Aspirin and meloxicam co-administration with leaf extract of Terminalia catappa; prevention of red blood cell related cardiovascular complications in alloxan induced diabetic rats

Hyperglycemia induced alterations in red blood cell parameters are associated with cardiovascular complications in diabetes mellitus. This study was designed to investigate abnormalities in red blood cell parameters and changes due to aspirin and meloxicam administrations in diabetic rats. Thirty-six (36) healthy male Wistar rats weighting 150-200g were used for the study. The animals were randomly distributed into six groups of six rats each. Group 1 and 2 respectively served as control and diabetic groups administered with 5 ml/kg body weight of distilled water orally. Groups 3 and 4 were diabetic rats treated with aspirin and meloxicam at 30 mg/kg and 2 mg/kg body weight respectively. A combined administration of aspirin and meloxicam at their respective doses with 130mg/kg body weight of Terminalia catappa extract was in groups 5 and 6. The results showed that RBC count, PCV, HGB and MCV were reduced significantly (p<0.05) in diabetic group but significantly (p<0.05) increased in aspirin, meloxicam and in combined extract treated groups of diabetic rats. Therefore, diabetic induced alterations in red blood cell parameters which maybe attributed to inflammation were reversed by aspirin and meloxicam. Co-administration of these NSAID with T. catappa leaf extract would enhance their safety use in prevention of cardiovascular complications in diabetes mellitus.