Antidepressant effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Malva sylvestris leaves using mice model of depression induced by reserpine

Malva sylvestris is a symbol of calmness and have antioxidant and radical scavenging properties. The objective of this study was to investigate the antidepressant effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Malva sylvestris leaves in mice using forced swim and tail suspension tests.

In this experimental study, 42 male mice were distributed in 6 groups (n=7), including vehicle (normal saline), negative control (reserpine), fluoxetine (positive control), and three groups treated with hydroalcoholic extract of Malva sylvestris (150, 300 or 450 mg/kg, i.p.). Forced swim and tail suspension behavioral tests were used to measure depression in mice. Antioxidant capacity and malondialdehyde (MDA) content in brain of mice were determined.

Reserpine treatment significantly increased the time of immobility in the behavioral tests. Fluoxetine and extract in all three doses in Forced swim (P<0.001) and at 300 (P<0.01) and 450 mg/kg (P<0.001) doses reduced the immobility time. Reserpine significantly increased MDA level, and decreased antioxidant capacity of brain. Fluoxetine and extract at 300 and 450 mg/kg doses increased antioxidant capacity and reduced MDA level of brain.

The results of this study suggest that Malva sylvestris leaves have antidepressant-like activity similar to fluoxetine which may be mediated by its antioxidant and radical scavenging components.
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