Nepeta cataria L. var. citriodora (Becker) increases penile erection in rats.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Nepeta cataria (NC), catnip, induces pleasure in cats and humans.

Aim Of The Study: Because sexual behavior is involved in pleasure, the effect of NC on sexual behavior and penile erection was evaluated in male rats that were acutely fed chow enriched with 10% NC leaves. Further, yawning was monitored because we previously demonstrated that NC modifies dopaminergic-related behaviors and that sexual behavior is closely linked with the dopaminergic system.