Extract Of Moringa Oleifera Attenuates Hematological Parameters Following Salt Loading

Moringa oleifera Lam. is an important plant with huge medicinal potentials. This study is aim at investigating the effect of leaf extract of Moringa oleifera on some haematological parameters in salt loaded albino Wistar rats. A total of twenty four (24) male albino Wistar rats weighing between 200 to 250 g were used for the experiment and were divided into four groups of six rats each. They were given either normal rat feed and drinking water, high salt diet (8% NaCl diet) + 1% NaCl drinking water and/or Moringa oleifera extract (600 mg/kg b.w., orally, once daily). The feeding regimens lasted for six weeks. After an overnight fast, blood was collected and analyzed for hematological parameters. The salt fed untreated rats had significant (p<0.05) increase in red blood cell count (RBC) and packed cell volume (PCV), (P<0.01). These parameters were significantly (p<0.05) reduced to near control values following extract treatment. Salt fed untreated rats were observed to have significant (p<0.05) reduction in total white blood cell count (TWBC) and platelet (PLT) count (P<0.01), but the reverse was the case following extract treatment. In conclusion consumption of Moringa oleifera leaf extract ameliorates the adverse effects of salt loading on the blood cells. Therefore, the extract is recommended to pharmaceutical industries for further research and possible use in the manufacture of drugs that are necessary in management of blood pressure and other related ailments.