Catnip

Chauhan, K.R. et al.. Feeding deterrent effects of catnip oil components compared with two synthetic amides against Aedes aegypti, J. Med. EntomoL, 42, 643, 2005. 

Combine elder with catnip Nepeta cataria) leaves to quiet a colicky baby. 

Hill, J.O., Pavlik, E.J., Smith, G.L., Burghardt, G.M and Coulson, P.B. (1976) Species-characteristic responses to catnip by undomesticated felids. J. Chem. Ecol. 2, 239-253. 

Todd, N.B. (1963) The catnip response. Unpublished PhD. thesis, Harvard University. 

Smoking the leaves of catnip (Nepeta cataria) produces only mild effects in man. However, the pure active agent, cis, trans-nepetalactone, seems not to have been tested on man. Seeds are available from several companies and the freshly picked leaves are probably more potent. Catnip is not orally active in cats, For synthesis see Corsi Semin, chim. 11,93(1968) et seq. BCSJ 22,1737(1960) Proc. Chem. Soc. 166(1963). JOC 37,3376 (1972) gives a synthesis of dihydronepetalactone (more attractive to cats than nepetalactone). 

Chamomile Lemon Balm Hops Catnip Skullcap Geranium Pharmacol. Animal beh. Animal beh. Pharmacol. Pharmacol. Animal beh. Pharmacol. Animal beh. Pharmacol. Animal beh. Pharmacol. Pharmacol. Pharmacol. Animal beh. Pharmacol. 

There are several remaining herbs that are reputed to have sedative effects skullcap, geranium, hops, and catnip. However, the neuropharmacological mechanisms have not been well characterized, and behavioral data in animals and humans are lacking. The existing knowledge on these plants is presented here. 

Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a coarse green-grey leaved perennial plant with spotted white tubular flowers (Kowalchick and Hylton 1987). It has a long recorded history of use, extending back to... 

The active agent for this effect is uncertain, but catnip has in it several terpenes, including nepetalactone. One terpene, c/s-trans-nepetalactone was hypothesized to be responsib e for the sedative effect based on its structural similarity to valepotriates, the depressant principles from valerian. 

Paradoxically, catnip fed to mice had stimulant effects, with increased rearing, locomotion, and stereotypical behavior, increased susceptibility to chemically induced (picrotoxin and strychnine) seizures, and decreased sleeping time after barbiturate administration (Massoco et al. 1995). The LD50 for nepetalactone in mice was reported to be quite high at 1300 mg/kg (Harney et al. 1978). In chicks, an a cohol extract of catnip had biphasic effects, where low to moderate doses (25-1800 mg/kg) produced sedative effects, while higher doses (>2 g/kg) had less sedative and perhaps stimulant effects (Sherry and Hunter 1979). Humans have reported sedative effects of catnip, and one accidental ingestion by a young child reportedly produced sedative effects (Osterhoudt et al. 1997). 

There was some association of hallucinogenic effects with catnip in humans, particularly through administration by smoking. This was reported in a 1969 paper, but apparently resulted from confusion with cannabis (Tyler 1994). Any reports of hallucinogenic or sedative effects of catnip in humans, at this point, are purely anecdotal. 

Hart BL, Leedy MG. (1985). Analysis of the catnip reaction mediation by olfactory system, not vomeronasal organ. Behav Neural Biol. 44(1) 38-46. 

Massoco CO, Silva MR, Gorniak SL, Spinosa MS, Bernard MM. (1995). Behavioral effects of acute and long-term administration of catnip (Nepeta cataria) in mice. Vet Hum Toxicol. 37(6) 530-33. 

Sherry CJ, Hunter PS. (1979). The effect of an ethanol extract of catnip (Nepeta cataria) on the behavior of the young chick. Experientia. 35(2) 237-38. 

Evening primrose Oenothera biennis), catnip Nepeta), hemp agrimony Eupatorium cannabinum), valerian, lavender, coltsfoot Tussiiago farfara)... 

Evidence of repellent properties in camip, Nepeta cataria, to flies and cockroaches was observed in preliminary studies.This study compared catnip essential oil obtained by steam distillation and elemol (Fig. 8), a major constituent of osage orange essential oil, to current commercial repellents. These comparative studies found both the camip steam distillate and elemol to be as good, and in some cases better, at repelling house... 

Fig. 8. Insect repellent compounds from catnip (elemol and nepetalactone) and osage orange (citronellal).

Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) Uses Rx of superficial wounds (bacterial, viral, fungal, insect bites, minor burns, cold sores, acne Action Broad-spectrum antibiotic activity against E. coli, S. aureus, C. albicans Available forms Topical creams, lotions, oint, oil apply topically PRN Notes/SE Ataxia, contact dermatitis, D, drowsiness, GI mucosal irritation Interactions Effects OF drugs that affect histamine release EMS effects of Benadryl Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) Uses Anxiolytic, antispasmodic, dys-menorrheal, restlessness, sedative Action Inhibits uptake stimulates release of GABA, which T GABA concentration extracellularly causes sedation Available forms Ext 400-900 mg PO 30 min < hs, tea 2-3 g (1 tsp of crude herb) qid, PRN, tine 3-5 mL (1/2-1 tsp) (1 5 ratio) PO qid, PRN Efficacy Probably effective sedative (reduces sleep latency) Notes/SE GI upset, HA, insomnia, N/V, palpitations, restlessness, vision changes Interactions T Effects OF barbiturates, benzodiazepines, opiates, EtOH, catnip, hops, kavakava, passion flower, skullcap effects OF MAOIs, phenytoin, warfarin EMS T Effects of benzodiazepines and opiates abruptly D/C may cause withdrawal symptoms... 

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