Ares ALİZADE, Rezzan TEMELLİ GÖÇEROĞLU, Noushin ALİZADEHYEGANI, Eylul HARAVİ, Hülya ÖZDEMİR
Van Medical Journal - 2026;33(2):134-142
Introduction: Malva moschata L. has long been used in traditional medicine for its calming and sedative properties, indicating potential antidepressant activity. This study evaluated the antidepressant -like effec ts of its ethanol extract in female Swiss albino mice through behavioral and biochemical assessments. Materials and Methods: A total of sixty mice (weighing between 25 -30 g) were randomly allocated into six experimental groups, each consisting of ten anim als. The extract was given by oral gavage at concentrations of 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg daily over a four -week period, whereas fluoxetine (10 mg/kg, p.o.) was used as the reference antidepressant. To evaluate depression - and anxiety -related behaviors, anima ls were subjected to a series of behavioral paradigms, including the Rotarod, Forced Swim Test (FST), Elevated Plus Maze (EPM), and Tail Suspension Test (TST) . After the behavioral procedures, blood samples were obtained for the assessment of IL -10, IL -17, Total Antioxidant Status (TAS), and Total Oxidant Status (TOS). Results: The findings demonstrate that administration of the 500 mg/kg dose significantly attenuated depressive -like behaviors, exhibiting an efficacy comparable to that of fluoxetine. Bioche mical analyses revealed a dose - and time - dependent response, with TAS levels elevated and TOS and IL -17 levels reduced, particularly in the 250 and 500 mg/kg groups after four weeks. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that Malva moschata exerts antid epressant -like effects in mice, potentially mediated through modulation of oxidative stress and inflammatory pathways. Further studies are warranted to clarify its mechanisms and therapeutic potential in mood disorders.
