Introduction Malva sylvestris is a symbol of calmness and has 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. Materials and Methods 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

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... 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. Results Reserpine treatment significantly increased the time of immobility in behavioral tests. Fluoxetine and extract in all three doses in the 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 the MDA level and decreased the antioxidant capacity of brain. Fluoxetine and extract at 300 and 450 mg/kg doses increased antioxidant capacity and reduced the MDA level of brain. Conclusion The results of this study suggest that Malva sylvestris leaves have an antidepressant-like activity similar to fluoxetine which may be mediated by its antioxidant and radical scavenging components.