Diabetes mellitus is characterized by hyperglycemia, which induces oxidative stress and inflammation. The role of Phytol in oxidative stress and inflammation was investigated in diabetic rats. Fifteen Wistar rats were divided into five groups (n = 5). Groups 1, 2, and 3 served as normal control, diabetic untreated, and diabetic treated with 250 mg/kg Phytol, respectively. Rats were treated for 28 days with Phytol, and then blood samples were collected under sodium thiopental (30 mg/kg i.p) anesthesia for assay. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were determined using commercially available Randox kits. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expressions in kidney samples were determined using immunostaining procedure. Statistical analysis was done using one-way analysis of variance and level of statistical significance taken at p < 0.05. Results showed a significant increase (p < 0.05) in CAT and GPx activities in diabetic treated with 250 mg/kg Phytol when compared with diabetic untreated with Phytol. SOD activity significantly decreased in diabetic untreated and diabetic treated with 250 mg/kg Phytol when compared with normal control. COX-2 was significantly expressed in diabetic untreated when compared with normal control and diabetic treated with 250 mg/kg Phytol. Oral administration of Phytol reduces oxidative stress damage and inflammation of kidney tissue caused by hyperglycemia in diabetes mellitus.

Codeine, an opiate derivate, which induces pleasure and euphoria in users, is contained in many OTC cough syrups as dextromethorphan. In 2011, its abuse has been reported in Nigeria from consumption of codeine-based cough syrup such as Benylin containing codeine syrup (BCS). Thereafter, the neurobehavioural alteration was reported with BCS in mice. 45 Swiss male mice (20 g -25 g) were grouped into control, low dose-(10.95 ml/kg BCS) and High dose-(21.90 ml/kg of BCS). BCS was given orally above the therapeutic dose for 4weeks. Blood samples were collected after 7 and 28days under mild ether anesthesia into plain and heparinized bottles to assess hematological indices, serum creatinine level, and activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Thereafter, the brain, lung, and liver were excised and processed for brain protein level and histopathological observation. Data were analyzed using Two-way ANOVA at P < 0.05. At both doses, BCS reduced hemoglobin concentration (10.56; 21.69%), lymphocyte count (10.54; 29.22%) and brain protein level (4.86±0.81; 4.86 ± 0.80 vs 9.20 ± 0.61 g/l) while white blood cell count (20.47; 46.08%), serum creatinine level (5.36; 18.75%), AST (26.31; 32.77%) and ALT (22.90; 36.70%) activities were increased compared to control. Histology shows marked necrosis and chronic infiltration by inflammatory cells in the brain, liver, and lung. Acute and chronic treatment of mice with Benylin with codeine resulted in significant alterations in blood and vital body organs such as kidney, liver, lung, and brain in a dose-dependent manner.