Variations in Blood Parameters of High Salt Loaded Rats Following Administration of Moringa oleifera Leaf Extract

High salt loading is associated with myriad deleterious effects including alterations in blood parameters, cardiovascular risk and sudden death. This study explored the impact of Moringa oleifera on some blood parameters in high salt loaded rats. Twenty four male albino Wistar rats were assigned into 4 groups of 6 rats each. They were fed on either control diet, high salt diet (8% NaCl diet+1% NaCl drinking water) and/or Moringa extract (600 mg kgG b.wt. orally, once daily) ad libitum for 6 weeks. Blood samples were obtained via cardiac puncture for full blood count measurement using automated blood counter. Results revealed that the high salt fed untreated rats had significant increases in their total WBC, RBC, platelet counts, PCV, lymphocytes, P-LCR, MPV and PDW. These increases were reversed to near control levels by Moringa. Also, Moringa reversed lowered, MCHC platelet and neutrophil counts in high salt loaded rats. Values obtained for control group include: RBC (7.02±0.16×10 cell μLG), total WBC (8.08±0.80×10 cell μLG), PCV (40.30±1.14%), platelet count (673.17±18.89×10 cell μLG), RDW-SD (35.70±0.32 fL). In conclusion, Moringa oleifera extract prevents changes in total WBC, RBC count, packed cell volume (hematocrit), platelet count, lymphocytes, neutrophils, MPV, P-LCR and PDW in high salt fed rats, these parameters are determinants of the blood volume, hemostasis and the tendencies to excessive bleeding, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension and sudden death.