Browsing by Author "Salem, Mohamed A"

Now showing 1 - 20 of 20

Antileishmanial Potentials of Phytochemicals
(Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2022) Ezzat, Shahira M; Salem, Mohamed A; Zayed, Ahmed
Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease that causes severe morbidity and mortality. It has an estimated worldwide incidence of 15 million infected people and 350 million at risk, living in tropical and subtropical areas of 88 endemic countries in America, Europe, Africa, Middle East, and Asia. Current treatment of leishmaniasis relies on chemotherapy. No vaccine exists for leishmaniasis and most of the antileishmanial drugs currently in use, have disadvantages, such as severe side effects or parasite resistance. Amphotericin B and its lipid-carrier formulations have been successfully applied, while the first line drugs were no longer effective due to drug resistance. Nevertheless, very high costs of these drugs prevent their widespread use. Alternatively, many plants and plant constituents have been used over the past years for controlling such disease. In this chapter, emphasis was made on the different plants, plant extracts as well as natural lead molecules that were proved to have antileishmanial activity. © 2022 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Application of a comprehensive metabolomics approach for the selection of flaxseed varieties with the highest nutritional and medicinal attributes
(6/15/2021) Salem, Mohamed A; Ezzat, Shahira M; Giavalisco, Patrick; Abdel Sattar, Essam; El Tanbouly, Nebal
Flaxseed is considered an indispensable generally recognized as safe (GRAS) source of polyphenolic lignans, poly- unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), fibers as well as minerals and vitamins. The metabolite content of flaxseed reflects its nutritional and medicinal value. Therefore, the selection of flaxseed variety for food industry is dependent on its metabolome. A metabolomics approach based on liquid or gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry has been applied to discriminate different flaxseed cultivars that are commercially available in Egypt. The available Sakha cul- tivars were subjected to a comprehensive metabolomics and lipidomics approach for investigation of their metabolomes. Our results showed that among the screened cultivars, Sakha 6, with its yellow-colored testa, showed marked metabolic discrimination. This yellow cultivar showed high accumulation of essential amino acids. Additionally, the oil of this cultivar accumulated the highest content of the two essential PUFA: alpha-linolenic acid (an u-3 fatty acid) and linoleic acid (an u-6 fatty acid). Interestingly, the content of the main antinutritional cyanogenic glycosides such as linustatin and neolinustatin was lower, while, the content of medicinally-important secondary metabolites was higher in Sakha 6 cultivar. These results support the use of this cultivar for human consumption owing to its high nutritional and me- dicinal value
Artemisia spp.: An Update on Its Chemical Composition, Pharmacological and Toxicological Profiles
(Hindawi Publishing Corporation, 2022-09) Sharifi-Rad, Javad; Herrera-Bravo, Jesús; Semwal, Prabhakar; Painuli, Sakshi; Badoni, Himani; Ezzat, Shahira M; Farid, Mai M; Merghany, Rana M; Aborehab, Nora M; Salem, Mohamed A; Sen, Surjit; Acharya, Krishnendu; Lapava, Natallia; Martorell, Miquel; Tynybekov, Bekzat; Calina, Daniela; Cho, William C
Artemisia plants are traditional and ethnopharmacologically used to treat several diseases and in addition in food, spices, and beverages. The genus is widely distributed in all continents except the Antarctica, and traditional medicine has been used as antimalarial, antioxidant, anticancer, antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral agents. This review is aimed at systematizing scientific data on the geographical distribution, chemical composition, and pharmacological and toxicological profiles of the Artemisia genus. Data from the literature on Artemisia plants were taken using electronic databases such as PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science. Selected papers for this updated study included data about phytochemicals, preclinical pharmacological experimental studies with molecular mechanisms included, clinical studies, and toxicological and safety data. In addition, ancient texts and books were consulted. The essential oils and phytochemicals of the Artemisia genus have reported important biological activities, among them the artemisinin, a sesquiterpene lactone, with antimalarial activity. Artemisia absinthium L. is one of the most famous Artemisia spp. due to its use in the production of the absinthe drink which is restricted in most countries because of neurotoxicity. The analyzed studies confirmed that Artemisia plants have many traditional and pharmacological applications. However, scientific data are limited to clinical and toxicological research. Therefore, further research is needed on these aspects to understand the full therapeutic potential and molecular pharmacological mechanisms of this medicinal species.
Comparative Metabolite Profiling of Four Polyphenol Rich Morus Leaves extracts in Relation to their Antibiofilm Activity against Enterococcus faecalis
(Hindawi, 2022-07-22) Salem, Mohamed A; Salama, Maha M; Ezzat, Shahira M; Hashem, Yomna A
Enterococci are a common cause of urinary tract infections. The severity of enterococcal infections is associated with their ability to form biofilm. Morus leaves are known as a natural antibacterial, however, their antibiofilm activity against enterococcus remains unveiled. This study aimed to evaluate the ability of four polyphenol-rich Morus leaves extracts (Morus nigra, M. rubra, M. macroura, and M. alba) to inhibit biofilm formed by enterococcal clinical isolates in relation to their metabolic profiling. Results revealed that 48% of the isolates formed strong biofilm, 28% formed moderate biofilm, 20% formed weak biofilm and only 4% did not form a biofilm, the strong biofilm-forming isolates were E. faecalis and hence were chosen for this study. The antibiofilm activity of the four polyphenol-rich Morus leaves extracts revealed that the M. nigra extract exhibited the highest percentage of biofilm inhibition followed by M. rubra then M. macroura and the least inhibition was detected in M. alba, results are in accordance with the phenolic and flavonoid content of each extract. UPLC-ESI-MS/MS identified 61 polyphenolic compounds in the four extracts. Further, multivariate analysis confirmed clear segregation of M. nigra from the other species suggesting disparity in its metabolome, with accumulation of flavonoids, anthocyanidins, phenolic acids and coumarin derivatives. Quercetin and kaempferol glycosides were found to be positively and significantly correlated. In conclusion, M. nigra ethanolic extracts showed the highest phenolic content and antibiofilm activity and they could be developed as a complementary treatment for the development of antimicrobial agents.
A Comparative Study of the Antihypertensive and Cardioprotective Potentials of Hot and Cold Aqueous Extracts of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. in Relation to Their Metabolic Profiles
(Frontiers, 23/02/2022) Salem, Mohamed A; Ezzat, Shahira M; Ahmed, Kawkab A; Alseekh, Saleh; Fernie, Alisdair R; Essam, Reham M
Ethnopharmacological relevance: Since ancient times, Hibiscus sabdariffa L. calyces have been used as a folk remedy for the treatment of hypertension. However, it is questionable as to whether there is a difference in the antihypertensive activity of the hot or cold aqueous extracts. Aim of the study: We designed this study to specify the best method for water extraction of the antihypertensive metabolites of H. sabdariffa and to confirm their in vivo antihypertensive capabilities. Materials and methods: The powdered dried calyces of H. sabdariffa were independently extracted with cold and hot water. A comparative study was performed between the cold and hot aqueous extracts of H. sabdariffa based on evaluation of the in vitro renin and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition activities. Additionally, both extracts were subjected to an in vivo study for the evaluation of their antihypertensive activities in L-Nw-Nitro arginine methyl ester (L-NAME)–induced hypertensive rats. Further, a metabolomics study was also performed for both extracts to identify their chemical constituents.Results: The cold and hot extracts significantly reduced the angiotensin II, ACE, and aldosterone levels in the plasma. Furthermore, in the myocardium and aorta, decreased iNOS (inducible nitric oxide synthase) levels and elevated eNOS (endothelial nitric oxide synthase), as well as the rise in plasma NO levels, were reported with both extracts, but better results were displayed with the hot extract, leading to a potential antihypertensive effect. Additionally, the cold and hot Hibiscus extracts induced a cardioprotective effect through reducing necrosis, inflammation, and vacuolization that results from the induction of hypertension, an effect that was more prominent with the hot extract. Moreover, a comprehensive metabolomics approach using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC–MS/MS) was able to trace the metabolites in each extraction. Conclusion: The extracts showed different anthocyanin and phenolic compounds, but the hot extract showed higher contents of specific phenolics to which the superior antihypertensive and cardioprotective activities could be related.
Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) essential oil and oil‑loaded nano‑formulations as an anti‑aging potentiality viaTGFβ/SMAD pathway
(Springer nature, 2022-04) Salem, Mohamed A; Manaa, Eman G; Osama, Nada; Aborehab, Nora M; Ragab, Mai F; Haggag, Yusuf A; Ibrahim, Magda T; Hamdan, Dalia I
Aging has become a concern for many people, especially women. Given that high-quality anti-aging products are of high cost; it has imperative to search for other economical sources. Essential oils are frequently used in cosmetics products due to a wide range of biological activities as well as their pleasant odor. The current study aimed to investigate the biochemical efect of the cosmetic potential of selected Apiaceous essential oils, traditionally used for skincare, by evaluating their anti-wrinkle activity. It is worth noting that, coriander essential oil showed the highest collagenase, elastase, tyrosinase, and hyaluronidase inhibitory activities compared to other Apiaceous oils (fennel, anise, and cumin). GC–MS proved that coriander essential oil showed a very high level of oxygenated monoterpenes, with linalool (81.29%) as the most abundant constituent. Intriguingly, coriander oil cream and Coriander Essential Oil-loaded Lipid Nanoparticles (CEOLNs) formulations attenuated in vivo UV-induced skin photoaging that was manifested by signifcantly decreased MDA, COX-2, PGE- 2, MMP-1, JNK, and AP-1 levels. Moreover, these pharmaceutical dosage forms signifcantly increased skin collagen content compared to UV-injured group. Also, coriander essential oil signifcantly increased TGFβ, TGFβII, and SMAD3 protein expression levels compared to UV-injured group. In conclusion, the pharmaceutical dosage forms of coriander oil possess anti-wrinkle activities that could have an auspicious role in amending extrinsic aging.
Efficient lung-targeted delivery of risedronate sodium/vitamin D3 conjugated PAMAM-G5 dendrimers for managing osteoporosis: Pharmacodynamics, molecular pathways and metabolomics considerations
(Elsevier Inc., 2022-09) Elsayyad, Nihal Mohamed Elmahdy; Gomaa, Iman; Salem, Mohamed A; Amer, Reham; El-Laithy, Hanan M
Aims: This study aims at formulating combined delivery of Risedronate sodium (RIS) and Vitamin D3 (VITD3) for augmented therapeutic outcome against osteoporosis (OP) using deep lung targeted PAMAM-G5-NH2 dendrimers to minimize RIS gastrointestinal side effects and enhance both drugs bioavailability through absorption from the alveoli directly to the blood. Methods: RIS-PAMAM-G5-NH2, VITD3-PAMAM-G5-NH2, and RIS/VITD3-PAMAM-G5-NH2 were prepared and evaluated in vitro for particle size (PS), zeta potential (ZP), %loading efficiency (%LE), morphology and FTIR. The efficacy of the RIS/VITD3-PAMAM-G5-NH2 compared to oral RIS was evaluated in OP-induced rats by comparing serum calcium, phosphorus, and computed bone mineral density (BMD) pre- and post-treatment. Additionally, a comprehensive metabolomics and molecular pathways approach was applied to find serum potential biomarkers for diagnosis and to evaluate the efficacy of inhaled RIS/VITD3-PAMAM-G5-NH2. Key findings: RIS/VITD3-PAMAM-G5-NH2 was successfully prepared with a %LE of 92.4±6.7% (RIS) and 83.2±4.4% (VIT-D3) and a PS of 252.8±34.1 adequate deep lung delivery. RIS/VITD3- PAMAM-G5-NH2 inhalation therapy was able to restore serum calcium, phosphorus, and BMD close to normal levels after 21 days of treatment in OP-induced rats. The WNT-signalling pathway and changes in the metabolite levels recovered to approximately normal levels upon treatment. Moreover, histone acetylation of the WNT-1 gene and miR-148a-3p interference proved to play a role in the regulation of the WNT-signalling pathway during OP progression and treatment. Significance: Pulmonary delivery of RIS/VITD3-PAMAM-G5-NH2 offers superior treatment for OP treatment compared to the oral route. Molecular and Metabolic pathways offer a key indicator of OP diagnosis and progression.
Fucoidans as nanoparticles: pharmaceutical and biomedical applications
(Elsevier, 14/01/2022) Zayed, Ahmed; Haggag, Yusuf; Ezzat, Shahira M; Salem, Mohamed A; Ulber, Roland
Fucoidans are multifunctional marine sulfated polysaccharides. They have gained much interest in the last few decades, due to promising and diverse biological activities. Additionally, nanobiotechnology is a relatively new scientific field, which has been developed to improve the quality of life, including medicine. Formulation of fucoidans in nanoparticles has taken different forms owing to their polyanionic and reducing nature. They are used in either plain preparations or as a capping agent for various metal nanoparticles or in combination with other cationic polymers as a drug carrier. These applications have resulted in increasing the medical efficiency of fucoidans, opening new era in drug delivery systems for anticancers and antibiotics and helping diagnosis of human diseases as well. The current chapter deals with different aspects regarding technologies used for fucoidans nanoparticles synthesis and utilization of such formulations specifically in the fields of nanomedicine.
Identification and analysis of toxic phytochemicals
(Elsevier, 2021-03) Salem, Mohamed A; Serag, Ahmed; El-Seedi, Hesham R.; Hamdan, Dalia I; Ezzat, Shahira M; Zayed, Ahmed
Plants and plant products are used in food and medicine for thousands of years ago. It was thought that natural means safe, but this is not always the case as many plants or plant constituents are toxic or even poisonous especially those containing cardiac, cyanogenic, and thio-glycosides and certain types of alkaloids. Toxic natural products may cause hepatotoxicity, neurotoxicity, gastrointestinal toxicity, renal toxicity, and cytotoxicity. Analysis of toxic plants and plant constituents is facing a great challenge because of their different chemical and physicochemical properties. Novel extraction techniques have been proposed such as ultrasonic-assisted extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, supercritical fluid extraction, and accelerated solvent extraction. In this chapter, we will have an overview of some of the toxic plants and phytochemicals as well as the methods for their qualitative and quantitative analysis.
Important antihistaminic plants and their potential role in health
(Elsevier, 03/05/2021) Salem, Mohamed A; Zayed, Ahmed; Ezzat, Shahira M
Allergic diseases such as allergic asthma, hay fever, dermatitis, food, and drug allergies have increased tremendously in the last decade with increased morbidity. The current antihistaminic drugs have some limitations in terms of safety and efficacy. Most of the allergic conditions are chronic and long-term therapy is essential. Therefore, most allergic patients seek better alternatives to synthetic antihistaminic agents. Several plants and their derived natural products have been reported as effective, safe, and cheap antiallergic agents. Additionally, several plant-derived formulas have reached the clinical trials as safe antiallergic, with similar mechanisms to synthetics drugs. In this chapter, we highlighted the relevant use of plants from folk medicine or scientific-based evidence for natural antiallergic drugs. Special emphasis is given on the natural compounds with reported antiallergic activity.
Lecithin
(Elsevier, 2022) Ezzat, Shahira M; Salem, Mohamed A; ElMahdy, Nihal M; Mahfouz, Marwa M
Lecithin or phosphatidylcholine is a phospholipid that is a main constituent of the cell membranes of all living cells. Lecithin is a natural emulsifier produced by plants, animals and human body as a component of the bile juice to aid in fat digestion. It has many health benefits for the liver, gastrointestinal tract and the cardiovascular system. Lecithin is a precursor for choline so it works through increasing the synthesis, release and availability of acetylcholine, thus it helps in improving the brain’s functions and memory especially in Alzheimer’s patients, in addition to its antioxidant activity. In this chapter we will have an overview about the source, chemistry, health benefits of lecithin as well as its mechanism of action and pharmacokinetics. © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Metabolomic profiling of barley extracts obtained via different solvents and evaluation of their anti-inflammatory efficacy
(Elsevier B.V, 2024-07) Eid, Omneya; Salem, Mohamed A; Mohamed, Osama G; Ezzat, Shahira; Tripathi, Ashootosh; Ewida, Menna A; El Sayed, Abeer; Abdel-Sattar, Essam; Elkady, Wafaa M
Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) stands out for its special nutritional value compared to other cereals, garnering significant attention in recent years. In this study, a comprehensive chemical and biological evaluation of different barley cultivars extracted with different solvents was performed. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS) was used in the phytochemical study. The molecular docking with absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) study and multivariate analysis alongside the quantification of total phenolic contents (TPC) were performed. Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory action was in vitro assessed by measuring COX-1, COX-2, and 5-LOX inhibition. This study seeks to establish a suitable solvent for extracting anti-inflammatory properties from diverse barley cultivars. The methanol extract obtained from the G.131 cultivar, followed by the 80% methanol extract from the G.136 cultivar, exhibited the most favorable IC50 values in comparison to the reference drugs indomethacin and celecoxib. The phytochemical profile revealed more than 60 compounds that belonged to nitrogen-containing compounds, phenolic compounds, organic acids, flavonoids, and their glycosides, hordatines, and other classes. The TPC and COX-2 inhibition was positively correlated with isoscoparin, coumaroyle–OH–eagmatine, isoorientin, isovitexin 7-O-rhamnosylglucoside, isoscoparin 7-O-glucoside, and isoorientin-7-O-[6-feruloyl]-glucoside. These findings along with their pharmacodynamics study suggested a potential synergistic and significant contribution of these compounds with the anti-inflammatory activity.
Metabolomics driven analysis of Nigella sativa seeds identifies the impact of roasting on the chemical composition and immunomodulatory activity
(Elsevier Ltd., 2022-08-07) Salem, Mohamed A; El-Shiekh, Riham A; Aborehab, Nora M; Al‐Karmalawy, Ahmed A; Ezzat, Shahira M; Alseekh, Saleh; Fernie, Alisdair R
Nigella sativa L. seeds (NS) are known as one of the most traditional immunomodulatory and nutritive food additives. NS can, furthermore, be roasted to give curries, breads, and other dishes a smoky, nutty flavor. This study evaluated the effect of roasting NS on the metabolic profile and immunomodulatory activity. Non-targeted metabolomics analysis was conducted using several analytical platforms, including GC-MS and UPLC-MS. A total of 197 metabolites were identified, belonging to different classes such as saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, and lipids. In vitro immunomodulatory activity on the differentiated monocytic cell line THP-1 was assessed, revealing that the roasted seeds showed significantly-decreased immunomodulatory activity. Furthermore, a molecular docking study, which was carried out against immunomodulation- related pathway protein (iNOS), revealed that compounds which showed the best binding scores were severely decreased by roasting. Conclusively, our results demonstrate that the roasting of NS results in severe losses in their bioactive metabolites and immunomodulatory activity.
Natural Products for the Management of Cardiovascular Diseases
(Bentham Science Publishers, 2020) Salem, Mohamed A; El Bishbishy, Mahitab H; Zayed, Ahmed; Mahrous, Amr A; Salama, Maha M; Ezzat, Shahira M
Cardiovascular diseases constitute a serious public health problem. It is estimated that they are responsible for nearly 30% of world mortality. Regardless of the developments in the diagnosis and management of cardiovascular diseases, their incidence rate remains increasing. Therefore, newlines of drugs are needed to manage the expanding population of patients with cardiovascular diseases. Even though the most common existing treatments for cardiovascular diseases are synthetic molecules, natural compounds, of different chemical classes, are also being tested. Medicinal plants have been employed in the treatment of some cardiovascular diseases such as congestive heart failure and hypertension many centuries ago. Recently, the traditional remedies application for the treatment of different disorders is gaining revived popularity. In this chapter, we will investigate the efficacy and safety of natural products under preclinical studies and clinical trials with particular emphasis on their traditional uses and implementations in the primary health care system. The great potential of medicinal plants and herbs will be discussed in light of the rising prevalence of cardiovascular diseases as one of the most devastating global health problems.
Nutritional Sources and Anticancer Potential of Phenethyl Isothiocyanate: Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Insights
(Wiley-VCH Verlag, 2024-04) Ezzat, Shahira M; Merghany, Rana M; Abdel Baki, Passent M; Abdelrahim, Nariman Ali; Osman, Sohaila M; Salem, Mohamed A; Peña-Corona, Sheila I; Cortés, Hernán; Kiyekbayeva, Lashyn; Leyva-Gómez, Gerardo; Sharifi-Rad, Javad; Calina, Daniela
Phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC), a compound derived from cruciferous vegetables, has garnered attention for its anticancer properties. This review synthesizes existing research on PEITC, focusing on its mechanisms of action in combatting cancer. PEITC has been found to be effective against various cancer types, such as breast, prostate, lung, colon, and pancreatic cancers. Its anticancer activities are mediated through several mechanisms, including the induction of apoptosis (programmed cell death), inhibition of cell proliferation, suppression of angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels that feed tumors), and reduction of metastasis (spread of cancer cells to new areas). PEITC targets crucial cellular signaling pathways involved in cancer progression, notably the Nuclear Factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), Protein Kinase B (Akt), and Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) pathways. These findings suggest PEITC's potential as a therapeutic agent against cancer. However, further research is necessary to determine the optimal dosage, understand its bioavailability, and assess potential side effects. This will be crucial for developing PEITC-based treatments that are both effective and safe for clinical use in cancer therapy.
Phenolics from Physalis peruviana fruits ameliorate streptozotocin-induced diabetes and diabetic nephropathy in rats via induction of autophagy and apoptosis regression
(Elsevier, 08/09/2021) Ezzat, Shahira M; Abdallah, Heba M.I; Yassen, Noha N; Radwan, Rasha A; Mostafa, Eman S; Salama, Maha M; Salem, Mohamed A
The objective of our study was to evaluate the effect of Physalis peruviana L. fruits in the management of diabetes and diabetic nephropathy in relation to its metabolic profile. In-vitro α-amylase, β-glucosidase, and lipase inhibition activities were assessed for the ethanolic extract (EtOH) and its subfractions. Ethyl acetate (EtOAc) fraction showed the highest α-amylase, β-glucosidase, and lipase inhibition effect. In vivo antihyperglycemic testing of EtOAc in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats showed that it decreased the blood glucose level, prevented the reduction in body weight, improved serum indicators of kidney injury (urea, uric acid, creatinine), and function (albumin and total protein). EtOAc increased autophagic parameters (LC3B, AMPK) and depressed mTOR contents. Histopathology revealed that EtOAc ameliorated the pathological features and decreased the glycogen content induced by STZ. The immunohistochemical analysis showed that EtOAc reduced P53 expression as compared to the STZ-diabetic group. UPLC-ESI-MS/MS metabolite profiling of EtOAc allowed the identification of several phenolic compounds. Among the isolated compounds, gallic acid, its methylated dimer and the glycosides of quercetin had promising α-amylase and β-glucosidase inhibition activity. The results suggest that the phenolic-rich fraction has a protective effects against diabetic nephropathy presumably via enhancing autophagy (AMPK/mTOR pathway) and prevention of apoptosis (P53 suppression).
Potential Valorization of Edible Nuts By-Products: Exploring the Immune-Modulatory and Antioxidants Effects of Selected Nut Shells Extracts in Relation to Their Metabolic Profiles
(MDPI, 25/02/2022) Salem, Mohamed A; Aborehab, Nora M; Al-Karmalawy, Ahmed A; Fernie, Alisdair R; Alseekh, Saleh; Ezzat, Shahira M
The immune system is a potent army that defends our body against various infections and diseases through innate and adaptive immunity. Herbal medicine is one of the essential sources for enhancing immunity because of affordability, availability, minor side effects, and consumers’ preferences. Hazelnuts, walnuts, almonds, and peanuts are among the most widespread edible nuts that are rich in phenolics, fats, fibers, vitamins, proteins, and minerals. The potential of nut shells in phytoremediation has attracted increasing attention as a sustainable solution for waste recycling. Here, we determined the in vitro immune-modulatory activity as well as the metabolite profile of the four nut shell extracts. The addition of the extracts to LPS-stimulated macrophages, especially peanut and walnut shells, has downregulated the gene expression of AP-1, TNF-α, IL-8, iNOS, and COX-2 expression levels. Significant antioxidant capabilities and immune-modulatory effects have been traced for peanut shells. UPLC-MS metabolic profiling of the four nut shell extracts allowed the detection of a relatively high level of phenolic compounds in peanut shells. Intriguingly, a significant correlation between the antioxidant capacity and the total phenolic content was found, indicating the contribution of the phenolic compounds to the antioxidant properties and hence the immune-modulatory activity. Furthermore, molecular docking and structure–activity relationship (SAR) studies revealed kaempferol rutinoside and proanthocyanidin A5’ as potential iNOS inhibitors.
Psychoactive plants and phytochemicals
(Elsevier, 03/05/2021) Salem, Mohamed A; Zayed, Ahmed; Ezzat, Shahira M
Central nervous system disorders such as anxiety, depression, and Alzheimer’s occur as a result of the imbalance of neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine (Ach), dopamine (DA), serotonin (5-HT), and/or γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Such disorders may lead to emotional changes as well as impaired cognitive functions. Plants have been the predominant source of medicines throughout the vast majority of human history and remain so today outside of industrialized societies. Many plants are known for their anxiolytic, antidepressant, and memory-enhancing properties. Moreover, phytoconstituents, particularly alkaloids, have proven effectiveness as psychoactive lead drugs. In this chapter, we will have an overview of the most important psychoactive, neuroprotective, and antidepressant plants and phytoconstituents with emphasis on their mechanism of action.
Reorganization and Updating the Pharmacy Education in Egypt: A Review Study on the Transition from B Pharm to Pharm D Degree
(Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications, 2022-10) Salem, Mohamed A; Ezzat, Shahira M; Hemdan, Dalia I; Zayed, Ahmed
During the last years, pharmaceutical industry and pharmacy profession have greatly expanded worldwide because of more modernization, digitalization, and globalization. In contrast, the situation in Egypt is very complex since the pharmacists’ role is still underutilized either by the community or the health care system. Based on the modern global requirements of the pharmacy profession and an official analysis of the Egyptian pharmaceutical community performed has adopted the decision of the Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE) for a transition in the pharmaceutical education in Egypt. This transition aimed at upgrading the educational and professional level of the graduates of the faculties of pharmacy. In addition, it included replacing of the current pharmacy bachelor degree (B Pharm) with the doctor of pharmacy (Pharm D) degree. The aim of this paper was to highlight the current scenario of pharmacy education in Egypt and the future challenges of pharmaceutical industry and pharmacy profession in the era of the fourth industrial revolution (FIR). Switching from B Pharm to Pharm D in Egypt is just the first step to introduce better quality of pharmaceutical education. However, the FIR may change the strategies of patient counselling, drug delivery and prescriptions dispensing to more computer-aided scenarios.
Reverse pharmacology and drug repositioning in drug discovery
(Elsevier, 2024-01) Salem, Mohamed A; Salama, Maha M; Ezzat, Shahira M
Drug discovery is a tedious process that takes a long time and high cost, while reverse pharmacology is a target-based procedure, which depends mainly on identifying the molecular target. Reverse Pharmacology is a paradigm shift that augments the collaboration between modern advanced sciences with traditional medicine and modern biomedicine to provide better and safer leads, it is an approach that deals with transferring documented observational achievement into successful models. For this reason, reverse pharmacology is now a tool for drug discovery from synthetic and natural products. Drug repositioning is the new use for an old approved drug, that may be marketed for the treatment of certain diseases. Drug repositioning can be a tool for drug discovery that can save time and money if it is based on reliable clinical observations which are then combined with the computational tools in order to obtain the required results at an appropriate time. In this chapter, we will have an overview of the concepts of reverse pharmacology and drug repositioning and their applications in drug discovery.