5%), very toxic to aquatic life (85.8%) and with long-lasting effects (97.6%); 61.4% list may be fatal if swallowed and enters airways. 2.3% of reports (48 of 2,128) say it does not meet GHS hazard criteria. source	2026-10-25

When to get medical help

Someone has swallowed pure terpene oil, an essential oil or a cleaning product and is coughing, choking, wheezing or has trouble breathing (get emergency help and call a poison centre).
Pure chemical or concentrated oil gets in the eye and pain or blurred vision continue after rinsing with water (seek medical care).
Trouble breathing, chest tightness or wheezing after breathing vapour, especially in someone with asthma.
A rash that spreads quickly, blisters, or swells the face or lips after skin contact with a product containing camphene.
Severe anxiety, confusion, or loss of touch with reality after using cannabis products (see the THC profile).

Stop using the product and contact a clinician or emergency service. In the US, Poison Control is 1-800-222-1222.

General information only, not medical advice. Ask a clinician or pharmacist before use, especially with medicines, in pregnancy or with a health condition. See the Natural Remedy Safety guide.

Frequently asked questions

What is camphene?

Camphene is a small plant scent molecule (a bicyclic monoterpene, C10H16). Cannabis makes it, and so do valerian root, ginger, fir and other conifers, and rosemary. It is not camphor.

^{33 19}

Where is camphene found?

In valerian root oil (13.8% in one oil), ginger oil (7.8% in one, and the main compound in the vapour of another), fir twig oil (12.48%), some pine oils (8.5% in one), rosemary oil (5.1 to 8.7%) and cannabis flower. We found no source naming it in citronella oil.

^{10 16 15 27 3 9 19}

Which cannabis strains have the most camphene?

In our lab data, 31 named strains have a measurement, from 0.000054 (FLO) to 0.000195 (Rollex OG), printed in a column headed '% dry wt' from one New Mexico study; each is one sample. The same strain name varies between samples, and the unit is not independently verified. These numbers say nothing about effects.

²⁵

Is there human research on camphene?

No trial has tested camphene on its own. The only human studies found tested whole fir and ginger essential oils that contain it among many ingredients, and their abstracts give no sample sizes.

^{27 29}

Does camphene lower cholesterol?

In rats with induced high blood fats it lowered cholesterol and triglycerides, and in liver cells it lowered cholesterol production. It was not tested in people, and the work comes from one group. Do not change cholesterol medicine because of it.

^{34 35}

Does camphene help with pain or itch?

In mice it reduced pain behaviour and scratching, partly by blocking Cav3.2 calcium channels. The pain study used injection into the spinal fluid and the itch study needed a carrier. No one has tested it for pain or itch in people.

^{13 4}

Is camphene safe?

There is not enough human data to say. The pure chemical is notified as a flammable solid, an eye irritant and an aspiration hazard if swallowed. No data on skin allergy could be read. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using concentrated products.

^{32 5}

Is camphene safe in pregnancy?

No human or animal pregnancy data were found. People who are pregnant or breastfeeding should ask their doctor before using essential oils, terpene products or cannabis.

Is camphene the same as camphor?

No. Camphor is a different molecule (it has an oxygen atom). They share part of their ring shape and often appear in the same oils, such as rosemary and camphor tree oil, but they have different research and safety profiles.

^{33 9 17}

Can camphene treat cancer or infections?

No. It killed tumour cells, bacteria and parasites in dishes and slowed a mouse melanoma, a mouse Giardia infection and mouse hydatid cysts, but nothing has been shown in people. Do not use it in place of treatment.

^{14 36 2 22}

Does camphene change how THC feels?

Unknown. No study tested camphene with THC. THC's impairment, anxiety and dependence risks do not go away if a product has terpenes.

Is camphene allowed in food?

The US FDA lists camphene among synthetic flavouring substances allowed in food under stated conditions (we read it on 2026-10-25). That says nothing about vaping, supplements or cannabis products.

³¹

Explore by health goal

Editorial transparency

Written by: AlternativeMed editorial team. Research compiled with AI assistance, then checked against PubMed records.
Medical review: None. This page has not been reviewed by a physician or pharmacist.
First published: 2026-10-25
Last substantive update: 2026-10-25
How we research: We searched PubMed and read the abstracts of about 30 sources, read the FDA flavouring list through the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations, read PubChem for chemical identity and hazard notifications, and used our own cultivar lab-data file for the cannabis numbers. We say which sources we could not read.
How we rate evidence: See "How we rate evidence" in the Evidence tab.
Independence: No product is promoted on this page. No affiliate links are shown, and none will be added for camphene. This page is information, not a recommendation to use it.

Sources 36

Each source was opened and checked. Where we read only the abstract, it says so. The small numbers in the text point here.

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Education, not medical advice. This page is for general information. It does not diagnose or treat any condition and is not a substitute for care from a qualified health professional. Natural does not automatically mean safe. Ask a clinician or pharmacist before changing your care, especially if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a health condition.