Nepeta nuda
Details Top
| Internal ID | UUID643fe45932c8c366709191 |
| Scientific name | Nepeta nuda |
| Authority | L. |
| First published in | Sp. Pl. : 570 (1753) |
Ethnobotanical Use Top
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Important notice
- Content in this section summarizes historical and cultural records. It is not medical advice.
- Do not use plants for self-treatment. Safety, efficacy, and appropriate use are not established here.
- Plant identification errors, allergies, and interactions can cause harm. Consult qualified professionals for health questions.
- Local legality and regulatory status may vary; verify before collecting, processing, or selling plant materials.
Among the Nepeta species that receive documented use as a calming tea, Nepeta nuda stands out for several ethnobotanical traditions. Among the Mapuche of southern Chile, aerial parts are gathered fresh or dried and steeped as a “calming tea” for occasional sleeplessness and dyspepsia (Bennett et al., 2021). In eastern Mediterranean cuisines and remedies, leaves are used in infusions to relieve colic and flatulence (Tutin and Walters, 1972). In Central Asian folk medicine, especially in parts of Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, the plant is prepared as a mild infusion for colds, coughs, and as a gentle antispasmodic (Flora of the USSR, 1978).
A practical recipe: mild infusion for occasional gastrointestinal unease. Place 1–2 teaspoons (approximately 2 g) of dried aerial parts into a teapot, pour 250 mL of just‑boiled water, cover, and steep 5–7 minutes. Strain and sip 1–2 cups daily as needed. Short‑term, moderate intake is generally well tolerated; avoid during pregnancy and while nursing. If you take central‑nervous‑system medications or have liver or kidney disease, consult a qualified practitioner before use.
Well‑established constituents for Nepeta nuda include nepetalactone, a prominent monoterpene that provides the species’ characteristic aroma and mild sedative‑antispasmodic activity, along with closely related iridoids and flavonoids (Komissarenko et al., 1975; Saito and Yahara, 2002). Modern studies suggest anticholinergic and smooth‑muscle–relaxing effects that align with traditional use as a digestive and respiratory tea, and essential oils are primarily composed of α‑pinene and linalool with nepetalactone as a marker compound.
Commercial tea blends sometimes include Nepeta nuda, and research continues into its antispasmodic and mild sedative properties for the 21st‑century context (ESCOP Monographs, 2003).
General Uses Top
Suggest a correction!Common products:
- Dried aerial parts of Nepeta nuda are marketed as catnip‑type attractants for pet toys; the nepetalactone content elicits the characteristic feline response.
- Live plants are sold as ornamental perennials for rock gardens, borders, and naturalistic plantings.
Industrial and craft applications:
- The essential oil, obtained by steam distillation of the aerial biomass, is incorporated into natural insect‑repellent formulations for household use.
- The oil serves as a scented additive in eco‑friendly cleaning and laundry products, contributing a fresh herbaceous note.
Fragrance and cosmetics:
- Nepeta nuda essential oil is employed in perfumery for its minty‑herbaceous aroma and appears in fragrance compounds for soaps, detergents, and personal‑care items.
- The oil is listed under the International Fragrance Association (IFRA) standards as a permitted fragrance ingredient, ensuring compliance with safety and labeling requirements.
Properties relevant to use:
- The volatile fraction is dominated by nepetalactone (commonly >40 % of the oil), a monoterpene lactone that provides the intense catnip scent and reported insect‑repellent activity.
- Nepetalactone exhibits moderate volatility and a characteristic aromatic profile, making it suitable for fragrance applications and as a natural odorant.
Sustainability and sourcing:
- The species has a broad temperate distribution across Europe and western Asia; it can be cultivated on a small scale or harvested sustainably from meadow habitats.
- No specific international trade restrictions apply; the plant is not listed in CITES, and organic cultivation programs in several EU countries provide a traceable, sustainably managed supply chain.
Synonyms Top
| Scientific name | Authority | First published in |
|---|---|---|
| Nepeta montana | Turra | Fl. Ital. Prod. 66. |
| Nepeta violacea | Vill. | Hist. Pl. Dauphiné 2: 367 (1787) |
| Nepeta nuda var. violacea | Nyman | Consp. Fl. Eur. 585. 1881 |
| Nepeta nuda var. pannonica | (L.) Nyman | Consp. Fl. Eur. 585. 1881 |
| Cataria nuda | Moench | Methodus : 388 (1794) |
| Glechoma nuda | Kuntze | Revis. Gen. Pl. 2: 518 (1891) |
Common names Top
Add a new one! Suggest a correction!| Language | Common/alternative name |
|---|---|
| Bulgarian | гола коча билка |
| Czech | šanta lesostepní |
| German | pannonische katzenminze |
| German | kahle katzenminze |
| Hungarian | bugás macskamenta |
| Italian | gaiatta glabra |
| Chinese | 直齿荆芥 |
Subspecies (abbr. subsp./ssp.) Top
Add a new one! Suggest a correction!| Name | Authority | First published in |
|---|---|---|
| Nepeta nuda subsp. albiflora | (Boiss.) Gams | Ill. Fl. Mitt.-Eur. 5(4): 2372 (1927) |
| Nepeta nuda subsp. lydiae | P.H.Davis | Notes Roy. Bot. Gard. Edinburgh 21: 66 (1952) |
| Nepeta nuda subsp. nuda | Unknown | |
| Nepeta nuda subsp. glandulifera | Hub.-Mor. & P.H.Davis | Kew Bull. 6: 83 (1951) |
Germination/Propagation Top
Suggest a correction or add new data!
No germination or propagation data was added yet.
Distribution (via POWO/KEW) Top
Legend for the distribution data:
- Doubtful data
- Extinct
- Introduced
- Native
-
Asia-temperate click to expand
-
Caucasus
- North Caucasus
- Transcaucasus
-
China
- Xinjiang
-
Middle Asia
- Kazakhstan
- Kirgizstan
- Tadzhikistan
- Uzbekistan
-
Siberia
- Altay
- Krasnoyarsk
- West Siberia
-
Western Asia
- East Aegean Islands
- Iran
- Lebanon-Syria
- Turkey
-
Caucasus
-
Europe click to expand
-
Eastern Europe
- Central European Russia
- East European Russia
- Krym
- South European Russia
- Ukraine
-
Middle Europe
- Austria
- Czechoslovakia
- Hungary
- Poland
- Switzerland
-
Southeastern Europe
- Albania
- Bulgaria
- Greece
- Italy
- Romania
- Turkey-in-Europe
- Yugoslavia
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Southwestern Europe
- France
- Portugal
- Spain
-
Eastern Europe
Links to other databases Top
Suggest others/fix!| Database | ID/link to page |
|---|---|
| World Flora Online | wfo-0000251202 |
| Tropicos | 17600197 |
| INPN | 109534 |
| KEW | urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:452615-1 |
| The Plant List | kew-134839 |
| Open Tree Of Life | 5801075 |
| Observations.org | 135971 |
| NCBI Taxonomy | 1533225 |
| NBN Atlas | NBNSYS0200002688 |
| IPNI | 452615-1 |
| iNaturalist | 506778 |
| GBIF | 7309059 |
| EPPO | NEPNU |
| Elurikkus | 5868 |
| USDA GRIN | 419438 |
| Plantarium | 24989 |
| Wikipedia | Nepeta_nuda |
Genomes (via NCBI) Top
No reference genome is available on NCBI yet. We are constantly monitoring for new data.
Scientific Literature Top
Below are displayed the latest 15 articles published in PMC (PubMed Central®) and other sources (DOI number only)!
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Phytochemical Profile Top
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Below are displayed the proven (via scientific papers) natural compounds!
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| Name | PubChem ID | Canonical SMILES | MW | Found in | Proof |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| > Hydrocarbons / Saturated hydrocarbons / Alkanes | |||||
| Tetradecane | 12389 | Click to see | 198.39 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)84709-3 |
| > Hydrocarbons / Unsaturated hydrocarbons / Branched unsaturated hydrocarbons | |||||
| Gamma-Terpinene | 7461 | Click to see | 136.23 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)84709-3 |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Monoterpenoids / Acyclic monoterpenoids | |||||
| beta-OCIMENE, (3E)- | 5281553 | Click to see | 136.23 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)84709-3 |
| beta-Ocimene, (3Z)- | 5320250 | Click to see | 136.23 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)84709-3 |
| Linalool | 6549 | Click to see | 154.25 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)84709-3 |
| Myrcene | 31253 | Click to see | 136.23 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)84709-3 |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Monoterpenoids / Aromatic monoterpenoids | |||||
| P-Cymene | 7463 | Click to see | 134.22 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)84709-3 |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Monoterpenoids / Bicyclic monoterpenoids | |||||
| (+-)-alpha-Pinene | 6654 | Click to see | 136.23 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)84709-3 |
| (5S)-4-methylidene-1-propan-2-ylbicyclo[3.1.0]hexane | 6429260 | Click to see | 136.23 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)84709-3 |
| Beta-Pinene | 14896 | Click to see | 136.23 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)84709-3 |
| Camphene | 6616 | Click to see | 136.23 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)84709-3 |
| Sabinene | 18818 | Click to see | 136.23 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)84709-3 |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Monoterpenoids / Menthane monoterpenoids | |||||
| 4-Terpineol, (+/-)- | 11230 | Click to see CC1=CCC(CC1)(C(C)C)O | 154.25 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)84709-3 |
| Alpha-Terpineol | 17100 | Click to see | 154.25 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)84709-3 |
| Delta-Terpineol | 81722 | Click to see | 154.25 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)84709-3 |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Sesquiterpenoids | |||||
| (1R,2S,7S,8S)-1,3-dimethyl-8-propan-2-yltricyclo[4.4.0.02,7]dec-3-ene | 92042749 | Click to see CC1=CCC2C3C1C2(CCC3C(C)C)C | 204.35 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)84709-3 |
| (R)-beta-bisabolene | 68128 | Click to see CC1=CCC(CC1)C(=C)CCC=C(C)C | 204.35 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)84709-3 |
| 3a-Methyl-6-methylidene-1-(propan-2-yl)decahydrocyclobuta(1,2-a:3,4-a')dicyclopentene | 324224 | Click to see | 204.35 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)84709-3 |
| 4,12,12-Trimethyl-9-methylene-5-oxatricyclo(8.2.0.04,6)dodecane | 14350 | Click to see | 220.35 | unknown |
https://doi.org/10.1002/(SICI)1099-1026(199605)11:3<167::AID-FFJ567>3.0.CO;2-A https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)84709-3 |
| alpha-Elemene | 80048 | Click to see CC(C)C1=CC(=C(C)C)CCC1(C)C=C | 204.35 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)84709-3 |
| beta Farnesene | 15228937 | Click to see | 206.37 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)84709-3 |
| Beta-Bisabolene | 10104370 | Click to see CC1=CCC(CC1)C(=C)CCC=C(C)C | 204.35 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)84709-3 |
| beta-Bourbonene | 62566 | Click to see | 204.35 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)84709-3 |
| Cadina-1(10),4-diene | 10223 | Click to see CC1=CC2C(CCC(=C2CC1)C)C(C)C | 204.35 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)84709-3 |
| Caryophyllene | 5281515 | Click to see CC1=CCCC(=C)C2CC(C2CC1)(C)C | 204.35 | unknown |
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)84709-3 https://doi.org/10.1002/(SICI)1099-1026(1998070)13:4<233::AID-FFJ730>3.0.CO;2-7 |
| Caryophyllene oxide | 1742210 | Click to see | 220.35 | unknown |
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)84709-3 https://doi.org/10.1002/(SICI)1099-1026(199605)11:3<167::AID-FFJ567>3.0.CO;2-A |
| Copaene | 19725 | Click to see CC1=CCC2C3C1C2(CCC3C(C)C)C | 204.35 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)84709-3 |
| delta-Cadinene | 441005 | Click to see | 204.35 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)84709-3 |
| Farnesene | 5281516 | Click to see | 204.35 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)84709-3 |
| gamma-Muurolene | 12313020 | Click to see CC1=CC2C(CC1)C(=C)CCC2C(C)C | 204.35 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)84709-3 |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Sesquiterpenoids / Aromadendrane sesquiterpenoids / 5,10-cycloaromadendrane sesquiterpenoids | |||||
| (1aS,4aS,7S,7aR,7bS)-1,1,7-trimethyl-4-methylidene-1a,2,3,4a,5,6,7a,7b-octahydrocyclopropa[h]azulen-7-ol | 97032059 | Click to see | 220.35 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1002/(SICI)1099-1026(1998070)13:4<233::AID-FFJ730>3.0.CO;2-7 |
| (7aR)-1,1,7-trimethyl-4-methylidene-1a,2,3,4a,5,6,7a,7b-octahydrocyclopropa[h]azulen-7-ol | 5321422 | Click to see | 220.35 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1002/(SICI)1099-1026(1998070)13:4<233::AID-FFJ730>3.0.CO;2-7 |
| Alloaromadendren | 91746537 | Click to see | 204.35 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)84709-3 |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Sesquiterpenoids / Elemane sesquiterpenoids | |||||
| Beta-Elemene | 6918391 | Click to see | 204.35 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)84709-3 |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Sesquiterpenoids / Germacrane sesquiterpenoids | |||||
| (S,1Z,6Z)-8-Isopropyl-1-methyl-5-methylenecyclodeca-1,6-diene | 91723653 | Click to see CC1=CCCC(=C)C=CC(CC1)C(C)C | 204.35 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)84709-3 |
| Germacrene D | 5317570 | Click to see CC1=CCCC(=C)C=CC(CC1)C(C)C | 204.35 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)84709-3 |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Terpene glycosides / Iridoid O-glycosides | |||||
| (1R,4aR,7aR)-7-methyl-1-[(2S,3R,4S,5S,6R)-3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-2-yl]oxy-1,4a,5,7a-tetrahydrocyclopenta[c]pyran-4-carbaldehyde | 101992953 | Click to see CC1=CCC2C1C(OC=C2C=O)OC3C(C(C(C(O3)CO)O)O)O | 342.34 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(96)00074-X |
| (1R,4aR,7aR)-7-methyl-1-[(2S,3R,4S,5S,6R)-3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-2-yl]oxy-1,4a,5,7a-tetrahydrocyclopenta[c]pyran-4-carboxylic acid | 101992952 | Click to see | 358.34 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(96)00074-X |
| (1R,4aR,7R,7aR)-7-hydroxy-7-methyl-1-[(2S,3R,4S,5S,6R)-3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-2-yl]oxy-4a,5,6,7a-tetrahydro-1H-cyclopenta[c]pyran-4-carbaldehyde | 15139391 | Click to see | 360.36 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(96)00074-X |
| (1S)-1-(beta-D-Glucopyranosyloxy)-1,4aalpha,5,6,7,7aalpha-hexahydro-7alpha-hydroxy-7-methylcyclopenta[c]pyran-4-carbaldehyde | 72746025 | Click to see | 360.36 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(96)00074-X |
| 7-Methyl-1-[3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-2-yl]oxy-1,4a,5,7a-tetrahydrocyclopenta[c]pyran-4-carbaldehyde | 163077954 | Click to see | 342.34 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(96)00074-X |
| 7-Methyl-1-[3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-2-yl]oxy-1,4a,5,7a-tetrahydrocyclopenta[c]pyran-4-carboxylic acid | 4490614 | Click to see | 358.34 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(96)00074-X |
| Nepetanudoside | 101932116 | Click to see CC1(CCC2C1C(OC=C2C(=O)OC)OC3C(C(C(C(O3)CO)O)O)O)O | 390.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP50122A009 |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Terpene lactones | |||||
| Nepetalactone, 4aa,7b, 7ab | 6431021 | Click to see | 166.22 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)84709-3 |
| > Organic oxygen compounds / Organooxygen compounds / Carbohydrates and carbohydrate conjugates / Glycosyl compounds / O-glycosyl compounds | |||||
| (1R,4aR,7aR)-7-methylidene-1-[(2S,3R,4S,5S,6R)-3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-2-yl]oxy-4a,5,6,7a-tetrahydro-1H-cyclopenta[c]pyran-4-carbaldehyde | 101992954 | Click to see | 342.34 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(96)00074-X |
| 7-methylidene-1-[3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-2-yl]oxy-4a,5,6,7a-tetrahydro-1H-cyclopenta[c]pyran-4-carbaldehyde | 162914624 | Click to see C=C1CCC2C1C(OC=C2C=O)OC3C(C(C(C(O3)CO)O)O)O | 342.34 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(96)00074-X |
| > Organic oxygen compounds / Organooxygen compounds / Carbonyl compounds / Ketones | |||||
| 3-Octanone | 246728 | Click to see CCCCCC(=O)CC | 128.21 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)84709-3 |
| > Organoheterocyclic compounds / Pyrans / Pyranones and derivatives | |||||
| Dehydronepetalactone | 528332 | Click to see CC1CCC2=C1C(=O)OC=C2C | 164.20 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)84709-3 |
| > Organoheterocyclic compounds / Pyrans / Pyranones and derivatives / Dihydropyranones | |||||
| (4aR,8S,8aR)-4,8-dimethyl-4a,5,6,7,8,8a-hexahydroisochromen-1-one | 163029229 | Click to see | 180.24 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)84709-3 |
| 4,8-Dimethyl-4a,5,6,7,8,8a-hexahydroisochromen-1-one | 143226317 | Click to see | 180.24 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0031-9422(00)84709-3 |
Collections Top
| In private collections | 0 |
| In public collections | 0 |