Effect of Aroma Therapy of Cestrum Nocturnum on Depression and Learning/Memory Disorders on Mice

Major depression is a mental health disorder marked by symptoms such as persistent sadness, loss of interest, low energy, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, changes in sleep and appetite, psychomotor disturbances, and suicidal thoughts. Brain lesions can contribute to memory impairments: cortical lesions may disrupt short-term memory, while others affect the retrieval of established semantic and episodic memories. Aromatherapy has gained popularity worldwide for managing depression, anxiety, insomnia, cognitive decline, and stress-related disorders. Despite the long-standing traditional use of essential oils, scientific validation of their efficacy remains limited. Cestrum nocturnum, commonly known as "lady of the night," is an ornamental shrub with medicinal potential. It has vine-like stems, tubular white-green flowers, and glossy leaves, and is rich in phytochemicals (excluding carbohydrates). Animal models, especially rodents, are widely used to assess depression based on behavioral parameters like stress response and immobilization. Studies on the essential oil of Cestrum nocturnum have shown antidepressant and memory-enhancing effects when compared to negative controls. However, its efficacy does not surpass that of standard pharmaceutical antidepressants. Still, the plant demonstrates a promising natural alternative, showing better outcomes than untreated groups. Continued research is essential to validate its therapeutic potential in the treatment of depression and cognitive disorders.