Title:Borneol: A Plant-Sourced Terpene with a Variety of Promising Pharmacological
Effects
Volume: 13
Issue: 1
Author(s): Amarjitsing Rajput, Aditi Kasar, Shruti Thorat and Madhur Kulkarni*
Affiliation:
- SCES's Indira College of Pharmacy, New Pune Mumbai Highway, Tathwade 411033,
Pune, Maharashtra, India
Keywords:
Borneol, terpene, antimicrobial adhesion, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, neuroprotective, antiepileptic, antioxidant.
Abstract:
Background: Borneol, a bicyclic monoterpene belonging to the class of camphene, is
sourced from Blumea balsamifera, Cinnamonum camphora (L.) Presl, Dryobalanops aromatica
Gaertner, and the volatile oils extracted from various other plant sources. Chinese Traditional
Medicine system documents almost 1000 years of clinical use of borneol as an adjuvant as well as
an active in treating various diseases and disorders, mainly pertaining to the central nervous system.
Objective: The review aims to provide insights into the array of pharmacological activities elicited
by borneol along with their underlying mechanisms.
Methods: Apart from the promising permeation enhancing activity, the scientific database has
established strong evidence of a variety of pharmacological effects of borneol. The current work involved
critical evaluation of the published and patented literature revealing various pharmacodynamic
activities of borneol alone and in combination with other actives. The mechanisms responsible
for the same were also investigated.
Results: Many studies have revealed a promising antimicrobial, antiparasitic, and antimicrobial adhesion
activity of borneol. Anti-inflammatory, analgesic, neuroprotective, and antiepileptic actions
of borneol have been elucidated via a number of preclinical studies. Anti-diabetic, anti-hyperlipidemic,
antihypertensive, and anticancer effects have also been explored for borneol.
Conclusion: The array of pharmacological activities evaluated for borneol alone or in combination
with other actives could be attributed to its specific molecular structure, excellent brain permeability,
strong antioxidant property, and ability to modulate various inflammatory pathways and precursors.
However, more extensive preclinical and mainly clinical studies are warranted before this bicyclic
monoterpene can establish as an active pharmaceutical agent.
