Actinidine


Actinidine is a pyridine derivative found in the essential oil of valerian root and Actinidia polygama. Actinidine is also a pheromone for a variety of insects. Actinidine is a cat attractant, with effects like those of nepetalactone, the active compound found in catnip.

Biosynthesis

One of the possible biosynthesis mechanism of actinidine is that it's derived from iridoid. Actinidine is produced from Actidina polygama, which also synthesizes iridoid. An example biosynthesis of actinidine from l-citronella is shown below.