Compound Monograph
Camphene
Camphene is a bicyclic monoterpene with a camphor-like, piney aroma found in many essential oils.
Classification
Camphene is a monoterpene, part of the terpenoids class. The largest class of plant compounds, built from five-carbon isoprene units — the essential-oil aromatics, resins, bitter principles, saponins, and plant sterols.
Where Does It Come From? (11)
Camphene is a naturally occurring monoterpene, found in Nutmeg, Cypress, Ginger and 8 other sources. It is well tolerated orally (low toxicity).
Research & Evidence
Camphene is a bicyclic monoterpene with a fresh, camphoraceous, piney odour found in nutmeg, cypress, ginger, valerian and many other essential oils. It is used as a fragrance and flavour ingredient and as a chemical feedstock, and it appears frequently in essential-oil research, though it is usually a minor component rather than a primary active.
Toxicity & Safety
Camphene is generally regarded as low in toxicity at the levels found in foods and aromatic products and is an accepted flavouring substance. Like other terpenes it is flammable and can irritate skin or airways in concentrated form.