Purpose: To evaluate the effect of camphor on acute inflammatory response by leukocytes on chemotaxis, antiedematogenic and phagocytic activities.

Methods: The effect of camphor in acute inflammatory response evaluated by neutrophil chemotaxis, ear edema induced by croton oil, activity of the enzyme myeloperoxidase (MPO) and phagocytic activity of macrophages in Swiss mice.

Results: Camphor treatment did not show any cytotoxicity. Camphor at 3, 10, and 30 µg/ml doses exhibited significant (p < 0.01) reduction on leukocyte migration toward N-formyl methionyl leucyl phenylalanine fMLP. Topical treatment with camphor did not reduce significant ear edema or MPO activity at any of the doses tested. However, in contrast, oral treatment with 100 and 200 mg/kg camphor significantly (p < 0.01) reduced ear edema and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. Additionally, the phagocytic activity of macrophages was not affected by camphor.

Conclusions: These results indicate that the anti-inflammatory activity of camphor may be related to the inhibition of leukocyte migration and antiedematogenic activity.