Activity of Catmint (Nepeta cataria) essential oil against Anisakis larvae.

Nepeta cataria L.,commonly known as Catnip, is an aromatic plant belonging to the mint family, Limiaceae. Nematicidal activity of Catnip essential oil (CEO), was assayed in vitro against L3 larvae of Anisakis type 1. Anisakidosis is one of the most important fishborne zoonotic diseases related to the ingestion of nematode larvae belonging to the genus Anisakis, Contraceacum and more rarely Pseudoterranova and Hysterothylacium. In vitro tests revealed a complete inactivation of parasites after 6 and 12 h of treatment, at 10 and 5% respectively, in saline solution. In marinating solution a complete inactivation of parasites was observed after 12 and 18 hours at 10 and 5% concentrations respectively. The data obtained showing a significant activity against Anisakis larvae and suggest further investigations on CEO as a larvicidal agent.