Nepetalactone Cycloalkane in Catnip

Nepetalactone Cycloalkane in Catnip Catnip, Nepeta cataria, is a member of the mint or Labiatae family. This perennial herb is sometimes known as catnip, catrup, catwort, cataria, or catmint (although there are other plants that also go by these common names). Catnip is indigenous from the eastern Mediterranean region to the eastern Himalayas, but is naturalized over much of North America and is easily grown in most gardens. The generic name Nepeta is said to have been derived from the Italian town Nepete, where catnip was once cultivated. For centuries humans have grown catnip for humans, but the herb is best known for its action on cats. Nepetalactone Chemistry Nepetalactone is a terpene composed of two isoprene units, with a total of ten carbons. Its chemical structure is similar to that of the valepotriates derived from the herb valerian, which is a mild central nervous system sedative (or stimulant to some persons). Cats Domestic and many wild cats (including cougars, bobcats, lions, and lynx) respond to the nepetalactone in catnip. However, not all cats react to catnip. The behavior is inherited as an autosomal dominant gene; 10-30% of domestic cats in a population may be unresponsive to nepetalactone. Kittens will not show the behavior until they are at least 6-8 weeks old. In fact, catnip produces an avoidance response in young kittens. The catnip response usually develops by the time a kitten is 3 months old. When cats smell catnip they exhibit a range of behaviors that may include sniffing, licking and chewing the plant, head shaking, chin and cheek rubbing, head rolling, and body rubbing. This psychosexual reaction lasts for 5-15 minutes and cannot be evoked again for an hour or more after exposure. Cats that react to nepetalactone differ in their individual responses. The feline receptor for nepetalactone is the vomeronasal organ, located above the feline palate. The location of the vomeronasal organ may explain why cats do not react from eating gelatin-enclosed capsules of catnip. Nepetalactone must be inhaled for it to reach the receptors in the vomeronasal organ. In cats, the effects of nepetalactone can be moderated by several drugs acting upon the central and peripheral nervous system, and by several environmental, physiological, and psychological factors. The specific mechanism governing these behaviors has not been described. Humans Herbalists have used catnip for many centuries as a treatment for colic, headache, fever, toothache, colds, and spasms. Catnip is an excellent sleep-inducing agent (as with valerian, in certain individuals it acts as a stimulant). Both people and cats find catnip to be emetic in large doses. It exhibits antibacterial properties and may be useful as an anti-atherosclerotic agent. It is used as an adjunct in treated dysmenorrhea and is given in tincture form to aid amenorrhea. 15th century English cooks would rub catnip leaves on meats before cooking and add it to mixed green salads. Before Chinese tea became widely available, catnip tea was very popular. Cockroaches and other Insects There is scientific evidence that catnip and nepetalactone may be effective cockroach repellents. Iowa State University researchers found nepetalactone to be 100x more effective at repelling cockroaches than DEET, a common (and toxic) insect repellent. Purified nepetalactone has also been shown to kill flies. There is also evidence that nepetalactone may serve as an insect sex pheromone in Hemiptera Aphidae (aphids) and a defense substance in Orthoptera Phasmatidae (walking sticks).

Examine the Parties Involved in the Agreement and the Different Types Essay

Examine the Parties Involved in the Agreement and the Different Types of Leases - Essay Example In this regard, this right to occupy and use the property of another person is regarded as lease. With regard to these deliberations, in order for the two parties to have come to a conclusion that the landlord will allow the tenant to occupy the property and for the tenant to accept to occupy the property, the term lease agreement comes in. A lease agreement is the document that forms the basis of the landlord-tenant relationship by protecting all parties but gives final control to the landlord. A lease agreement is the document that outlines the foundation of the landlord-tenant relationship by protecting all parties but gives final control to the landlord. Upon entering into a lease agreement, both the landlord and the tenant must abide by the terms of the form of the tenancy. The lease agreement should clearly stipulate on the rights and duties expected to be fulfilled by the both parties (Sigismond, and Goldman, 495). In this regard, the rights and duties of the parties will be a rticulated upon under each form of tenancy in the succeeding paragraphs. Additionally, there are different termination circumstances and provisions of how each of the tenancies can be terminated. These will also be focused under each form of tenancy. ... uration of the tenancy, although some preparations were made on how payments would be made at certain intervals or after a given specific duration of time. The real estate law stipulates that periodic tenancy involves an arrangement between the occupant and the owner, and that the landlord permits the tenant to occupy a property on a periodical basis (Jennings, 181). Tenancy may be designed on a weekly, monthly or on an annual basis (Battle, 68). Alternatively, though not common and not formal, the landlord and the tenant may agree on another set of period. A tenancy can take place for either residential or commercial properties. Nevertheless, this kind of tenancy arises and most commonly takes place after a formal written lease has expired. Each of the two parties involved in periodic tenancy has rights and duties, which must be adhered to. The landlord is entitled to a right to obtain payment on time. It is also the right of the landlord to expect that his/her property will not be subjected to any form of damage or used for illegal purposes. The land lord is also entitled to receiving compensation or payment for damages that the tenant may have caused during their stay in the property (Miller and Jentz, 647). On the other hand, the tenant has the right to â€Å"quiet enjoyment† during his/her stay in the rented premises. Tenant has also the right to receive a written notice as stipulated by law. It is also the right of the tenant to receive the full amount given as deposit. In addition, the landlord is expected to provide timely repairs to the premises after being informed by the tenant (Jennings, 181). Termination of periodic tenancy normally occurs, when one part offers the other with proper termination notice. It is also argued that the notice needs to be equal to