Is Natural Borneol Different From Synthetic Borneol?

1. Source and Preparation Methods

   Natural Borneol is mainly extracted from the resin of the Dryobalanops Aromatica tree (also known as borneol) or from the leaves and branches of the camphor tree (Ai pian).  It is also referred to as  dextroborneol in traditional Chinese medicine due to its specific optical rotation properties. The extraction process of Natural Borneol relies on natural plant resources, resulting in higher costs and limited production.  

 Synthetic Borneol is typically synthesized from pinene in turpentine through chemical catalysis (such as esterification and hydrolysis). Its main component is racemic borneol (a mixture of levo- and dextro- structures), which may contain small amounts of by-products like isoborneol. The industrialized production of  Synthetic Borneol ensures low costs and large-scale output, making it the mainstream product in the market.  

2. Composition and Purity  

  Natural Borneol is primarily consists of high-purity dextroborneol (d-borneol), a dextroborneol content of ≥96%  required at pharmacopoeia standards. It may contain mini amounts of natural terpenoids, with a clear, fresh aroma reminiscent of plants.  

  Synthetic Borneol is composed of racemic borneol (dl-borneol), a mixture of levo-structure and dextro-structure. It may contain residues of isoborneol (which has strong irritant effects on the skin and mucous membranes) and small amounts of chemical impurities. Pharmacopoeia standards require a borneol content of ≥55% and an isoborneol content of ≤15% in synthetic borneol.  

3. Efficacy and Safety

 Natural Borneol is considered pungent, bitter, and slightly cold, targeting the heart, spleen, and lung meridians in traditional Chinese medicine. It is known for its ability to refresh one's mind, revive consciousness, clear heat, and alleviate pain.  

 Dextroborneol in natural borneol shows stronger biological activity and higher transdermal absorption rates, making it more effective in the nervous system and mucous membrane tissues.  

  Natural Borneol has lower irritancy and is suitable for sensitive areas such as the mouth and eyes. High-end pharmaceutical products like Zhenshiming eye drops and Angong Niuhuang Wan often utilize natural borneol.  

  The pharmacological effects of Synthetic Borneol primarily include strengthening penetration, antibacterial activity, and analgesia, but it is weaker to refresh one's mind and revive consciousness.  

   Isoborneol in Synthetic Borneol may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions. It should be cautious for long-term and excessive use.  The cost-effectiveness of Synthetic Borneol makes it widely used in middle and low-end pharmaceuticals and daily chemical products (such as essential balms, plasters, and cosmetics).  

4. Applications  

   Natural Borneol is often used in high-end traditional Chinese medicine preparations (e.g., Angong Niuhuang Wan, Suxiao Jiuxin Wan), specialized ophthalmic and throat medications, and high-end fragrances. It is also used in high quality clinical scenarios, especially those involving mucous membranes or the nervous system.  

   Synthetic Borneol is widely used in common Chinese patent medicines (e.g., trauma plasters, anti-inflammatory sprays), daily chemical products (e.g., toothpaste, shampoo), and industrial fragrances, as well as large-scale industrial applications with a prior cost control.  

5. Price and Market

   The price of natural borneol is often several times or even dozens of times higher than that of synthetic borneol (e.g., natural borneol can cost thousands of yuan per kilogram, while synthetic borneol is only around a hundred yuan per kilogram).  

  Due to limited resources (Dryobalanops Aromatica is an endangered species), the supply of natural borneol is short, while synthetic borneol dominates the market.  

Important Notes

1. Pharmaceutical Selection: For treating acute and severe conditions (such as stroke or angina) or for mucous membrane applications, priority should be given to preparations containing natural borneol.  

2. Allergy Risk: Individuals sensitive to synthetic borneol may experience rashes or mucosal burning pain. It is advisable to switch to natural borneol or avoid products containing borneol.  

3. Identification Methods:** Differentiation can be made through aroma (natural borneol has a clear, woody scent, while synthetic borneol has a pungent camphor-like odor) or professional testing (optical rotation, GC-MS analysis).  

Overall, while the two share some pharmacological similarities, natural borneol holds advantages in terms of safety and precise efficacy, whereas synthetic borneol meets mass market demands through industrial-scale production. Selection should be based on specific applications, cost considerations, and individual reactions.