Nepeta cataria
Nepeta cataria, commonly known as catnip, is a perennial herb in the mint family celebrated for its distinctive aroma. Rich in nepetalactone, it offers soothing properties used traditionally to calm anxiety and aid sleep. This versatile plant is beloved by both humans for wellness and cats for recreational stimulation.
- Scientific name: Nepeta cataria
- Family: Lamiaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Lamiales, falling into the family Lamiaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Nepeta.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Lamiales | WCVP |
| Family | Lamiaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Nepeta | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific geographical presence across several regions of Northern Europe. Within this part of the continent, it can be found growing in Denmark. Its distribution also extends into the Scandinavian territories of Norway and Sweden. Furthermore, the species is documented to inhabit the landscapes of Finland. Finally, its range reaches the islands of Great Britain.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Denmark | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Finland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Great Britain | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Norway | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Sweden | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Austria | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Belgium | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Czechia-Slovakia | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Germany | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Netherlands | WCVP |
Chemicals
Nepeta cataria has 7 reported phytochemicals identified across 10 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include nepetalactone, Nepetalactone, geraniol, nerol, pulegone.
- Total chemicals
- 7
- Scientific sources
- 10
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| nepetalactone | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Nepetalactone | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| geraniol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| nerol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| pulegone | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| teucrioside | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| verbascoside | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Nepeta cataria has 7 reported activities identified across 9 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antimicrobial, Antibacterial, Antifungal, Antioxidant, Anxiolytic.
- Total activities
- 7
- Scientific sources
- 9
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antimicrobial | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Antibacterial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antifungal | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Anxiolytic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Insect-Repellent | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Psychoactive | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Nepeta cataria has 9 reported medicinal uses identified across 9 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Dengue virus, Gram-positive bacteria, Pseudomonas syringae, anxiety, asthma.
- Total uses
- 9
- Scientific sources
- 9
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Dengue virus | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Gram-positive bacteria | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Pseudomonas syringae | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| anxiety | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| asthma | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| inflammation | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| penile erection | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| sexual behavior | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| wound-healing | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |