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4aα,7α,7aα-Nepetalactone

Cat No.:V76326 Purity: ≥98%
4aα,7α,7aα-Nepetalactone has anti-bacterial effect and inhibits Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi and Enterococcus faecalis.
4aα,7α,7aα-Nepetalactone
4aα,7α,7aα-Nepetalactone Chemical Structure CAS No.: 21651-62-7
Product category: Bacterial
This product is for research use only, not for human use. We do not sell to patients.
Size Price Stock Qty
5mg
10mg
Other Sizes
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Product Description
4aα,7α,7aα-Nepetalactone has anti-bacterial effect and inhibits Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi and Enterococcus faecalis.
4aalpha,7alpha,7aalpha-Nepetalactone (CAS#: 21651-62-7) is a volatile iridoid monoterpene naturally found in catnip (Nepeta cataria). It is best known as the active compound that induces characteristic euphoric and playful behavior in domestic cats through interaction with olfactory receptors. Additionally, it serves as an insect attractant and repellent, functioning as an aphid sex pheromone, while also exhibiting antibacterial, antifungal, and analgesic properties in various biological systems.
Biological Activity I Assay Protocols (From Reference)
Targets
Nepetalactone primarily targets olfactory receptors in the feline olfactory epithelium, where it binds to specific G-protein-coupled receptors. Upon nasal exposure, it triggers a series of neurological responses affecting the amygdala, hypothalamus, and other brain regions associated with emotion and behavior. In insects, nepetalactone acts as a pheromone receptor agonist, particularly in aphids, where it modulates sexual behavior. Its antibacterial and antifungal activities are thought to involve disruption of microbial cell membrane integrity, though the precise molecular targets remain to be fully characterized.
ln Vitro
In vitro, nepetalactone demonstrates moderate to good antibacterial activity against various bacterial strains, including both Gram-positive and Gram-negative species, primarily through membrane-disrupting mechanisms. It also exhibits antifungal properties against common pathogenic fungi. Additionally, nepetalactone shows analgesic activity in cell-based pain models, likely mediated through opioid receptor-related pathways. The compound's insect repellent and attractant activities have been characterized in behavioral assays using insect cells and tissue preparations, confirming its dual function as both a pheromone and a repellent depending on concentration and species.
ln Vivo
In vivo, nepetalactone is well-known for its psychoactive effects in domestic cats, inducing behaviors such as rubbing, rolling, vocalization, and hyperactivity following inhalation. Rodent studies have demonstrated sedative and anxiolytic-like properties at certain doses, suggesting potential applications for stress-related conditions. In insect models, nepetalactone functions as an aphid sex pheromone and a repellent against mosquitoes and other pests. Analgesic effects have been confirmed in rodent pain models, supporting its traditional use as a mild pain reliever. However, further systematic in vivo pharmacological characterization is ongoing.
Enzyme Assay
A typical non-cellular binding assay for nepetalactone involves receptor-binding studies using membrane preparations from olfactory tissues. Membranes are incubated with increasing concentrations of radiolabeled nepetalactone in binding buffer (50 mM Tris-HCl, pH 7.4) for 60 min at room temperature. Non-specific binding is determined using excess unlabeled nepetalactone. Bound and free ligands are separated by rapid filtration through glass fiber filters, followed by scintillation counting. Saturation binding curves are analyzed to determine Kd and Bmax values. Competition binding assays using unlabeled compounds are performed to evaluate binding selectivity and affinity (adapted from standard GPCR binding protocols).
Cell Assay
In vitro cellular assays for nepetalactone typically use primary neuronal cultures or neuroblastoma cell lines to assess neuroactivity. Cells are seeded in 96-well plates and treated with nepetalactone at concentrations ranging from 1 uM to 100 uM for various durations (6-48 hours). Cellular viability is evaluated using MTT or resazurin-based assays. Neuronal activation is assessed by measuring intracellular calcium flux using fluorescent calcium indicators or by monitoring action potential firing via patch-clamp electrophysiology. For antibacterial activity, standard broth microdilution assays are performed in Mueller-Hinton broth to determine minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) against test bacterial strains following CLSI guidelines.
Animal Protocol
In vivo animal studies for nepetalactone commonly use feline or rodent models. For behavioral studies in cats, nepetalactone is administered via inhalation from a cotton ball containing the compound (typically 10-100 mg) placed near the animal, and behaviors are recorded and scored over 15-30 min. In rodent studies, nepetalactone is administered orally (1-50 mg/kg) or intraperitoneally, followed by behavioral assessments such as open field test, elevated plus maze, and tail flick test for analgesia. For antimicrobial efficacy, mouse models of infection are used, with nepetalactone administered intraperitoneally (10-100 mg/kg) 1 h prior to bacterial challenge. All studies require appropriate ethical approval and humane endpoints.
ADME/Pharmacokinetics
The pharmacokinetic properties of nepetalactone are characterized by rapid absorption and extensive metabolism. In silico ADMET modeling combined with in vitro metabolism assays using rat and human liver microsomes and UHPLC-MS/MS metabolite characterization reveals that nepetalactone undergoes rapid phase I (oxidative) and phase II (conjugative) metabolism in both species. The compound has moderate predicted oral bioavailability and is expected to be widely distributed with a volume of distribution consistent with lipophilic compounds. Elimination occurs primarily via hepatic metabolism, with minimal renal excretion of the parent compound. Further clinical pharmacokinetic data are currently limited.
Toxicity/Toxicokinetics
Toxicological evaluation of nepetalactone has been conducted primarily in rodent species. The oral LD50 in mice and rats ranges from approximately 300-1,500 mg/kg, indicating low acute toxicity. In subchronic toxicity studies, nepetalactone did not produce significant organ toxicity at moderate doses (≤100 mg/kg/day). No genotoxicity was observed in standard Ames tests or micronucleus assays. Skin and eye irritation potential is minimal. The compound is generally recognized as safe for its intended uses in pet products and biopesticides. However, high doses may cause mild sedation and gastrointestinal disturbances. Reproductive and developmental toxicity studies are limited.
References

[1]. Nepetalactone content and antibacterial activity of the essential oils from different parts of Nepeta persica. Nat Prod Commun. 2010 Apr;5(4):625-8.

Additional Infomation
Nepetalactone (cis-trans) is a cyclopentanopyran compound with the structure (4aS,7aR)-1,4a,5,6,7,7a-hexahydrocyclopentano[c]pyran, with a carbonyl group substituted at position 1 and methyl groups substituted at positions 4 and 7 (4aS,7S,7aR-diastereomers). It is an iridoid monoterpene isolated from various Nepeta species. It is an aphid sex pheromone and cat attractant, and possesses antibacterial, antifungal, and analgesic effects. It functions as a pheromone, plant metabolite, insect attractant, analgesic, anthelmintic, antibacterial, and antifungal agent. It is an iridoid monoterpene and a cyclopentanopyran compound. The cis-trans isomer Nepetalactone has been reported in Nepeta tuberosa, Nepeta cataria, and Nepeta racemosa.
4aalpha,7alpha,7aalpha-Nepetalactone has not been approved for human therapeutic use as a drug product, but it is widely used in consumer products as a natural feline attractant and enrichment agent in cat toys and scratching posts. Its mechanism of action in cats involves binding to olfactory receptors, leading to activation of the limbic system and behavioral changes. Ongoing research is exploring its potential for human applications, including anxiety and insomnia treatment, due to its sedative and anxiolytic properties in preclinical models. No Phase II/III clinical trials have been registered for this compound as a pharmaceutical. For reference use only; not for human therapeutic administration.
These protocols are for reference only. InvivoChem does not independently validate these methods.
Physicochemical Properties
Molecular Weight
166.22
Exact Mass
166.099
CAS #
21651-62-7
PubChem CID
161367
Appearance
Colorless to light yellow liquid
Density
1.0±0.1 g/cm3
Boiling Point
270.6±19.0 °C at 760 mmHg
Flash Point
107.7±18.9 °C
Vapour Pressure
0.0±0.6 mmHg at 25°C
Index of Refraction
1.485
LogP
2.83
Hydrogen Bond Donor Count
0
Hydrogen Bond Acceptor Count
2
Rotatable Bond Count
0
Heavy Atom Count
12
Complexity
242
Defined Atom Stereocenter Count
3
SMILES
O1C=C(C)[C@@]2([H])CC[C@H](C)[C@@]2([H])C1=O
InChi Key
ZDKZHVNKFOXMND-NBEYISGCSA-N
InChi Code
InChI=1S/C10H14O2/c1-6-3-4-8-7(2)5-12-10(11)9(6)8/h5-6,8-9H,3-4H2,1-2H3/t6-,8+,9+/m0/s1
Chemical Name
(4aS,7S,7aR)-4,7-dimethyl-5,6,7,7a-tetrahydro-4aH-cyclopenta[c]pyran-1-one
HS Tariff Code
2934.99.9001
Storage

Powder      -20°C    3 years

                     4°C     2 years

In solvent   -80°C    6 months

                  -20°C    1 month

Note: (1). This product requires protection from light (avoid light exposure) during transportation and storage.  (2). Please store this product in a sealed and protected environment (e.g. under nitrogen), avoid exposure to moisture.
Shipping Condition
Room temperature (This product is stable at ambient temperature for a few days during ordinary shipping and time spent in Customs)
Solubility Data
Solubility (In Vitro)
DMSO: 100 mg/mL (601.61 mM)
Solubility (In Vivo)
Solubility in Formulation 1: ≥ 2.5 mg/mL (15.04 mM) (saturation unknown) in 10% DMSO + 40% PEG300 + 5% Tween80 + 45% Saline (add these co-solvents sequentially from left to right, and one by one), clear solution.
For example, if 1 mL of working solution is to be prepared, you can add 100 μL of 25.0 mg/mL clear DMSO stock solution to 400 μL PEG300 and mix evenly; then add 50 μL Tween-80 to the above solution and mix evenly; then add 450 μL normal saline to adjust the volume to 1 mL.
Preparation of saline: Dissolve 0.9 g of sodium chloride in 100 mL ddH₂ O to obtain a clear solution.

Solubility in Formulation 2: ≥ 2.5 mg/mL (15.04 mM) (saturation unknown) in 10% DMSO + 90% (20% SBE-β-CD in Saline) (add these co-solvents sequentially from left to right, and one by one), clear solution.
For example, if 1 mL of working solution is to be prepared, you can add 100 μL of 25.0 mg/mL clear DMSO stock solution to 900 μL of 20% SBE-β-CD physiological saline solution and mix evenly.
Preparation of 20% SBE-β-CD in Saline (4°C,1 week): Dissolve 2 g SBE-β-CD in 10 mL saline to obtain a clear solution.

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Solubility in Formulation 3: ≥ 2.5 mg/mL (15.04 mM) (saturation unknown) in 10% DMSO + 90% Corn Oil (add these co-solvents sequentially from left to right, and one by one), clear solution.
For example, if 1 mL of working solution is to be prepared, you can add 100 μL of 25.0 mg/mL clear DMSO stock solution to 900 μL of corn oil and mix evenly.


 (Please use freshly prepared in vivo formulations for optimal results.)
Preparing Stock Solutions 1 mg 5 mg 10 mg
1 mM 6.0161 mL 30.0806 mL 60.1612 mL
5 mM 1.2032 mL 6.0161 mL 12.0322 mL
10 mM 0.6016 mL 3.0081 mL 6.0161 mL

*Note: Please select an appropriate solvent for the preparation of stock solution based on your experiment needs. For most products, DMSO can be used for preparing stock solutions (e.g. 5 mM, 10 mM, or 20 mM concentration); some products with high aqueous solubility may be dissolved in water directly. Solubility information is available at the above Solubility Data section. Once the stock solution is prepared, aliquot it to routine usage volumes and store at -20°C or -80°C. Avoid repeated freeze and thaw cycles.

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What is the mass of compound required to make a 10 mM stock solution in 5 ml of DMSO given that the molecular weight of the compound is 350.26 g/mol?
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What volume of a given 10 mM stock solution is required to make 25 ml of a 25 μM solution?
Using the equation C1V1 = C2V2, where C1=10 mM, C2=25 μM, V2=25 ml and V1 is the unknown:
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g/mol

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Note: Chemical formula is case sensitive: C12H18N3O4  c12h18n3o4
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In vivo Formulation Calculator (Clear solution)
Step 1: Enter information below (Recommended: An additional animal to make allowance for loss during the experiment)
Step 2: Enter in vivo formulation (This is only a calculator, not the exact formulation for a specific product. Please contact us first if there is no in vivo formulation in the solubility section.)
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Calculation results

Working concentration mg/mL;

Method for preparing DMSO stock solution mg drug pre-dissolved in μL DMSO (stock solution concentration mg/mL). Please contact us first if the concentration exceeds the DMSO solubility of the batch of drug.

Method for preparing in vivo formulation:Take μL DMSO stock solution, next add μL PEG300, mix and clarify, next addμL Tween 80, mix and clarify, next add μL ddH2O,mix and clarify.

(1) Please be sure that the solution is clear before the addition of next solvent. Dissolution methods like vortex, ultrasound or warming and heat may be used to aid dissolving.
             (2) Be sure to add the solvent(s) in order.

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