Catnip

Catnip (Nepeta cataria L.): A Comprehensive Reference

1. Identity and Botanical Description

Taxonomic and Chemical Names

Catnip (Nepeta cataria L.) belongs to the family Lamiaceae and is famous for its euphoric effect on domestic cats, while also possessing valuable secondary metabolites with medicinal properties. Commonly known as catnip or catmint, it is a species of the genus Nepeta in the mint family. It is native to southern and eastern Europe, northern parts of the Middle East, and Central Asia. The plant is widely naturalized in northern Europe, New Zealand, and North America.

This perennial herb is sometimes known as catnep, catrup, catwort, cataria, or catmint, although there are other plants that also go by these common names. It was described by Carl Linnaeus in 1753, with no subspecies but multiple botanical synonyms.

The genus name Nepeta is believed to be derived from the ancient Etruscan city of Nepete (modern-day Nepi, Italy), where the plant was likely cultivated. The species name cataria is derived from the Latin word catus, meaning "cat," referring to the plant's well-known effect on felines.

Morphological Description

Catnip is a short-lived perennial herb that grows between 30–100 cm (12–39 in) tall. It has square stems, grayish canescent leaves that vary in shape and have serrated edges, fragrant small bilabiate flowers arranged in raceme spikes, and produces small three-sided nutlets containing one to four seeds. It is easily identified by its heart-shaped, toothed leaves and whorls of white or pale pink flowers spotted with purple.

Parts Used and Common Preparations

The aerial parts of the plant are the parts most commonly used. The flowering tops are used to make medicine. Preparations include herbal teas (infusions), tinctures, capsules containing dried powdered herb, and steam-distilled essential oil. The plant's leaves and shoots have been used as a flavoring in sauces, soups, and stews, and in several patented beverages, as well as in fruit table wines and liquors. The use of catnip leaves and flowers in herbal teas was documented as early as 1735 in the General Irish Herbal.

2. Traditional and Historical Use

Europe: Antiquity through the Middle Ages

Nepeta cataria was used as a sedative in European folk medicine and was introduced into the Americas as a sedative tea. Used in traditional medicine in Europe for centuries and first mentioned in the poetic 11th-century herbal De viribus herbarum, catnip was prized for its ability to calm occasional nervousness and promote restful sleep. It was employed as a relaxant and diaphoretic, and was thus helpful in cases of occasional restlessness. Considered extremely useful for children, it was often used to support healthy digestion and soothe the stomach. Further, it was applied externally as a poultice.

The Romans used catnip not just as a medicinal herb but as a flavorful culinary herb, much like basil or oregano. Before Camellia sinensis (traditional black/green tea) was imported from China to Europe, catnip tea was a ubiquitous beverage. It was a "kitchen medicine"—a remedy found in almost every cottage garden. Medieval European herbalists prized it as a cure for "nervous disorders," internal bruising, and coughs.

Traditional Indications Across Cultures

Catnip has a history of use in traditional medicine for a variety of ailments such as stomach cramps, indigestion, fevers, hives, and nervous conditions. It has been used to induce sweating (fever) and to treat female disorders (emmenagogue) and rheumatism. Medicinally, the plant has been used as an antispasmodic, antipyretic, carminative, diuretic, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, sedative, and stomachic. Additionally, the plant has been used to treat diarrhea, colic, the common cold, and cancer.

It has been used in North America at least since the 19th century for gastric discomfort in children. When European settlers arrived in the Americas, they brought catnip seeds with them. It became a trusted remedy for colic in infants due to its gentle nature, earning it a reputation as a safe sedative for children and the elderly. In Appalachia, nervous conditions, stomach ailments, hives, and the common cold have been treated with catnip tea. The dried leaves have also been smoked to relieve respiratory ailments, and a poultice has been used externally to reduce swelling.

Over time it has been used in remedies to address internal cancer, smallpox, and scarlet fever. During the 19th century, American physio-medical practitioners used bowel injections of warm Nepeta cataria infusions for intestinal flatulence. Traditionally the growth of Nepeta cataria was encouraged alongside fields and around areas of grain storage. This was due to the herb's ability to repel rats, and it was believed that a dense growth bordering fields helped to protect crops.

Its medicinal use has fallen out of favor with the development of modern medicine.

3. Phytochemistry: Key Constituents and Active Compounds

Essential Oil and Nepetalactones

The plant terpenoid nepetalactone is the main chemical constituent of the essential oil of Nepeta cataria. The fresh aerial parts contain 0.3–1% essential oil rich in nepetalactone terpenes. The essential oil contains iridoid monoterpenes, particularly nepetalactones—stereoisomers such as cis,trans-nepetalactone, cis,cis-nepetalactone, and nepetalactone—that account for up to 80% of the volatile fraction.

Nepetalactone is a bicyclic monoterpene, with two fused rings, a cyclopentane, and a lactone. Depending on the Nepeta species, the active ingredient nepetalactone consists of a mixture of four diastereomers which can be obtained in pure form. Nepetalactone is a terpenoid composed of two isoprene units, with a total of ten carbons. Its chemical structure is similar to that of the valepotriates derived from the herb valerian, which is a mild central nervous system sedative.

Nepetalactone was first isolated in 1941 from the plant catnip, Nepeta cataria. Nepetalactone can be extracted from catnip by steam distillation.

Flavonoids and Phenolic Acids

A method developed for the identification and quantification of polyphenols in the flowers, upper leaves, and lower leaves of Nepeta cataria using HPLC/UV/MS led to the identification of two phenolic acids—caffeic acid and rosmarinic acid—along with eight flavonoids including luteolin, apigenin, and their glucosyl and glucuronyl derivatives. Total polyphenols averaged 11.32 ± 3.95 mg/g, 12.31 ± 2.5 mg/g, and 11.29 ± 2.88 mg/g for the flowers, upper leaves, and lower leaves, respectively.

Luteolin 7-O-glucuronide, luteolin 7-O-glucurono-(1→6)-glucoside, apigenin 7-O-glucuronide, as well as free aglycones luteolin and apigenin, have been isolated from catnip. The percentage of total flavonoids was in the range from 0.30 to 0.46% of dry mass. In the phenolic acid fraction, caffeic, rosmarinic, and p-coumaric acids have been identified. Total phenolic acids were in the range of 0.75% to 1.4%, and the content of rosmarinic acid quantified by HPLC fluctuated in the range from 0.06% to 0.15% depending on the sample.

Terpenoids, Steroids, and Other Compounds

Bioactive compounds isolated from Nepeta species belong to different classes of secondary metabolites, including phenolic acids and their glycosides (rosmarinic acid, gallic acid, caffeic acid), flavonoids and their glycosides (cirsimaritin, salvigenin, luteolin, apigenin), iridoids (nepetalactones and their derivatives), terpenoids (1,8-cineole, linalool, β-caryophyllene, germacrene D, parnapimaro, β-amyrin, oleanolic acid, ursolic acid), steroids (β-sitosterol, stigmasterol), lignans, amino acids, carbohydrates, and volatile oils.

The most studied constituents in the volatile oil of Nepeta cataria and other Nepeta species are diastereomeric nepetalactones and monoterpenoids such as linalool. The majority of chemically analyzed essential oils showed the presence of nepetalactone, β-caryophyllene, caryophyllene oxide, 1,8-cineol, and geraniol as major components.

4. Mechanisms of Action

Central Nervous System and Sedative/Anxiolytic Effects

Nepetalactones are reported to have mild-to-moderate sedative activity. These compounds are also responsible for the stimulant effect in cats, although 20% of cats display active behaviors and 80% display passive behaviors. Linalool is reported to have anxiolytic activity.

Flavonoids such as apigenin and luteolin are linked to anxiolytic and sedative effects via modulation of GABA_A receptors. Rosmarinic acid and other phenolics further enhance anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antioxidant activities.

A mouse study using inhaled linalool, one of catnip's constituents, demonstrated sedative and anticonvulsant activity. The study involved placing mice in an inhalation chamber saturated with 1% or 3% linalool for 60 minutes. Immediately after inhaling the linalool, the mice were evaluated for body temperature, motor coordination, locomotion, and barbiturate-like sleeping time. Air infused with both 1% and 3% linalool was shown to both reduce body temperature and increase pentobarbital sleeping time. At a 3% linalool concentration, there was a decrease in locomotion, but there was no effect on motor coordination. Unlike most anxiolytic drugs, linalool had significant sedative effects without causing impairment in motor skills.

Insect Repellency: TRPA1 Receptor Activation

Researchers at Northwestern and Lund Universities discovered that catnip and its active ingredient nepetalactone activate the irritant receptor TRPA1, an ancient pain receptor found in animals as diverse as flatworms, fruit flies, and humans. Catnip and its active ingredient, nepetalactone, have been used for millennia to ward off insect pests, at least since the time of Pliny the Elder. This discovery, published in Current Biology, was the first identification of the underlying receptor mechanism for insect aversion to catnip.

Antispasmodic/Gastrointestinal Effects

Nepeta cataria has widely been used to treat diarrhea because of spasmolytic and myorelaxant metabolites in its extracts. Sesquiterpenes like β-caryophyllene act via CB2 receptor modulation, offering analgesic potential.

Antimicrobial Activity

Researchers found catnip constituents to be antifungal, antibacterial, antioxidant, insecticidal, anti-inflammatory, anti-nociceptive, and potentially spasmolytic. In a recent study, water-based extracts of N. cataria significantly inhibited herpes virus replication in humans.

5. Scientific Evidence by Area of Use

5.1 Sedative and Sleep-Promoting Effects

The traditional reputation of catnip as a sleep aid and mild sedative is supported by preclinical data, though formal human clinical trials are absent from the published literature. Research available through PubMed on Nepeta cataria suggests potential anxiolytic and mild sedative effects, though large-scale human clinical trials are still limited.

A mouse study found that acute exposure to catnip increased stereotyped behavior and susceptibility to seizures, did not interfere with haloperidol-induced catalepsy, and decreased sleeping time after sodium pentobarbital administration. Long-term exposure induced tolerance to stereotypic behavior, catalepsy, and sleeping time, and increased susceptibility to seizures induced by picrotoxin and strychnine. An amphetamine-like effect of catnip was suggested to explain the acute effects, while dispositional and functional adaptive changes were considered involved with the long-term effects. These complex, sometimes contradictory preclinical findings underscore the need for careful interpretation.

Evidence strength: Preclinical (animal/in vitro) only. No controlled human clinical trials on sedative or sleep effects have been identified. Evidence for sedation in humans remains inferential and based primarily on traditional use and animal models.

5.2 Anxiolytic Effects

A published preclinical study evaluated the anxiolytic effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Nepeta persica Boiss. (a closely related species to N. cataria) on the elevated plus-maze (EPM) model of anxiety. The extract of aerial parts of the plant was administered intraperitoneally to male NMRI mice at various doses 30 minutes before behavioral evaluation. The extract at a dose of 50 mg/kg significantly increased the percentage of time spent and the percentage of arm entries in the open arms of the EPM. This dose of plant extract affected neither the animal's locomotor activity nor ketamine-induced sleeping time.

Some research suggests that nepetalactone compounds or their metabolites may have mild sedative effects in mammals through unknown mechanisms, possibly involving transient receptor potential (TRP) channels or modulation of monoaminergic systems. More research is needed to confirm this hypothesis in humans.

Evidence strength: Animal data only. No randomized controlled human trials have been identified. The EPM findings apply to a related species (N. persica) and cannot be directly extrapolated to human subjects.

5.3 Insect Repellency

This is the area with the most robust and growing scientific evidence base for catnip. Nepetalactone, a potent natural insect repellent primarily found in catnip essential oil, has emerged as a promising candidate for mosquito repellence. In a laboratory study evaluating catnip essential oil (>95% nepetalactone) using a Y-tube olfactometer and human hands as attractant, a range of dilutions were tested, and concentrations as low as 2% were effective at repelling >70% of mosquitoes for between one and four hours after repellent application.

Nepetalactone, the primary component of catnip oil, was compared with DEET for its ability to affect the host-seeking ability of Aedes aegypti. A triple-cage olfactometer was used to assess attraction inhibition (spatial repellent) attributes. Catnip oil and DEET were both weakly attractive to Ae. aegypti; catnip oil was the better spatial repellent, whereas DEET was a more effective contact repellent in tests with all three mosquito species.

Research suggests that, while catnip may be a more effective spatial repellant than DEET, it is not as effective as SS220 or DEET when used on human skin.

A 2026 field study published in Scientific Reports evaluated catnip essential oil under real-world conditions. Researchers evaluated the potential of a locally produced lotion containing catnip essential oil (comprising >92% nepetalactone) for use as a mosquito repellent in Eastern Uganda. Using the human landing catch method in field trials, they analyzed the effectiveness of a lotion containing 2% or 6% catnip oil at repelling mosquitoes compared to a negative control and to a commercial repellent containing 15% DEET as a positive control. Lotions containing both concentrations of catnip essential oil were highly effective at preventing mosquito landing, with 6% catnip oil performing as well as 15% DEET. The findings suggest that nepetalactone could be used as a natural, locally sourced, and effective alternative to synthetic commercial mosquito repellents.

Catnip has been reported as an effective mosquito repellent against several Aedes and Culex species, both topically and spatially. Laboratory bioassays showed that catnip essential oil (at a dosage of 20 mg) resulted in average repellency rates of 96% against stable flies, Stomoxys calcitrans, and 79% against houseflies, Musca domestica.

Multiple studies have indicated that nepetalactone can act as a highly effective mosquito repellent comparable to DEET in terms of repellence properties. Nepetalactone has been shown to have strong repellence properties against a broad range of other arthropods, including ticks, bed bugs, dust mites, and stable flies.

Evidence strength: Moderate-to-strong for insect repellency in vitro and in controlled field studies, including one human field trial (Uganda, 2026). Results indicate efficacy at 2–6% concentration comparable to 15% DEET in field conditions. The TRPA1 receptor mechanism has been experimentally identified in insects.

5.4 Antimicrobial Effects

An in vitro study was conducted concerning the antimicrobial activity of catmint diethyl ether extract against fungi and Gram-positive bacteria. Staphylococcus aureus strains were used to track the subminimum inhibitory concentrations on coagulase, DNAase, thermonuclease, and lipase production. Results concluded that at ½ and ¼ MIC concentration, DNAase, thermonuclease, and lipase were inhibited.

The highest antioxidant potential (DPPH assay) was observed in the acetone extract of N. cataria. The ethanolic extract exhibited a two-fold higher ORAC than the methanol extract. This examination demonstrated the inhibitory effect against a set of microbes and the presence of polar and non-polar constituents of N. cataria.

Evidence strength: In vitro only. No human clinical trials on the antimicrobial effects of catnip preparations in humans have been identified.

5.5 Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Activity

Total polyphenols in N. cataria averaged approximately 11–12 mg/g across flowers and leaves. The antioxidant capacities of the extracts were determined using the ABTS+ radical scavenging assay and averaged approximately 29–31 µM equivalent/g DW for flowers and leaves.

Flavonoids and phenolic acids in N. cataria contribute anxiolytic, sedative, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Evidence strength: Preclinical (in vitro). No clinical evidence in humans has been identified.

5.6 Antidiabetic and Hepatoprotective Activity

Scientific reports indicate that N. cataria possesses antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and antidiabetic activities, as well as sedative, antidepressant, spasmolytic, anti-nociceptive, and anti-inflammatory activities. These findings derive from preclinical laboratory and animal studies, not from controlled human research.

Evidence strength: Preclinical only. No human trials have been identified for these specific indications.

5.7 Gastrointestinal and Antispasmodic Effects

Nepeta cataria has widely been used to treat diarrhea because of spasmolytic and myorelaxant metabolites in its extracts. Gastrointestinal studies confirm antispasmodic and carminative effects, though these are based on laboratory investigations.

Evidence strength: Preclinical. No human RCTs have been identified. Traditional use across multiple cultures provides consistent historical evidence for digestive applications.

5.8 Anticancer Properties

Studies have identified sedative, antidepressant, spasmolytic, anti-nociceptive, and anti-inflammatory activities in N. cataria extracts, and experiments show that this plant influences sexual activity and expresses anticancer properties. All such anticancer findings are currently from laboratory and cell-based models.

Evidence strength: Preliminary, in vitro/animal only. No clinical evidence in humans has been identified.

6. Body Systems and Health Areas Associated with Catnip

Pharmacological effects reported for Nepeta species include antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, sedative, relaxant, cholesterol-lowering, antiasthmatic, carminative, diuretic, diaphoretic, febrifuge, vermifuge, herbicidal, insecticidal, and insect-repellent activities, while some sources mention them as a topical treatment for snake or scorpion bites.

• Central Nervous System: Sedative, anxiolytic, antidepressant (preclinical). Historically used for nervous conditions, insomnia, and anxiety.
• Gastrointestinal System: Carminative, antispasmodic, stomachic, antidiarrheal. Traditionally used for colic, indigestion, flatulence, and stomach cramps.
• Immune/Fever Response: Diaphoretic and antipyretic; used historically in colds and influenza. Traditionally used in the treatment of colds and influenza, catnip exhibits a broad spectrum of therapeutic effects, including anxiolytic, antispasmodic, antitussive, carminative, diaphoretic, sedative, stomachic, and aperitive tonic actions.
• Reproductive System: Historically used as an emmenagogue and for menstrual irregularity. The plant has also been used for increasing urination and for starting menstrual periods in girls with delayed onset of menstruation.
• Integumentary System (Topical): Applied as a poultice for swelling, arthritis, and skin irritation. Some people apply catnip directly to the skin for arthritis, hemorrhoids, and as a compress to relieve swelling.
• Vector/Insect Protection: Repellent activity against mosquitoes, flies, ticks, and other arthropods—this is the best-supported area of current scientific research.

7. Dosage Forms and Doses Reported in Studies

Significant adverse effects have not been reported when N. cataria tea, tincture, and powder are used in appropriate doses. Capsules (100–380 mg) two to three times daily, or prepared as a tea using 1–2 teaspoons simmered in a cup of water, have been referenced.

There is no clinical evidence to guide dosage of catnip for most therapeutic indications. A 15% lotion of the essential oil has been used as an insect repellent. In the 2026 Uganda field trial, lotions containing 2% or 6% catnip essential oil were evaluated against a commercial repellent containing 15% DEET.

Traditionally, catnip has most often been used by adults as a tincture or tea. In preclinical mouse studies, the extract of aerial parts of N. persica was administered intraperitoneally at various doses; the dose of 50 mg/kg significantly increased open-arm exploration in the elevated plus-maze. These animal doses cannot be directly extrapolated to human therapeutic dosing.

8. Safety Considerations and Drug Interactions

General Safety Profile

When taken by mouth, catnip is possibly safe when used in cupful amounts of catnip tea. However, catnip is possibly unsafe when taken in high doses. Side effects might include headaches, vomiting, and a feeling of being ill.

In formal toxicology testing, the acute oral LD₅₀ of catnip oil was found to be 3,160 mg/kg body weight and 2,710 mg/kg BW in female and male rats, respectively. The acute dermal LD₅₀ was >5,000 mg/kg BW. The acute inhalation LD₅₀ was observed to be >10,000 mg/m³. Primary skin irritation tested on New Zealand white rabbits showed that catnip oil is a moderate irritant. Catnip oil was classified as practically non-irritating to the eye. In comparison with other EPA-approved mosquito repellents (DEET, picaridin, and p-menthane-3,8-diol), catnip oil can be considered a relatively safe repellent which may cause minor skin irritation.

There are references that N. cataria has a mild hallucinogenic effect, described as "cannabis-like," in humans when smoked. This claim is documented in the pharmacological literature but has not been studied in controlled human research.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Herbal reference books classify N. cataria as a mild emmenagogue, which means it has possible uterine stimulant properties. Caution is recommended, especially in the first two trimesters and with moderate-to-large doses. Adverse effects (e.g., emmenagogue and abortifacient effects) have been documented. Unlike most anxiolytic drugs, linalool had significant sedative effects without causing impairment in motor skills. Pregnancy caution is recommended, especially in the first two trimesters and with moderate-to-large doses. For breastfeeding, there is insufficient reliable information available.

Drug Interactions

CNS Depressants/Sedatives: Some medications, called sedatives, can also cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Taking catnip with sedative medications might cause breathing problems and/or too much sleepiness. Taking catnip along with sedative medications might cause too much sleepiness. Relevant examples of such medications include clonazepam (Klonopin), lorazepam (Ativan), phenobarbital (Donnatal), and zolpidem (Ambien).

Lithium: Catnip might have an effect like a water pill or "diuretic." Taking catnip might decrease how well the body gets rid of lithium. This could increase how much lithium is in the body and result in serious side effects. Those taking lithium should discuss with their healthcare provider before use, as the lithium dose might need to be changed.

Alkaloid Bioavailability: In an animal study, charcoal-processed N. cataria (CNC) administered orally in combination with Rhizoma coptidis enhanced the bioavailability of berberine and prolonged its release. The bioavailability of the alkaloids coptisine, palmatine, and epiberberine was decreased. Additionally, CNC may decrease the concentration of epiberberine in plasma. The varied effects on different alkaloids may be due to the presence of CNC micropowder, which may adsorb the alkaloids, resulting in prolonged retention in the small intestine.

People use catnip for anxiety, colic, common cold, insomnia, repelling mosquitoes, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses to the standard required for clinical recommendation.

Overall Evidence Assessment

Across the full range of traditional indications—sedation, anxiolysis, gastrointestinal relief, fever management, antimicrobial effects—clinical evidence in humans is either entirely absent or extremely limited. The single area with meaningful human-level evidence is insect repellency, where controlled field studies in human participants have demonstrated efficacy. All other pharmacological activities reported in the literature derive from in vitro experiments, animal models, or historical ethnobotanical records. Future studies should focus on clinical validation, safety profiling, and the development of standardized formulations to harness catnip's therapeutic potential.

References

• Wikipedia — Catnip (Nepeta cataria)
• ScienceDirect Topics — Nepeta cataria Overview
• Restorative Medicine — Catnip Monograph (Nepeta cataria, Nepeta spp.)
• Southern Cross University — Nepeta cataria Medicinal Plant Monograph
• ResearchGate — Pharmacology and Toxicology of Nepeta cataria: A Review
• PMC — Evaluation of the Anxiolytic Effect of Nepeta persica Boiss. in Mice
• PMC — Phytochemical Profiling of Antimicrobial and Potential Antioxidant Plant: Nepeta cataria
• Frontiers in Plant Science — Phytochemical Profiling of Nepeta cataria
• PubMed — Behavioral Effects of Acute and Long-Term Administration of Catnip in Mice
• PubMed — Comparison of Contact and Spatial Repellency of Catnip Oil and DEET Against Mosquitoes
• PubMed — Efficacy and Safety of Catnip (Nepeta cataria) as a Novel Filth Fly Repellent
• USDA ARS — Efficacy and Safety of Catnip as a Filth Fly Repellent (Full Text)
• PMC — Repellency Assessment of Nepeta cataria Essential Oils and Isolated Nepetalactones on Aedes aegypti
• PMC — The Irritant Receptor TRPA1 Mediates the Mosquito Repellent Effect of Catnip
• Scientific Reports — Evaluating Repellence Properties of Catnip Essential Oil Against Aedes aegypti (Y-tube Olfactometer)
• Scientific Reports — Evaluating Repellence of Catnip Essential Oil Using the Human Landing Catch Method in Eastern Uganda (2026)
• Northwestern University News — Could Catnip Become the New DEET?
• Science Daily — Catnip Repels Mosquitoes More Effectively Than DEET
• PMC — A Safer Alternative Bio-Repellent: Targeting Mosquito Odorant-Binding Proteins with Catnip-Derived Nepetalactones
• PubMed — Flavonoids and Phenolic Acids of Nepeta cataria L. var. citriodora
• ScienceDirect — The Genus Nepeta: Traditional Uses, Phytochemicals and Pharmacological Properties
• International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences — A Review on Nepeta cataria L.: Phytochemistry, Pharmacological Activities, and Therapeutic Prospects
• WebMD Vitamins & Supplements — Catnip: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions
• Drugs.com Natural Products — Catnip Uses, Benefits & Dosage
• RxList — Catnip: Health Benefits, Side Effects, Uses, Dose & Precautions
• EBSCO Research Starters — Catnip's Therapeutic Uses