Antidepressant effects of Trifolium pratense hydroalcholic extract in mice

Depression is a common and debilitating disease that has many economic, social, and personal consequences for the society. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of red clover extract on depression induced by reserpine in mice.

Sixty male mice were randomly divided into 6 groups of 10 mice in each. Control mice received normal saline (1 mg/kg, i.p.), negative control received reserpine (5 mg/kg, i.p.) and positive control received reserpine (5mg/kg, i.p.) + fluoxetine (20 mg/kg, i.p.). Intervention groups received reserpine (5 mg/kg, i.p.) and red clover extract at doses of 250, 500, 750 mg/kg. Depression was tested using forced swimming test and motor coordination was evaluated using Rotarod. Serum and brain antioxidant capacity and MDA level were also determined.

Reserpine significantly increased immobility time in the forced swimming test. Red clover extract at doses of 500 and 750 mg/kg significantly reduced the duration of immobilization. There was no significant difference in motor coordination between control and reserpine-treated mice.  Reserpine injection significantly decreased brain and serum antioxidant capacity and increased their malondialdehyde level. Red clover extract significantly increased brain antioxidant capacity and reduced the malondialdehyde level.

Red clover extract has antidepressant effects due to its components.