Camphorated Oil
Camphor, Arachis Oil
What it does
Arachis is often used in products that come into contact with the skin, and it is derived from peanuts. It is important to be cautious if you have allergies.
Commonly used for: skin irritation, moisturizing products
Read more in plain English ↓Plain-language summary for general understanding - not medical advice. Always follow your pharmacist/doctor.
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Medicine sourcing is available in Kenya only. We don't sell or dispense medicines - licensed pharmacies do.
Sourcing - Kenya onlyRegistration & product details
Source: South African Health Products Regulatory Authority · fetched 2026-04-15 21:30:16 · updated 2026-10-25 04:02:15
About arachis
Arachis is often used in products that come into contact with the skin, and it is derived from peanuts. It is important to be cautious if you have allergies.
What it treats
- skin irritation
- moisturizing products
How it works
Arachis helps to keep the skin hydrated and can soothe irritation.
Who it's for
This product is suitable for people looking for skin care solutions, but should be avoided by those with peanut allergies.
Cautions
- • Avoid if allergic to peanuts or peanut products.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
About camphor
Camphor is a natural compound used for its soothing properties and is often found in topical products.
What it treats
- muscle pain relief
- cough relief
- skin irritation treatment
How it works
Camphor works by creating a cooling sensation on the skin, which helps reduce pain and irritation.
Who it's for
Camphor is suitable for adults and children for topical use, but should be used with caution.
Cautions
- • Do not apply to broken skin or open wounds.
- • Avoid using on large areas of the body.
- • Keep away from the eyes and mouth.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: arachis
Arachis, commonly known as peanut, is a leguminous plant from which peanut oil and peanut butter are derived. It is rich in proteins, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. Arachis is widely consumed and is also known for its potential allergenic properties. The oil extracted from arachis is used in cooking and as a base in various culinary applications, while peanut butter is a popular spread.
Indications
- Nutritional supplement
- Source of healthy fats
- Culinary ingredient
- Potential use in managing cholesterol levels
- Allergen (in allergic reactions)
Dosage
Children: Refer to established dietary guidelines for intake as a food source.
Adults: Refer to established dietary guidelines for intake as a food source.
Mechanism of action
The primary mechanism of action of arachis oil involves its high content of unsaturated fatty acids, particularly oleic acid. These fatty acids may help in modulating lipid metabolism, reducing inflammation, and providing energy. Arachis also contains antioxidants such as resveratrol and vitamin E, which may contribute to its health benefits through their protective effects against oxidative stress.
Pharmacodynamics
Arachis exhibits various pharmacodynamic properties owing to its nutritional composition. The unsaturated fatty acids present in arachis can positively influence cholesterol levels, potentially lowering LDL cholesterol and raising HDL cholesterol. The presence of bioactive compounds may also contribute to anti-inflammatory effects, enhancing cardiovascular health and possibly reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
Pharmacokinetics
Arachis is primarily consumed orally, and its components are absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. The fatty acids are metabolized in the liver, and the rate of absorption can be influenced by the presence of other dietary components. The bioavailability of nutrients in arachis can be affected by its processing methods, such as roasting, which may alter the absorption of certain vitamins and minerals.
Contra-indications
- Hypersensitivity to peanuts or any of its components
- History of severe allergic reactions to other legumes
Adverse effects
- Anaphylaxis in sensitive individuals
- Skin reactions such as urticaria or eczema
- Gastrointestinal disturbances including nausea or diarrhea
Precautions
- Use with caution in individuals with a history of food allergies
- Consider potential for cross-reactivity with other legumes
Pregnancy
Arachis can be consumed during pregnancy unless there is a known allergy to peanuts. It is a source of protein and healthy fats, but caution is advised in allergic individuals.
Breast-feeding
Arachis can be consumed during breastfeeding, but mothers should monitor for any allergic reactions in the infant, especially if there is a family history of allergies.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight to prevent spoilage. Keep out of reach of children.
Formulations
- Raw peanuts
- Peanut oil
- Peanut butter
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.
Clinical monograph: camphor
BNF-referencedCamphor is a naturally occurring compound with a chemical formula of C10H16O. It is primarily used as an active ingredient in topical analgesics, such as balms and liniments, due to its ability to relieve pain and inflammation. Camphor has been traditionally utilized in various cultures for its soothing properties and is often applied to the skin for symptomatic relief.
Indications
- Topical pain relief
- Muscle aches
- Joint pain
- Inflammation
Dosage
Children: For children, the
Adults: For topical application, camphor is usually applied as needed to the affected area, following the instructions on the specific product used. Consult the product label or a healthcare professional for detailed dosing guidelines.
Mechanism of action
Camphor activates the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) and TRPV3 channels, which are involved in sensing pain and temperature. It requires higher concentrations to activate TRPV1 compared to capsaicin but notably desensitizes TRPV1 more rapidly and completely. This action is enhanced under inflamed conditions through phospholipase C-coupled receptor stimulation. The distinct activation pathways of camphor contribute to its analgesic effects, making it effective in reducing pain sensitivity.
Pharmacodynamics
The pharmacodynamic properties of camphor are primarily related to its interaction with TRPV1 and TRPV3 channels. By activating these receptors, camphor induces a sensation of warmth and can result in analgesia through sensory nerve excitation and subsequent desensitization. This mechanism is similar to that of other topical analgesics like capsaicin and menthol but is characterized by a faster desensitization of TRPV1. Additionally, camphor's effects may include local vasodilation and increased blood flow to the area of application, which can further alleviate pain and inflammation.
Pharmacokinetics
Camphor is absorbed through the skin when applied topically. Its pharmacokinetic profile involves distribution to various tissues, where it can exert local effects. The metabolism of camphor occurs primarily in the liver, and it is eliminated from the body mainly through urine. The onset of action is typically rapid due to its topical application, and the duration of effect may vary depending on the formulation and concentration used.
Adverse effects
- Skin irritation
- Allergic reactions
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
Precautions
- Use with caution in individuals with sensitive skin
- Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes
- Do not apply to broken or irritated skin
- Keep out of reach of children
Pregnancy
Camphor should be used with caution during pregnancy. It is advisable to consult a healthcare professional before use.
Breast-feeding
Camphor should be used with caution while breastfeeding. Consult a healthcare professional for advice.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat.
Formulations
- Topical ointments
- Liniments
- Creams
- Gels
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.
Molecular reference: camphor
PubChem CID 2537Molecular formula: C10H16O
Mechanism of action
Camphor is a naturally occurring compound that is used as a major active ingredient of balms and liniments supplied as topical analgesics. ... Capsaicin and menthol, two other topically applied agents widely used for similar purposes, are known to excite and desensitize sensory nerves by acting on two members of transient receptor potential (TRP) channel superfamily: heat-sensitive TRP vanilloid subtype 1 (TRPV1) and cold-sensitive TRP channel M8, respectively. Camphor has recently been shown to activate TRPV3, and here /investigators/ show that camphor also activates heterologously expressed TRPV1, requiring higher concentrations than capsaicin. Activation was enhanced by phospholipase C-coupled receptor stimulation mimicking inflamed conditions. Similar camphor-activated TRPV1-like currents were observed in isolated rat DRG neurons and were strongly potentiated after activation of protein kinase C with phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate. Camphor activation of rat TRPV1 was mediated by distinct channel regions from capsaicin, as indicated by camphor activation in the presence of the competitive inhibitor capsazepine and in a capsaicin-insensitive point mutant. Camphor did not activate the capsaicin-insensitive chicken TRPV1. TRPV1 desensitization is believed to contribute to the analgesic actions of capsaicin. /The authors/ found that, although camphor activates TRPV1 less effectively, camphor application desensitized TRPV1 more rapidly and completely than capsaicin. Conversely, TRPV3 current sensitized after repeated camphor applications, which is inconsistent with the analgesic role of camphor. /Investigators/ also found that camphor inhibited several other related TRP channels, including ankyrin-repeat TRP 1 (TRPA1). The camphor-induced desensitization of TRPV1 and block of TRPA1 may underlie the analgesic effects of camphor.
Source: PubChem (NCBI) · pathways from PathBank, Reactome, WikiPathways & PharmGKB.
This drug in other countries
The same active ingredient registered across other registries we cover - including different brands.
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