Bombax Costatum extract abrogates piroxicam-mediated hepatic and gastric toxicities in rats

Concurrent administration of orthodox drugs and herbs is common in tropical Africa. This study investigates the effect of co-administration of piroxicam and Bombax costatum on hepatic and gastric toxicities and levels of oxidative stress markers.

Twenty male wistar rats were grouped into four. Rats in group one were administered 1mL/kg distilled water as normal control; group two were treated with 400mg/kg of extract; group three were treated with 20mg/kg of piroxicam; while those in group four were treated with both extract and piroxicam at 400mg/kg and 20mg/kg, respectively. All treatments were given orally for 14 days. At the end of the treatment period, the rats were euthanised; blood samples and stomach were collected for determination of hepatic and gastro-toxicity alongside with oxidative stress markers.

Treatment with piroxicam alone shows the presence of oxidative stress with marked hepatic and gastric toxicities. Oxidative stress markers, hepatic and gastric toxicity indices after treatment with extract alone and in combination with piroxicam appear like that of the control group.

Concurrent administration of piroxicam and Bombax costatum prevents piroxicam-induced hepatic and gastric toxicities with a positive effect on antioxidant levels. This may indicate important health benefits of this drug-herb combination.