Catnip Information – Drug Interactions
14 September 2007Taxonomic Class
Lamiaceae
Common Trade Names
Multi-ingredient preparations: Catnip, Catnip & Fennel, Catnip & Fennel Extract, Catnip Herb, Catnip Mist
Common Forms
Available as capsules (380 mg), elixir, liquid, tincture, and tea.
Source
Obtained from the dried leaves and flowering tops of Nepeta cataria, catnip is a perennial herb that is common in Europe and cultivated in the United States.
Chemical Components
The major active ingredients in catnip are volatile oils. The primary volatile oils are cis-trans-nepetalactone and valeric acid. Nepetalactone is similar in structure to the sedative ingredient found in valerian root. The seeds also contain linolenic, linoleic, oleic acid, and saturated fatty acids. Other chemicals found in N cataria include acetic acid, buteric acid, citra!, dipentene, lifronella, limonene, iridoids, tannins, and terpene.
Actions
N cataria contains volatile oils that produce sedative effects. An alcoholic extract produced a sedative effect in young chicks. Low to moderate doses caused chicks to sleep, whereas higher doses appeared to have a paradoxical effect .
The effect of other drugs on catnip-induced pleasures in cats has been conducted . The psychoactive (hallucinogenic) properties of catnip remain controversial.
Reported Uses
The principal anecdotal recommendation for catnip is as a tea for insomnia and restlessness. Despite the lack of human clinical trials, the herb is said to be useful also for treating amenorrhea, anemia, bronchitis, colds, diarrhea, dysmenorrhea, fever, fl atulence, headaches, hiccups, hives, indigestion, infantile colic, and toothaches. Catnip has been used as an antispasmodic, a diaphoretic, a stimulant, and a tonic without scientific data to support these claims. Catnip salve and tea are reported to be folklore remedies for cancer and believed to have psychoactive and euphoric properties when smoked as a cigarette; mind-altering effects can occur after accidental ingestion.
Dosage
Human data are lacking.
Tea: Boiling water is poured on 2 tsp of dried leaves and brewed for 10 to 15 minutes.Tincture: 2 to 4 ml P.O. t.i.d.
Adverse Reactions
CNS: headache, malaise.
GI: nausea, vomiting (with large doses).
Interactions
None reported, but concomitant use with barbiturates and other drugs or herbs with sedative properties may cause additive effects. Avoid concomitant use.
Contraindications And Precautions
Avoid using catnip in pregnant (uterine stimulant) or breast-feeding patients; effects are unknown. Also avoid use in patients with severe menstrual bleeding or pelvic inflammatory disease because it can induce menstruation.
Special Considerations
Urge the patient to reconsider using catnip as a sleep aid because scientific data supporting this use are lacking. Direct him to consult a health care provider who specializes in treating sleep disorders.
Advise the patient to notify the prescriber and pharmacist of any herbal or dietary supplement he is taking when filling a new prescription.
Advise women to avoid using catnip during pregnancy or when breast-feeding.
Points of Interest
N. cataria has an aromatic, mintlike odor.
Most cat owners buy catnip to use in toys. The scent of the catnip-not its consumption-is believed to exert euphoria and sexual stimulation in cats.
Commentary
Although catnip may have sedative effects, human clinical data are lacking. One case report found that catnip altered a toddler’s mental status after he consumed a large number of raisins soaked in catnip tea. Further studies are needed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the herb for the claimed therapeutic uses.
Tagged under:Herbal Medicines, lamiaceae, preparations, taxonomic class trade names
