Camphor - Camphor (English spelling)

Camphor is also called camphor. Camphor, obtained by steam distillation of strips of the trunks, roots, and leaves of camphor trees, is natural camphor, which is called d-camphor in the Japanese Pharmacopoeia. Purely synthesized camphor is called dl-camphor, which is also called synthetic camphor. All of them are colorless or white translucent crystals, crystalline powder, or lumps, with a unique fragrance, a slightly bitter taste, and a refreshing sensation. They have central nervous system stimulant, local irritant, and antiseptic properties. They were once known as resuscitatives, but are rarely used today. They are mainly used as external agents, mixed into medicines for frostbite, neuralgia, bruises, and skin diseases, and are also known in many commercial products as moth repellents for general household clothing.

[Fumiji Koho]

Source: Shogakukan Encyclopedia Nipponica About Encyclopedia Nipponica Information | Legend

樟脳(しょうのう)のことで、カンファーともいう。クスノキの幹、根、葉の細片を水蒸気蒸留して得られるカンフルと樟脳油を分離精製したものが天然カンフルで、日本薬局方ではd-カンフルという。純合成したものがdl-カンフルで、合成樟脳ともいう。いずれも無色または白色半透明の結晶、結晶性粉末または塊で、特異な芳香があり、味はわずかに苦く、清涼感がある。中枢神経興奮作用、局所刺激作用、防腐作用などがある。かつては蘇生(そせい)薬として知られたが、現在はほとんど使われない。おもに外用剤として凍傷、神経痛、打撲傷、皮膚病などの薬に配合して用いられるほか、一般家庭用の衣類防虫剤として多くの市販品が知られる。

［幸保文治］

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