A Safer Alternative Bio-Repellent: Targeting Mosquito Odorant-Binding Proteins with Catnip-Derived Nepetalactones from <i>Nepeta cataria</i> Leaves.

ABSTRACT: The reliance on synthetic repellents such as N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET) has raised health and environmental concerns, prompting the search for safer, plant-based alternatives. Catnip (Nepeta cataria L.), a rich source of iridoid monoterpenes, particularly nepetalactones, known for strong insect-repellent activity. However, their efficient extraction and molecular mechanisms in insect inhibition remains challenging. This study examined the chemical composition, protein-ligand interactions, and safety profiles of nepetalactones in comparison with DEET, with particular focus on mosquito odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) from Anopheles gambiae (AgamOBP), Culex quinquefasciatus (CquiOBP), and Aedes aegypti (AaegOBP). GC-MS/MS analysis identi

SUBMITTER: Kiatlertpongsa T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12897829 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature