Evaluation of co-administration of roselle water extract (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) and aspirin for antiplatelet therapy in male Sprague-Dawley rats

Background: Various herbal side effects caused by interactions between herbs and drugs have been reported and reviewed. For instance, roselle water extract and aspirin have similar functions in maintaining cardiovascular function. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effect of roselle water extract on aspirin pharmacodynamics observed through the parameters of bleeding time, survival rate and the number of microthrombus that induced thromboembolism in rats. Materials and Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into two different experimental group for bleeding time and survival rate assay. Roselle water extract was given in three various doses (12.5 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg/200 g BW) for seven days followed by aspirin on the last treatment. Results: Results showed that the co-administration of roselle water extract and aspirin did not cause significant changes in the increase in bleeding time, the number of animals that survived and the number of microthrombus. Conclusion: Therefore, roselle water extract does not affect the pharmacodynamics of aspirin.