Effects of Long Term Consumption of Cooked Black Eye Beans on Locomotor and Exploratory Behaviour in Mice

The effects of chronic consumption of cooked beans (Vigna unguiculata) diet on locomotor and exploratory behaviour were investigated. Thirty (30) CD1 mice weighing 15-30g were randomly assigned into three groups, viz; control, cooked beans diet (50% w/w), while another set of mice were placed on serotonin precursor (5-HTP) diet (0.2mg/50g w/w) respectively for thirty days. All the mice had access to clean drinking water ad libitum. Before the neurobehavioural parameters were assessed, the phytochemical analysis of the beans, LD50 of the beans (Vigna unguiculata) and that of the serotonin precursor (5-HTP) were determined. Serotonin concentration was measured in the beans using gas chromatography analysis. The open field maze and light and dark transition box were employed for the evaluation of locomotor and exploratory behaviour. Daily food intake, water intake and body weight change were measured. The frequency of rearing in the open field was not significantly different in the cooked beans and serotonin precursor fed group compared to control. However, the frequency of line crosses, stretch attend posture and walling activity were decreased in the test group (p<0.05; p<0.01) compared to control. This indicates a decreased locomotor and exploratory behavior in the test group. There was also a significant (p