Nepetalactone/actinidine assay

Nepetalactone is the main bioactive compound in catnip ( Nepeta cataria ), while actinidin is an alkaloid found in some species of the genus Actinidia . Both molecules are known for their attractive effects on domestic and wild felines, as well as for their insect-repellent properties.

Their dosage is essential for characterizing plant extracts, standardizing formulations for animal nutrition, and developing natural repellent solutions for the agricultural, veterinary, or cosmetic sectors.

Analytical methods

The analysis of nepetalactone and actinidin is based on gas chromatography:

• GC-FID (flame ionization detector) for reliable routine quantification.
• GC-MS (mass spectrometry) allowing specific identification and precise detection even in complex matrices or in trace amounts.

These methods are recognized as references for the analysis of volatile and aromatic compounds in essential oils, plant extracts and formulated products.

Matrices involved

The assay of nepetalactone and actinidin can be performed in several types of matrices:

• Plant extracts of catnip and actinidia
• Standardized essential oils
• Animal nutrition products (cat toys, fortified treats)
• Natural insect repellent formulations
• Products of functional botany or biocides of plant origin

Industrial applications

• Animal nutrition : development of products enriched with nepetalactone to stimulate the interest of felines.
• Natural biocides : formulation of ecological repellents based on actinidin or nepetalactone, as an alternative to chemical insecticides.
• Phytotherapy and functional botany : study and standardization of plant extracts rich in bioactive compounds.
• Quality control : verification of nepetalactone and actinidin content to guarantee the conformity and effectiveness of finished products.

Additional analyses

The measurement of nepetalactone and actinidin can be supplemented by other analytical services:

• Eucalyptol dosage for the evaluation of volatile compounds with insect-repellent effect.
• Dosage of menthol used in animal nutrition and cosmetics.
• Terpene profiling to obtain a complete map of the molecules present.

These combined analyses allow for better utilization of natural extracts and guarantee that formulations comply with quality standards.

Regulations and quality issues

Products containing active plant extracts must meet strict safety and traceability criteria. In the animal nutrition sector, regulatory compliance involves verifying the content of active molecules and their safety. In the field of natural biocides, the standardization of extracts ensures reproducible efficacy and facilitates obtaining marketing authorizations.

YesWeLab's expertise

YesWeLab collaborates with a network of partner laboratories, most of which are ISO 17025 accredited and COFRAC certified, specializing in the analysis of volatile compounds and plant extracts. For each project, we select the most suitable method and laboratory to guarantee accuracy, reliability, and compliance.

Our digital platform simplifies the management of your analyses: quote requests, sample tracking, and centralized results retrieval. Since 2020, YesWeLab has been supporting manufacturers, distributors, and research firms with their analytical needs in animal nutrition, biocides, and phytotherapy.