ABSTRACT
The aim of this present study is to investigate the effect of repeated administration of 5-Hydroxytryptophan diet (5-HTP)
on learning and memory using CD-1 mice as experimental animals. Twenty male (20) mice were randomly assigned into
two groups of ten mice each, namely; Control and 5-Hydroxytryptophan diet (15%w/w) groups. Feeding lasted for 28
days, during which there were daily measurements of food intake, water intake and body weight changes. Thereafter, the
Morris water maze task was used to assess their learning and memory abilities through their ability to locate the hidden
platform. The results in the Morris water maze test, showed that the swim latency for the 5-Hydroxytryptophan diet
group was significantly longer compared to control (P< 0.05).The probe trial of the Morris water maze test showed a
significantly shorter quadrant duration in the 5-Hydroxytryptophan group (5-HTP) compared to the control(P<0.01).
Therefore, repeated administration of 5-Hydroxytryptophan diet enhances visuo-spatial learning and memory in mice.