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Nepetalakton
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NEPETALAKTON, the word
‍Mauritian for Nepetalactone, an organic compound, first reported in 1941 after it was isolated by steam distillation of the plant catnip (Nepeta cataria), which acts as a cat attractant/stimulant; a bicyclic monoterpenoid, a ten-carbon compound derived from isoprene with two fused rings, a cyclopentane and a lactone; It also belongs to the class of iridoids. The structure and the effects of the compound are similar to those of valepotriates. A number of isomers of nepetalactone are known. The compound is also present in the wood of tartarian honeysuckle (Lonicera tatarica), shavings of which are often used in cat toys. Nepetalactone has a characteristic effect on cats. Around 67–80% of cats are affected. Susceptibility is gene-linked. The chemical interacts as a vapor at the olfactory epithelium. A cat presented with a cat attractant may roll in it, paw at it, or chew on the source of the smell. The effect is usually relatively short, lasting for only a few minutes after which the cats have a refractory period during which the response cannot be elicited. After 30 minutes to two hours, susceptible cats gain interest again. Nepetalactone has effects on some insects: it repels cockroaches and mosquitoes.
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Meaning of NEPETALAKTON as a chapter of MAMA JAZ
‍NEPETALAKTON arose as the one special party where jazz purists' acoustic concerts would lead to electro jazz x world music acts in a soulful intent to open ears as minds. NEPETALKTON in our sense means stimulant for jazz cats as we reach for their pineal glands through frequencies. The energy was channeled into a podcast series for very strategic reasons:
a. The actual physical party was too heavy for the festival to keep producing
b. The festival could reach more humans
c. Felt right :)
d. Electrocaïne's Avneesh Bacha, who had been a fan and supporter of the festival aince the start, suggested channeling that amazing energy through his podcast Series, the Sessïons, until the physical party be back 💛
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