Lantana camara Linn. (Verbenaceae) is used traditionally for its numerous medicinal properties such as antimalarial, antibacterial, anticancer and anti-inflammatory. In the present study, we investigated the chemical composition of essential oil from the leaves of L. camara (LCEO) occurring in the Republic of Benin (West Africa) in comparison with LCEOs from other regions; evaluated its sedative effects in mice via inhalation administration; and identified the compounds responsible for activity. LCEO was extracted by hydrodistillation and chemical analyses of the oil were performed by GC and GC/MS. The oil was dominated by monoterpene hydrocarbons (60.58%) and oxygenated monoterpenes (33.39%), among which sabinene (38.81%) and 1,8-cineole (28.90%) were the most abundant. LCEO administered via inhalation to mice significantly decreased locomotor activity in a dose-dependent manner, mainly at the doses of 0.0004 and 0.04 mg per 400 μL of triethyl citrate (TEC). The oil was fractionated to give two fractions, which were further investigated, and revealed that both sabinene and 1,8-cineole were the principal active compounds. The results of the present study indicated that via inhalation administration, LCEO and its main constituents could be considered as promising candidates for the management of dementia, insomnia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and other central nervous system-associated diseases.

Vegetables are very important sources of protein and minerals. Some of them even have medicinal properties recognized traditionally. Despite the large number of studies carried out on various vegetables and vegetable crops, very few have scientifically explored the usefulness of S. macrocarpon. This study identified the main groups of chemicals and mineral elements to explain any medicinal or nutritional value. It has also identified some toxic elements contained in this vegetable. Phytochemical screening was carried out on the leaves and fruits of S. macrocarpon. Some mineral elements were determined by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium) while protein, phosphorous, iron, copper, zinc and toxic metals (lead, cadmium) were determined by Molecular Absorption Spectrophotometry. Fat, ash, moisture and vitamins were sought. The study showed that the leaves of S. macrocarpon were more nutritious than fruits (P < 0.05). The high protein content of the leaves and fruit suggests an interesting nutritive property. The presence of chemical groups and toxic elements (lead, cadmium) in S. macrocarpon require that the consumption of vegetables should be as varied as possible and that the fruit may be consumed with caution. In addition, constraints about vegetable cultivation in Cotonou could lead to research findings that could help provide techniques for producing healthy vegetables.Vitamins A and K1 were found in both parts of this vegetable very rich in water while vitamin E has not been detected. S. macrocarpon also contains lipids at various levels.

The anxiolytic and antidepressant-like activities of the naturally occurring monoterpene 1,8-cineole and its structural isomer 1,4-cineole were evaluated in mice via inhalation administration at doses ranging from 4 × 10−6 to 4 × 10−1 mg per 400 μL of triethyl citrate. Mice were tested for anxiety-like behaviours by using the light–dark box test (LDB) and marble-burying test (MBT) and for depression-like symptoms by using the forced swimming test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST). Diazepam and fluoxetine were used as standard drugs for anxiolytic and antidepressant tests, respectively. The results showed that 1,8-cineole at 4 × 10−4 mg, and 1,4-cineole at 4 × 10−4 and 4 × 10−3 mg significantly increased the amount of time spent in the light box and the number of entries in the light box in the LDB as well as reduced the number of marbles buried in the MBT relative to those in the control, suggesting an anxiolytic effect. Similarly, 1,8-cineole at 4 × 10−4 and 4 × 10−2 mg and 1,4-cineole at doses of 4 × 10−4 to 4 × 10−2 mg significantly reduced immobility times in the FST and TST relative to those of the control, suggesting an antidepressant activity. The role of the GABAA/benzodiazepine receptor system in the anxiolytic effects of 1,8- and 1,4-cineole was investigated through co-administration of flumazenil, a GABAergic system antagonist. Flumazenil reversed the effects of diazepam and 1,8-cineole, suggesting that 1,8-cineole affects the GABAA/benzodiazepine receptors. Collectively, the results suggest that inhaled 1,8- and 1,4-cineole prevented anxiety and depressive-like symptoms in classic mice models.

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are two debilitating neurodevelopmental disorders. The former is associated with social impairments whereas the latter is associated with inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. There is recent evidence that both disorders are somehow related and that genes may play a large role in these disorders. Despite mounting human and animal research, the neurological pathways underlying ASD and ADHD are still not well understood. Scientists investigate neurodevelopmental disorders by using animal models that have high similarities in genetics and behaviours with humans. Mice have been utilized in neuroscience research as an excellent animal model for a long time; however, the zebrafish has attracted much attention recently, with an increasingly large number of studies using this model. In this review, we first discuss ASD and ADHD aetiology from a general point of view to their characteristics and treatments. We also compare mice and zebrafish for their similarities and discuss their advantages and limitations in neuroscience. Finally, we summarize the most recent and existing research on zebrafish and mouse models of ASD and ADHD. We believe that this review will serve as a unique document providing interesting information to date about these models, thus facilitating research on ASD and ADHD.

The essential oil obtained from Dysphania ambrosioides leaves (DAEO) has antifungal, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. This study investigated DAEO’s chemical composition and its sleep-promoting effects via administration by inhalation in ddY mice. Ascaridole (35.5%) and p-cymene (47.2%) were the major components. To obtain insight into DAEO’s effects on the central nervous system (CNS), ascaridole and p-cymene were evaluated for sedative activity by using the caffeine-treated excitatory mouse model. DAEO administration significantly decreased locomotor activity at all doses except 0.000 04 mg per 400 μL of triethyl citrate. Both ascaridole and p-cymene were highly effective in decreasing locomotor activity of excited mice by more than 50%. In addition, ascaridole and p-cymene prolonged the pentobarbital-induced sleeping duration by 42% and 77%, respectively. These effects were antagonized by coadministration of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABAA)-benzodiazepine receptor antagonist, flumazenil (3 mg/kg), indicating that the GABAergic system mediates the sedative effect. Finally, inhaled ascaridole and p-cymene had no negative effect on motor coordination, as observed during the Rota-rod test. Therefore, via activation of the GABAergic system, ascaridole and p-cymene mediate the sleep-promoting effect of DAEO. The results further extend the knowledge on their use as potential promising natural products for the management of sleep disorders and CNS-related ailments.