34

Cinnamomum camphora (L.) J. Presl, better known as the camphor tree, is native to East Asia, particularly China, Taiwan, and Japan. It is primarily known for its wood, rich in camphor, which is widely used in Asia and globally and plays an important role in traditional pharmacopoeias. Often confused with other chemotypes (e.g., camphor, linalool), the specific characteristics of the “ravintsara” aromatic distillate developed in Madagascar are dominated by 1,8-cineole. Obtained via hydrodistillation of its leaves, ravintsara must not contain significant amounts of camphor or safrole. The chirality of its terpenes (α-pinene, sabinene, linalool, α-terpineol, and borneol) helps detect adulteration or blending. The biological properties of its hydrodistillate have not yet been rigorously and thoroughly studied; robust biological data mainly concern preclinical evidence (antimicrobial, antifungal, insecticidal; respiratory effects for isolated 1,8-cineole). With its distinctive organoleptic notes, ravintsara is a distinct essential oil from camphor; its therapeutic uses therefore require strict analytical qualification (GC-MS + chiral GC) and clinical caution in the context of aromatherapeutic use.