Exploring the Feline Narcotic: Insights into Catnip
In an intriguing study at Osaka Zoo in Japan, large felines were exposed to high quantities of the active substance in matatabi, a plant native to Asia. To the researchers' surprise, these big cats displayed signs of intense pleasure and, in some cases, addiction.
Interestingly, domestic cats also respond to other plants, such as Tatarian honeysuckle and valerian root. According to the study, around 80% of cats react to matatabi, while approximately 50% of cats respond to Tatarian honeysuckle and valerian root. The common factor in these plants that triggers this response is nepetalactone, the main active ingredient in catnip.
However, when it comes to the effectiveness and safety of catnip for treating various conditions in humans, research is limited. While catnip has a striking effect on domestic cats, and it also affects other cat-like mammals to a lesser extent, including lions, jaguars, tigers, cougars, bobcats, and civets (which are not felines), its use in humans remains largely unexplored.
It is worth noting that matatabi elicited a response in 75% of the domestic cats that had no reaction to catnip. This suggests that matatabi could potentially be a more effective alternative for some cats that do not respond to catnip.
Some specialists advise that pregnant women should avoid catnip due to its potential to cause contractions of the uterus. Matatabi, another plant that can alter felines' moods and behaviours, can be just as, if not more, effective than catnip when it comes to stimulating domestic cats.
This article was originally published on MedicalNewsToday.com.
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