Nepeta cataria
(Catnip)

Therapeutic Actions:

• Carminative
• Diaphoretic
• Sedative
• Spasmolytic

Clinical Indications:

• Attention deficit disorder
• Bronchitis
• Dyspepsia
• Influenza

Contraindications:

• Pregnancy due to the abortifacient effect

Drug/Nutrient Interaction:

• Prolongs sleeping time of hexobarbital due to nepetalic acid

Chemical Constituents:

• Iridoids:
  
  7-deoxyloganic acid
  Epideoxyloganic acid
• Tannins
• Volatile oil:
  
  5,9-dehydronepetalactone
  Carvacrol
  Citronellal
  Geraniol
  Monoterpenes a- and B-nepetalactone
  Nepetalic acid
  Nerol
  Pulegone
  Thymol

Toxicity:

• No known toxicity

Copyright 1998 - 2008 by L. Vicky Crouse, ND and James S. Reiley, ND. All rights reserved (ISSN 1527-0661).