Thymol, Menthol and Camphor from Indian Sources

Thymol, menthol and camphor are well known in the materia medica of western medicine as well as in that of the indigenous medicine in India. Thymol has been considered important on account of its powerful antiseptic, germicidal and anthelmintic properties. One of its chief uses in recent years has been in the treatment of hookworm disease. It is also largely used as a constituent of tooth-pastes and mouth-washes and as a skin disinfectant in dermatological practice. Menthol is extensively employed in liniments, spraying lotions and in dental practice. Camphor is one of the commonest remedies and is used in almost every household in India for a variety of purposes. The huge demand for these stearoptenes