The effect of combined aqueous extract of Turmeric and curry leaves on Haematological parameters and histology of the lungs in high salt fed Wistar rat.

This study investigated the effect of combined aqueous extract of Turmeric and curry leaves extract on the Haematological parameters and histology of the lungs in high salt fed Wistar rats. A total of 36 male Wistar rats were selected and they were randomly divided into 6 groups of 6 animals each. After acclimatization for 14 days, group one served as the control and received no treatment other than food and water. Group two received salt (8%). Group three received salt and vitamin C, group four received a low dose of the extract with salt, group five received a medium dose of the extract and salt, group six received a high dose of the extract and salt. The administration was done once daily for 28 days. Twelve animals were sacrificed on the 14th and 28th day respectively. Blood samples and lungs were collected from each animal to analyze the haematological parameters and histology of the lungs respectively. The results of this study showed that antioxidant levels are present in turmeric and curry leaves, and vitamin C is able to reduce the damaging effect of high salt intake on the lungs of Wistar rats. The results of this study show that high salt intake causes an increase on haematological parameters, combined extract of turmeric and curry leaves help reverse its increase. Salt is an essential component of our diets, and it is important for the proper functioning of different parts of the body. It has been estimated that 75% of the salt intake in the United States is derived from salt added during food processing or manufacturing, rather than from salt added at the table or during cooking. The lowest salt intakes are associated with diets that emphasize unprocessed foods, especially fruits, vegetables, and legumes (FNBIM/SC, 2005; Westphal et al., 2012; WHO, 2013). High sodium intake decreases renal calcium reabsorption which in turn leads to greater urinary calcium excretions, osteoporosis and kidney stones (Heller, 1999; Audran and Legrand, 2000). Gastric cancer is another condition linked with high salt intake (Tsugane, 2005; Liu and Russell, 2008). Sodium intake is also associated with high blood pressure (hypertension) (Denton et al., 1995). Death may also result from attempted use of salt solutions as emetics, forced salt intake, and accidental mix-up of salt with sugar in child food. High salt loading in humans and experimental animals increases the stiffness of conduit arteries and the activity of resistance arteries (Simon and Illyes, 2001). Stroke is another effect of high salt intake (Xie et al., 1992). High salt intake leads to platelet aggregation (Gow et al., 1992).