Nepenthé was a viscous lubricant used to protect against mechanical wear while delivering program patches. Around 9 ABY, a batch of Nepenthé was tampered with by Commissioner Helgait to cause multiple droids to malfunction.
In the real world, Nepenthe is a purported potion used in ancient times to forget pain and sorrow. It has been featured in art and popular culture for millennia and first appeared in Homer's The Odyssey.