Abstract:
In Sri Lanka, Acalypha indica known to influence the behaviour of domestic cats, often inducing
playful and euphoric responses. This study aimed to investigate the plant at the laboratory
scale by identifying its bioactive constituents with potential cat-attractant properties and developing
a preliminary formulation as a cat mood enhancer. Fresh roots and leaves of the plant
were extracted separately with methanol. Phytochemical constituents present in methanolic extracts
were examined by standard chemical tests and UV spectroscopic analysis. The possible
cat-attracting compounds in the root extract were determined using Gas Chromatography-Mass
Spectrometry (GC-MS). The study also evaluated the safety of the crude extract through zebrafish
embryo toxicity assay for the identification of LC50 value. Based on the toxicity findings,
preliminary formulations of different strengths were developed. The formulation used
polyethylene glycol as a fixative, with glycerin and ethanol as preservatives to stabilise the
volatile cat-attractant compounds. The highest non-toxic concentration formulation was evaluated
by short-term stability study through Solid-Phase Microextraction (SPME) and physical
testing. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids, terpenoids,
tannins, and steroids. GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of two of the known cat
attractants, Iridomyrmecin and Dihydronepetalactone, in the root extract. LC50 of the crude
extract was determined to be 10.71% w/w. SPME analysis after one month revealed a loss of
50.95% in Iridomyrmecin and 58.84% in Dihydronepetalactone levels, indicating the need for
formulation optimization. Furthermore, direct animal trials will be essential to verify efficacy
and safety prior to any commercial application. In conclusion, the identification of well-known
cat-attracting compounds Iridomyrmecin and Dihydronepetalactone highlights the potential of
Acalypha indica for the regulation of feline behaviour as per traditional practice. This study
focused solely on the preliminary formulation and laboratory evaluation of Acalypha indica
using methanol for extraction and phytochemical characterisation. As the formulation has not
yet been tested in animals, methanol was used in this preliminary study. However, for future
animal-targeted applications, only safe and non-toxic polar solvents should be employed.
