Compound Monograph
Nepetalactone
A bicyclic monoterpenoid iridoid lactone and the chief volatile of catnip, famous for its euphoric effect on cats and studied as an insect and mosquito repellent.
Classification
Nepetalactone is one of the iridoids, part of the terpenoids class. The largest class of plant compounds, built from five-carbon isoprene units — the essential-oil aromatics, resins, bitter principles, saponins, and plant sterols.
Where Does It Come From? (1)
Nepetalactone is one of the iridoids, found in Catnip.