Is Camphor the Future in Supporting Therapy for Skin Infections?

Abstract

The aim of this review is to present the potential application of camphor-a bicyclic monoterpene ketone-in the prevention of skin infections. Skin diseases represent a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by prolonged symptoms that significantly diminish the quality of life. They affect the dermis, the epidermis, and even subcutaneous tissue. They very often have a bacterial or fungal background. Therapy for dermatological skin disorders is difficult and long-term. Therefore, it is important to find a compound, preferably of natural origin, that (i) prevents the initiation of this infection and (ii) supports the skin's repair process. Based on its documented anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-acne, anesthetic, strengthening, and warming properties, camphor can be used as a preventative measure in dermatological infectious diseases and as a component in medical and cosmetic products. This work discusses the structure and physicochemical properties of camphor, its occurrence, and methods of obtaining it from natural sources as well as through chemical synthesis. The use of camphor in industrial preparations is also presented. Additionally, after a detailed review of the literature, the metabolism of camphor, its interactions with other medicinal substances, and its antimicrobial properties against bacteria and fungi involved in skin diseases are discussed with regard to their resistance.

Keywords: antibacterial activity; antifungal activity; camphor; drug resistance; monoterpenoids; natural compounds; skin infections; wound healing.

Figure 1

Structure of camphor isomers.

Figure 2

Camphor’s biotransformation pathways in humans and animals.

Figure 3

Simplified skin model and camphor effect.

Figure 4

Camphor’s averaged antimicrobial and antifungal activities (based on unified data from the literature collected from articles described and cited in Table 4, Table 5, Table 6, Table 7 and Table 8).