The tree Cinnamomum camphora produces camphor, a waxy, white, crystalline material with a potent fragrance. Its terpenoid was initially produced by distilling camphor tree bark. From ancient times, camphor has been used as an antibacterial, aphrodisiac, culinary spice, an ingredient in incense, a cold treatment, and for various medical purposes. Camphor is well known for modifying sexual behaviour, causing abortions, regulating contraception, and lowering nursing women's milk output. It can penetrate the placental barrier and impacts embryo development.
Recent studies have demonstrated the uterotrophic, antitussive, anticonvulsant, nicotinic receptor blocking, antiimplantation, antiestrogenic, as well as estrogenic actions of camphor-containing compounds, as well as their lowered blood triglyceride and thyroid hormone levels. Camphor has shown to reduce human sperm viability and motility in a dose-dependent manner, which reduces the efficacy of fertilisation and serves as a contraceptive.
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