Nepeta (Catnip) Essential Oil

 

 

Nepeta (Catnip) Essential Oil (CAS 8024-24-0, INCI name -distilled essential oil standardized to >95% nepetalactone, distilled from Nepeta cataria and Schizonepeta tenuifolia. Baisifu supplies food-grade, BP/USP and Ph.Eur. equivalent batches from a Xi’an facility, with every drum shipped with a COA, allergen declaration and IFRA documentation.

Botanical identity and chemistry

Nepeta (Catnip) Essential Oil is the steam-distilled volatile oil obtained from the fresh leaves and flowering tops of Nepeta cataria L. and Schizonepeta tenuifolia Briq., perennial herbs of the Lamiaceae family. The oil is dominated by nepetalactone, an iridoid monoterpene whose effects on felines are well known and whose insect-repellent profile has attracted sustained research interest; nepetalactone is one of the few botanical compounds that has demonstrated DEET-comparable repellency against mosquitoes in controlled trials.

Distillation and standardisation

Leaves and flowering tops are harvested, lightly wilted and charged to stainless-steel stills for steam distillation at atmospheric pressure. The crude oil is decanted, dried and standardised in-house to a minimum of 95 percent nepetalactone by GC-MS against a reference marker. Baisifu supplies both N. cataria and S. tenuifolia grades; the botanical source is stated on the Statement of Origin, and the nepetalactone isomer ratio on the COA distinguishes the two.

Active profile by GC-MS

The GC-MS fingerprint is dominated by the nepetalactone peak, which appears as a characteristic isomer pair (4aS,7S,7aR and 4aS,7S,7aS). Baisifu records the full chromatogram on each COA; the isomer ratio is a sensitive indicator of the botanical source and harvest timing, and any drift outside the historical window triggers a raw-material provenance review rather than a quiet release.

Physical and sensory behaviour

The oil is a clear, mobile, pale-yellow to yellow liquid with a density near 0.93 g/cm3, a refractive index around 1.478 at 20 degrees Celsius and a boiling point in the 230 degree range. Its odour is a herbaceous, slightly minty, pale top note with a persistent herbal dry-down; in perfumery it is a functional material rather than a fine-fragrance ingredient, valued primarily for its insect-repellent activity rather than for its scent.

Typical applications

Nepeta Essential Oil enters the following formulation workflows:

• botanical insect repellents
• pet-care formulations
• outdoor candles and torch fuels
• functional fragrance for repellent systems
• traditional botanical formulations
• aromatherapy and wellness blends

Formulation and blending notes

The oil is miscible with ethanol and fixed oils and soluble in propylene glycol at typical use levels. Nepetalactone can oxidise on prolonged air exposure, forming less active degradation products, so nitrogen blanketing and air-protected storage are essential; the peroxide value is monitored and flagged on the COA. The material is a functional repellent ingredient rather than a flavour material and is not recommended for food use.

COA and batch documentation

Each drum ships with a Certificate of Analysis carrying the GC-MS chromatogram, nepetalactone assay, isomer ratio, peroxide value, specific gravity, refractive index, heavy metals (Pb, As, Cd, Hg) and pesticide residue screen. An allergen declaration, an IFRA conformity statement and a Statement of Origin complete the pack, giving QC and regulatory teams a single-shipment document set.

Regulatory and compliance

Nepetalactone is a researched botanical active; nepeta oil is permitted in functional fragrance and repellent applications under prevailing regulations, but is not generally approved as a food flavour. Under EU CLP the concentrated oil is classified as hazardous (flammable liquid category 3, aspiration toxicant category 1, skin sensitiser category 1), so Hazmat labelling and UN 1993 shipping names apply for bulk movement.

Packaging, storage and supply

Nepeta Essential Oil is filled into 180 kg HDPE drums or 25 kg sample drums, nitrogen-blanketed and sealed under COA. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight; the recommended storage temperature is 15 to 25 degrees Celsius with a shelf life of 24 months from manufacture in original sealed packaging. Baisifu ships ex-Xi’an, MOQ 25 kg for sample development and 500 kg and above for production orders; standard lead time 7 to 15 days depending on batch availability, with express air freight on request.

Questions buyers ask

What nepetalactone level can you guarantee?

The standardised grade is assayed by GC-MS to a minimum of 95 percent nepetalactone against a reference marker; the exact figure, the isomer ratio and the full secondary fingerprint are printed on the COA of every drum.

Which species is this from?

Baisifu supplies both Nepeta cataria and Schizonepeta tenuifolia grades; the botanical source is stated on the Statement of Origin, and the nepetalactone isomer ratio on the COA distinguishes the two. State the target species and we will confirm availability before you commit.

Can this be used as a DEET substitute?

Nepetalactone has demonstrated DEET-comparable repellency against mosquitoes in controlled trials; however, the regulatory pathway for claiming repellent efficacy varies by market. Baisifu supplies the standardised oil as a raw material and does not make finished-product efficacy claims; buyers should confirm the regulatory pathway in their target market.

Need specifications, COA, or a wholesale quote? Contact Baisifu — typical response within 24 hours.