Bombax costatum enhances piroxicam's efficacy: Possible involvement of alpha-2 adrenergic receptor, opioidergic and arachidonic pathways

•Drug-herb interaction may increase known or suspected drug toxicities or lead to loss of therapeutic efficacy of drugs.•Bombax costatum has been previously shown to ameliorate piroxicam-induced liver and gastric injuries.•The present study shows that Bombax costatum augments the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of piroxicam.•This may involve the alpha-2 adrenergic receptor, opioidergic and arachidonic pathways.•Hence, this drug-herb combination when studied in man may be beneficial for potential additive effects and reduced side effects.