There are a number of applications for different parts of Cinnamomum camphora tree. The study of Cinnamomum camphora leaves extract (CLE) has shown the protective effects against DNA damage and biochemical changes in mice caused by atrazine (AT) which is one of the commonly used grass and weed herbicides. [9] The widespread usage of AT has caused contamination in the environment, resulting in genotoxicity and biochemical disturbances in animals and human cells. In this experiment, all the tested tissues which were treated with CLE showed a significant and time dependant decrease in chromosomal abnormalities and DNA damage. [9] Two ribosome inactivating proteins (RIPs), cinnamomin and camphorin are found in the seeds of Cinnamomum camphora; studies have shown their inhibitory effect on the cultured carcinoma cells. [16] In addition, cinnamomin has shown to have inhibitory effect on the growth of solid melanoma in the skin of the nude mouse. [16] The application of RIPs can be very significant in drug development and crop-plant technology due to their toxicity against viruses, tumor cells, insects and plant fungal pathogens. [17]
One use of camphor is for carbon nanotubes (CNT). In recent years, the finding of CNT which are made of very light and strong fibers of one atom-thick sheet of carbons, rolled in tubes, have been very exciting developments with many applications in medicinal and industrial fields. [18] One of the most important uses of CNT is in the cancer treatments. Single wall CNT can be used as a drug delivery vehicle with high surface area to deliver chemotherapy drugs to the tumor cells and later, these purely carbon-made nanotubes can be excreted out of the body by biliary pathway without causing any toxicity. [19] Carbon nanotubes to this point are synthesized from purified petroleum products like methane, benzene, acetylene, etc. However, camphor can be the environment-friendly, alternative new option. [18] Camphor is a botanical hydrocarbon which is very cheap and can be easily cultivated without fear of shortages unlike petroleum products. Therefore, camphor is an excellent carbon source for the production of a high yield, high purity and high efficiency carbon nanotubes in future. [20]