Pulegone is a naturally occurring organic compound obtained from the essential oils of a variety of plants such as Nepeta cataria (catnip), Mentha piperita, and pennyroyal.

[3][4] It is classified as a monoterpenoid, which means that it is an oxidized derivative of a terpene, a large class of naturally occurring C10 hydrocarbons.

Pulegone is a colorless oil with a pleasant odor similar to pennyroyal, peppermint, and camphor.

Pulegone comprises 75% of the oil pressed from pennyroyal, which is cultivated for that purpose.

[5] It was reported that the chemical is toxic to rats if a large quantity is consumed.