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.
