Nepeta cataria

Catnip/Drug Interactions:

  • AntibioticsAntibiotics: A diethyl ether extract of catnip (Nepeta cataria) was studied for the effects of subminimum inhibitory concentrations on enzyme production in S. aureus 6538P and 44 strains of Staphylococcus aureus (some resistant to methicillin) (1). Concentrations equal to ? and ? minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) inhibited DNAse, thermonuclease, and lipase, and reduced adherence in vitro.
  • AntiviralsAntivirals: Aqueous extracts of Nepeta nepetella (150-500mcg/mL), Nepeta coerulea (150-500mcg/mL), and Nepeta tuberosa (150-500mcg/mL) have demonstrated antiviral activity against two different DNA and RNA viruses (HSV-1 and VSV) in vitro (7). These extracts were not effective against poliovirus type I.
  • CNS depressantsCNS depressants: There has been one case report of central nervous system depression in a toddler who consumed a large quantity of catnip, where no other cause could be found for his obtundation (6).
  • ImmunomodulatorsImmunomodulators: Verbascoside isolated from Nepeta ucrainica L. has demonstrated immunomodulatory activity in vitro (8). Verbascoside was shown to increase neutrophil chemotactic activity and respiratory burst activity compared with a control substance. However, at increasing doses, the opposite effect was observed.
  • Sleep agentsSleep agents: Secondary sources report that catnip has been used by patients with sleep disorders (9). Currently, there is no available primary research in humans to support the safety or efficacy of this use, although there is preliminary study in chicks and in mice that support its sleep-inducing effects (10; 11; 12).

    • Catnip/Herb/Supplement Interactions:

  • AntibacterialsAntibacterials: A diethyl ether extract of catnip (Nepeta cataria) was studied for the effects of subminimum inhibitory concentrations on enzyme production in S. aureus 6538P and 44 strains of Staphylococcus aureus (some resistant to methicillin). Concentrations equal to ? and ? MIC inhibited DNAse, thermonuclease, and lipase, and reduced adherence in vitro (1).
  • AntiviralsAntivirals: Aqueous extracts of Nepeta nepetella (150-500mcg/mL), Nepeta coerulea (150-500mcg/mL), and Nepeta tuberosa (150-500mcg/mL) have demonstrated antiviral activity against two different DNA and RNA viruses (HSV-1 and VSV) in vitro (7). These extracts were not effective against poliovirus type I.
  • CNS depressantsCNS depressants: There has been one case report of central nervous system depression in a toddler who consumed a large quantity of catnip, where no other cause could be found for his obtundation (6).
  • ImmunomodulatorsImmunomodulators: Verbascoside isolated from Nepeta ucrainica L. has demonstrated immunomodulatory activity in vitro (8). Verbascoside was shown to increase neutrophil chemotactic activity and respiratory burst activity compared with a control substance. However, at increasing doses, the opposite effect was observed.
  • Sleep agentsSleep agents: Secondary sources report that catnip has been used by patients with sleep disorders (9). Currently, there is no available primary research in humans to support the safety or efficacy of this use, although there is preliminary study in chicks and in mice that support its sleep-inducing effects (10; 11; 12).

    • Catnip/Food Interactions:

  • Insufficient available evidence.

    • Catnip/Lab Interactions:

  • Bacterial culturesBacterial cultures: A diethyl ether extract of catnip (Nepeta cataria) was studied for the effects of subminimum inhibitory concentrations on enzyme production in S. aureus 6538P and 44 strains of Staphylococcus aureus (some resistant to methicillin). Concentrations equal to ? and ? MIC inhibited DNAse, thermonuclease, and lipase, and reduced adherence in vitro (1).
  • Viral culturesViral cultures: Aqueous extracts of Nepeta nepetella (150-500mcg/mL), Nepeta coerulea (150-500mcg/mL), and Nepeta tuberosa (150-500mcg/mL) have demonstrated antiviral activity against two different DNA and RNA viruses (HSV-1 and VSV) in vitro (7). These extracts were not effective against poliovirus type I.