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The phytochemical investigation, breeding and arthropod repellent efficacy of Nepeta cataria
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Reichert, William J.. The phytochemical investigation, breeding and arthropod repellent efficacy of Nepeta cataria. Retrieved from https://doi.org/doi:10.7282/t3-wv8r-bb85

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TitleThe phytochemical investigation, breeding and arthropod repellent efficacy of Nepeta cataria
NameReichert, William J. (author); Simon, James Edward (chair); Rutgers University; School of Graduate Studies
Date Created2019
Other Date2019-05 (degree)
SubjectNepeta cataria, Plant Biology, Catnip -- Breeding, Insect baits and repellents
Extent1 online resource (xxiii, 198 pages) : illustrations
DescriptionWhile notoriously known for inducing the euphoric effect on felines, Nepeta cataria (catnip) is emerging as a natural product and source of a variety of compounds useful for human health. Nepeta cataria produces essential oil in glandular trichomes on leaf and floral surfaces as well as a variety of non-volatile compounds that have been shown to be medicinally active. This plant species is becoming increasingly popular for its use as a feline attractant, medicinal therapeutic and as a naturally sourced insect repellent. This research shows that the bioactives in catnip can be as effective as a repellant against mosquitoes and ticks as DEET. With the new developments and current use of catnip as a natural product, this dissertation focuses on standardizing plants and extracts for applications of its bioactives for emerging areas of public health and interest. An investigation into the genetic inheritance of the key bioactive compound nepetalactone, was conducted as a foundational base for plant breeding to develop improved N. cataria populations. Breeding was conducted to select for increased biomass, total essential oil and increased nepetalactone production in the aromatic volatile oil. Two new plant varieties were developed, cv. CR9 and cv. CR3 each with significantly improved total essential oil and as rich sources of nepetalactone. Associated studies examining where such bioactive compounds accumulate, as well as the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities were conducted. This dissertation then focused on examining the repellency efficacy that N. cataria population’s essential oils have against disease vectoring insects such as A. aegypti mosquitoes and D. variabilis as well as I. scapularis ticks by developing dose response curves to determine the minimum concentration required of the essential to achieve complete repellency of the disease vectors. Finally, N. cataria essential oil was incorporated into a series of formulations to extend the duration of acceptable repellency of the essential oil while also examining the skin toxicity associated with one of the effective formulations.
NotePh.D.
NoteIncludes bibliographical references
Genretheses, ETD doctoral
Persistent URLhttps://doi.org/doi:10.7282/t3-wv8r-bb85
LanguageEnglish
CollectionSchool of Graduate Studies Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Organization NameRutgers, The State University of New Jersey
RightsThe author owns the copyright to this work.
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