Improved Exploratory Behaviour and Body Weight in Mice following Chronic Diet Consumption of Mucuna flagellipes

Abstract

Background and Aim: The use of Mucuna flagellipes in recent time has been on the increase as a result of its speculated therapeutic effect mostly on the protein level of the body. And owing to the fact that there are no detailed reports on Mucuna flagellipes on its effect on neurobehavioral parameters, this work is therefore intended to investigate the possible effects of this herb on the exploratory behavior and body weight in Swiss white mice. Methods: Twenty (20) mice of mixed gender were randomly divided in to two groups of ten mice each. Group 1 served as the control, while group 2 received the Mucuna flagellipes diet. The feeding lasted for 31 days. The open field maze task was used to assess exploratory behavior. All mice were allowed free access to clean drinking water. Daily food intake, water intake and body weight change were measured. Results: The results showed that the Mucuna flagellipes diet fed mice had significantly increased (p<0.01; p<0.05) line crossings, close arm duration and Stretch Attend Posture (SAP) compared to control. There was an increase in food intake and water intake (p<0.001 and p<0.01) compared to control. However, the body weight change was statistically higher but not significant when compared to the control group. Conclusion: Therefore, consumption of Mucuna flagellipes improves exploratory behavior and body weight in mice. These may be has a result of an unknown phytochemical compound present in Mucuna flagellipes.