Service Hotline
The difference between natural and synthetic borneol
2025-04-29
1. Source and Preparation Methods
Natural Borneol: Primarily extracted from the branches, leaves, and resin of plants in the Lauraceae family (such as Cinnamomum camphora) or Dipterocarpaceae family, it is made through a distillation and crystallization process, possessing natural optical activity (levorotatory).
Synthetic Borneol: Synthetically produced using α-pinene from turpentine as a raw material, through chemical oxidation and reduction steps. It is mostly dextrorotatory and has a lower cost.
2. Components and Purity
Natural Borneol: The main component is dextrorotatory borneol (purity ≥95%), with almost no impurities.
Synthetic Borneol: Contains a mixture of borneol, isoborneol, camphor, etc. The dextrorotatory borneol content only needs to be ≥55%, and isoborneol may cause toxicity.
3. Efficacy and Clinical Applications
Natural Borneol: Due to its high purity, the medicinal effect is more stable, and it is often used in high-end pharmaceuticals or specific traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions (e.g., when treating myocardial ischemia, its effects of dilating coronary arteries, anti-inflammation, and protecting myocardial cells are more significant).
Synthetic Borneol: Due to its impurities, the therapeutic effect may not be as long-lasting as natural borneol, and it is often used in cosmetics, fragrances, and ordinary pharmaceuticals.
4. Safety
Natural Borneol: No significant side effects have been found with long-term use, and it is safer for the liver and nervous system.
Synthetic Borneol: Impurities such as isoborneol may damage the liver and kidneys, so caution is advised (especially for pregnant women, children, and other special groups).
5. Appearance and Physical Properties
Natural Borneol: Appears as semi-transparent lumps or granules, off-white to light grayish-brown, and produces no black smoke when burned.
Synthetic Borneol: White, thin, flake-like crystals with ice cracks on the surface, producing black smoke when burned.
Summary: Natural borneol has advantages in quality, safety, and efficacy, but it is more expensive; synthetic borneol is economical and practical but requires strict control of impurity risks. Clinical selection should weigh efficacy, safety, and economic factors.
Previous Page
Next Page
Previous Page:
Next Page:
Contact Us
Tel: 13766279999
Email: 13766279999@163.com
Address: Phase II, Jichang Road, Chengxi Industrial Park, Jishui County, Ji'an City, Jiangxi Province
WeChat Official Account
