Pub Date : 2024-10-22DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2024.102188
Seraphina Fong , Alessandro Carollo , Andrea Rossato , Elisabeth Prevete , Gianluca Esposito , Ornella Corazza
Captagon is a synthetic stimulant combining amphetamine and theophylline. Initially introduced in 1961 as a treatment for hyperactivity, depression, and narcolepsy, Captagon was later classified as a Schedule 1 controlled substance due to its addictive and hallucinogenic properties. Despite its global prohibition in 1986, the trade of counterfeit products is widespread, especially in south-east Europe and far-east Asia, with its production being on the rise in Middle Eastern regions. This paper presents a quantitative data-driven bibliometric analysis of the existing literature on Captagon up to July 2024. It aims to delineate the structure and development of knowledge surrounding the substance, including key contributing countries, authors, prominent sources, and recurring thematic keywords. The quantitative and data-driven results were then used to guide the narrative discussion on Captagon. Findings indicate that current research predominantly focuses on Captagon’s use and impact in conflict zones, often exploring its interaction with other substances used by civilians and militias. Results also show a growing trend in Captagon research, with Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Iraq emerging as main contributors to the literature. Despite the attention in specific regions, a considerable gap remains in understanding the mechanisms of action of Captagon (particularly regarding its metabolism, toxicology, mortality risk), and in developing protocols for its discontinuation. Additionally, the drug’s inconsistent composition requires further analyses to better predict risks and establish effective management strategies. Addressing these gaps will be crucial for the development of novel interventions and policies to mitigate the adverse effects of Captagon and improve public health systems worldwide.
{"title":"Captagon: A comprehensive bibliometric analysis (1962–2024) of its global impact, health and mortality risks","authors":"Seraphina Fong , Alessandro Carollo , Andrea Rossato , Elisabeth Prevete , Gianluca Esposito , Ornella Corazza","doi":"10.1016/j.jsps.2024.102188","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jsps.2024.102188","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Captagon is a synthetic stimulant combining amphetamine and theophylline. Initially introduced in 1961 as a treatment for hyperactivity, depression, and narcolepsy, Captagon was later classified as a Schedule 1 controlled substance due to its addictive and hallucinogenic properties. Despite its global prohibition in 1986, the trade of counterfeit products is widespread, especially in south-east Europe and far-east Asia, with its production being on the rise in Middle Eastern regions. This paper presents a quantitative data-driven bibliometric analysis of the existing literature on Captagon up to July 2024. It aims to delineate the structure and development of knowledge surrounding the substance, including key contributing countries, authors, prominent sources, and recurring thematic keywords. The quantitative and data-driven results were then used to guide the narrative discussion on Captagon. Findings indicate that current research predominantly focuses on Captagon’s use and impact in conflict zones, often exploring its interaction with other substances used by civilians and militias. Results also show a growing trend in Captagon research, with Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Iraq emerging as main contributors to the literature. Despite the attention in specific regions, a considerable gap remains in understanding the mechanisms of action of Captagon (particularly regarding its metabolism, toxicology, mortality risk), and in developing protocols for its discontinuation. Additionally, the drug’s inconsistent composition requires further analyses to better predict risks and establish effective management strategies. Addressing these gaps will be crucial for the development of novel interventions and policies to mitigate the adverse effects of Captagon and improve public health systems worldwide.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49257,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal","volume":"32 11","pages":"Article 102188"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142535928","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-10-19DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2024.102191
Iqra Saleem Naz Babari , Muhammad Islam , Hamid Saeed , Humaira Nadeem , Hassaan Anwer Rathore
Oxazoles and Imidazoles are heterocyclic compounds with significant biological activities. The present study explores the pharmacological effects of some new oxazole and imidazole derivatives as potential COX-2 inhibitors. Docking studies of the compounds against targeted proteins COX-2 and TACE manifested good binding affinities for both the targets supporting their anti-inflammatory potential. Compounds (3F-A, 3F-B, N-A, N-B) were evaluated for in vivo anti-inflammatory effects by carrageenan-induced paw edema. Among all, compound N-A was found to be the most effective as it displayed most pronounced reduction in inflammation that was comparable to indomethacin. The in vivo tissue antioxidant activity was performed for estimation of the level of catalase, GSH, GST, and thiobarbituric acid in paw tissue. The results exhibited that targeted compounds improved the oxidative stress and restored the expression of enzymes. H &E staining revealed that aforesaid compounds displayed well-defined restoration of cellular damage. Compound NA exhibited maximum structural and functional preservation. Reduction in the expression of inflammatory markers was also analyzed by ELISA and maximum reduction in protein expression (COX-2 and TNF-a) was observed for compound N-B. Quantification of mRNA was done using PCR and a decrease in the expression of COX-2 mRNA level in treatment groups was depicted by all the new compounds but N-B showed maximum reduction in enzyme expression. All the results obtained from the present study have shown the significant anti-inflammatory potential of new compounds via the COX-2 inhibition pathway.
{"title":"Pharmacological investigations of newly synthesized oxazolones and imidazolones as COX-2 inhibitors","authors":"Iqra Saleem Naz Babari , Muhammad Islam , Hamid Saeed , Humaira Nadeem , Hassaan Anwer Rathore","doi":"10.1016/j.jsps.2024.102191","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jsps.2024.102191","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Oxazoles and Imidazoles are heterocyclic compounds with significant biological activities. The present study explores the pharmacological effects of some new oxazole and imidazole derivatives as potential COX-2 inhibitors. Docking studies of the compounds against targeted proteins COX-2 and TACE manifested good binding affinities for both the targets supporting their anti-inflammatory potential. Compounds (3F-A, 3F-B, N-A, N-B) were evaluated for <em>in vivo</em> anti-inflammatory effects by carrageenan-induced paw edema. Among all, compound N-A was found to be the most effective as it displayed most pronounced reduction in inflammation that was comparable to indomethacin. The <em>in vivo</em> tissue antioxidant activity was performed for estimation of the level of catalase, GSH, GST, and thiobarbituric acid in paw tissue. The results exhibited that targeted compounds improved the oxidative stress and restored the expression of enzymes. H &E staining revealed that aforesaid compounds displayed well-defined restoration of cellular damage. Compound NA exhibited maximum structural and functional preservation. Reduction in the expression of inflammatory markers was also analyzed by ELISA and maximum reduction in protein expression (COX-2 and TNF-a) was observed for compound N-B. Quantification of mRNA was done using PCR and a decrease in the expression of COX-2 mRNA level in treatment groups was depicted by all the new compounds but N-B showed maximum reduction in enzyme expression. All the results obtained from the present study have shown the significant anti-inflammatory potential of new compounds via the COX-2 inhibition pathway.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49257,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal","volume":"32 11","pages":"Article 102191"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142535934","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-10-17DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2024.102190
Nasser B. Alsaleh, Omer I. Fantoukh
{"title":"Celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal: A Special Issue","authors":"Nasser B. Alsaleh, Omer I. Fantoukh","doi":"10.1016/j.jsps.2024.102190","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jsps.2024.102190","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":49257,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal","volume":"32 11","pages":"Article 102190"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142535931","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-10-14DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2024.102186
Ahmad A. Alshehri , Ahmad Adebayo Irekeola
Antimicrobial resistance is a significant public health issue. In addressing the threat of multidrug resistant bacterial infections, carbapenems have been used. The carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) are, however, rapidly expanding worldwide. Since the issue of CRE is also a problem in Saudi Arabia, the current meta-analysis was performed to comprehensively evaluate the resistance rates to the main carbapenem antibiotics and determine the actual prevalence of CRE in the country. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines was followed. Different web databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect were searched for relevant records. Data were extracted, and summary estimates for resistance to carbapenems were calculated using DerSimonian-Laird method of meta-analysis and the random-effects model. From a total of 787 retrieved records, 69 studies were found fully eligible and were included in the final analyses. More than 50 % of all the studies were conducted after 2010, and the most frequently examined members of the Enterobacterales were Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The pooled prevalence estimate for imipenem resistance was 6.6 % (95 % CI: 4.7–9.2), 9.1 % (95 % CI: 6.7–12.3) for meropenem, and 18.6 % (95 % CI: 11.9–27.9) for ertapenem. High heterogeneity (I2 > 97 %, p < 0.001) was observed for all the estimates. Compared to other regions of the country, there was higher resistance rates in the Al-Qassim and Al-Jouf provinces. Additionally, resistance to ertapenem was as high as 34.2 % in the most recent study period (2021–2024). Proteus spp was the most prevalent CRE (26.2 %). This review highlights an increasing rate of carbapenem resistance among Enterobacterales, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts to implement strict infection control and prevention measures. Consistent surveillance is indispensable for safeguarding public health, guiding clinical decisions, and strengthening efforts to tackle the challenges of antibiotic resistance.
{"title":"Prevalence of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) in Saudi Arabia: A systematic review and meta-analysis","authors":"Ahmad A. Alshehri , Ahmad Adebayo Irekeola","doi":"10.1016/j.jsps.2024.102186","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jsps.2024.102186","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Antimicrobial resistance is a significant public health issue. In addressing the threat of multidrug resistant bacterial infections, carbapenems have been used. The carbapenem-resistant <em>Enterobacterales</em> (CRE) are, however, rapidly expanding worldwide. Since the issue of CRE is also a problem in Saudi Arabia, the current meta-analysis was performed to comprehensively evaluate the resistance rates to the main carbapenem antibiotics and determine the actual prevalence of CRE in the country. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines was followed. Different web databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect were searched for relevant records. Data were extracted, and summary estimates for resistance to carbapenems were calculated using DerSimonian-Laird method of meta-analysis and the random-effects model. From a total of 787 retrieved records, 69 studies were found fully eligible and were included in the final analyses. More than 50 % of all the studies were conducted after 2010, and the most frequently examined members of the <em>Enterobacterales</em> were <em>Escherichia coli</em> and <em>Klebsiella pneumoniae</em>. The pooled prevalence estimate for imipenem resistance was 6.6 % (95 % CI: 4.7–9.2), 9.1 % (95 % CI: 6.7–12.3) for meropenem, and 18.6 % (95 % CI: 11.9–27.9) for ertapenem. High heterogeneity (<em>I<sup>2</sup></em> > 97 %, <em>p</em> < 0.001) was observed for all the estimates. Compared to other regions of the country, there was higher resistance rates in the Al-Qassim and Al-Jouf provinces. Additionally, resistance to ertapenem was as high as 34.2 % in the most recent study period (2021–2024). <em>Proteus spp</em> was the most prevalent CRE (26.2 %). This review highlights an increasing rate of carbapenem resistance among <em>Enterobacterales</em>, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts to implement strict infection control and prevention measures. Consistent surveillance is indispensable for safeguarding public health, guiding clinical decisions, and strengthening efforts to tackle the challenges of antibiotic resistance.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49257,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal","volume":"32 11","pages":"Article 102186"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142535930","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-10-13DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2024.102187
Abdulelah F. Alhusain , Mohamed A. Mahmoud , Hussain N. Alhamami , Saad Ebrahim Alobid , Mushtaq A. Ansari , Sheikh F. Ahmad , Ahmed Nadeem , Saleh A. Bakheet , Gamaleldin I. Harisa , Sabry M. Attia
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder distinguished by impaired social interaction and repetitive behaviors. Global estimates indicate that autism affects approximately 1.6% of children, with the condition progressively becoming more prevalent over time. Despite noteworthy progress in autism research, the condition remains untreatable. This serves as a driving force for scientists to explore new approaches to disease management. Autism is linked to elevated levels of oxidative stress and disturbances in the DNA repair mechanism, which may potentially play a role in its comorbidities development. The current investigation aimed to evaluate the beneficial effect of the naturally occurring flavonoid proanthocyanidins on the behavioral characteristics and repair efficacy of autistic BTBR mice. Moreover, the mechanisms responsible for these effects were clarified. The present findings indicate that repeated administration of proanthocyanidins effectively reduces altered behavior in BTBR animals without altering motor function. Proanthocyanidins decreased oxidative DNA strand breaks and accelerated the rate of DNA repair in autistic animals, as evaluated by the modified comet test. In addition, proanthocyanidins reduced the elevated oxidative stress and recovered the disrupted DNA repair mechanism in the autistic animals by decreasing the expressions of Gadd45a and Parp1 levels and enhancing the expressions of Ogg1, P53, and Xrcc1 genes. This indicates that proanthocyanidins have significant potential as a new therapeutic strategy for alleviating autistic features.
自闭症是一种神经发育障碍,主要表现为社交互动障碍和重复行为。据估计,全球约有 1.6% 的儿童患有自闭症,而且随着时间的推移,发病率会逐渐升高。尽管自闭症研究取得了显著进展,但这种疾病仍然无法治疗。这促使科学家们探索新的疾病治疗方法。自闭症与氧化应激水平升高和 DNA 修复机制紊乱有关,这可能是自闭症合并症发展的潜在因素。目前的研究旨在评估天然类黄酮原花青素对自闭症 BTBR 小鼠行为特征和修复功效的有益影响。此外,还阐明了产生这些影响的机制。目前的研究结果表明,反复服用原花青素可有效减少 BTBR 动物的行为改变,而不会改变其运动功能。根据改良彗星试验的评估,原花青素可减少自闭症动物的氧化 DNA 链断裂,加快 DNA 修复速度。此外,原花青素通过降低 Gadd45a 和 Parp1 的表达水平,提高 Ogg1、P53 和 Xrcc1 基因的表达水平,减少了自闭症动物体内升高的氧化应激,恢复了被破坏的 DNA 修复机制。这表明,原花青素作为一种新的治疗策略,在缓解自闭症特征方面具有巨大潜力。
{"title":"Salubrious effects of proanthocyanidins on behavioral phenotypes and DNA repair deficiency in the BTBR mouse model of autism","authors":"Abdulelah F. Alhusain , Mohamed A. Mahmoud , Hussain N. Alhamami , Saad Ebrahim Alobid , Mushtaq A. Ansari , Sheikh F. Ahmad , Ahmed Nadeem , Saleh A. Bakheet , Gamaleldin I. Harisa , Sabry M. Attia","doi":"10.1016/j.jsps.2024.102187","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jsps.2024.102187","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder distinguished by impaired social interaction and repetitive behaviors. Global estimates indicate that autism affects approximately 1.6% of children, with the condition progressively becoming more prevalent over time. Despite noteworthy progress in autism research, the condition remains untreatable. This serves as a driving force for scientists to explore new approaches to disease management. Autism is linked to elevated levels of oxidative stress and disturbances in the DNA repair mechanism, which may potentially play a role in its comorbidities development. The current investigation aimed to evaluate the beneficial effect of the naturally occurring flavonoid proanthocyanidins on the behavioral characteristics and repair efficacy of autistic BTBR mice. Moreover, the mechanisms responsible for these effects were clarified. The present findings indicate that repeated administration of proanthocyanidins effectively reduces altered behavior in BTBR animals without altering motor function. Proanthocyanidins decreased oxidative DNA strand breaks and accelerated the rate of DNA repair in autistic animals, as evaluated by the modified comet test. In addition, proanthocyanidins reduced the elevated oxidative stress and recovered the disrupted DNA repair mechanism in the autistic animals by decreasing the expressions of <em>Gadd45a</em> and <em>Parp1</em> levels and enhancing the expressions of <em>Ogg1</em>, <em>P53</em>, and <em>Xrcc1</em> genes. This indicates that proanthocyanidins have significant potential as a new therapeutic strategy for alleviating autistic features.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49257,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal","volume":"32 11","pages":"Article 102187"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142446269","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-10-02DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2024.102184
Omkulthom Al Kamaly , Aziz Drioiche , Firdaous Remok , Soukaina Saidi , Ahde El Imache , Fadoua El Makhoukhi , Bshra A. Alsfouk , Touriya Zair
<div><div>The aim was to assess the phytochemical composition, phenolic component levels, and biological properties of the flowering tops of <em>Origanum compactum</em> and <em>Origanum elongatum</em>. The study employed phytochemical assays, spectrophotometric techniques for quantitative analysis of polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannins, and compound identification using HPLC/UV-ESI-MS. The antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticoagulant, and antidiabetic properties were examined both <em>in vitro</em> and <em>in vivo</em>. The results showed that the <em>O. compactum</em> extract had significantly high levels of total polyphenols, measuring 47.368 mg gallic acid equivalents per gram, and flavonoids, measuring 14.839 mg quercetin equivalents per gram. The phytochemical examination of <em>O. compactum</em> revealed that lithospermic acid accounted for 36.82 % of the chemicals detected, followed by salvianolic acid C at 12.57 % and ros-marinic acid at 6.01 %. The main constituents of <em>O. elongatum</em> are salvianolic acid C (14.46 %), luteolin-3-O-glucuronide (13.51 %), salvianolic acid B (12.24 %), rosmarinic acid (7.83 %), and rutin (6.18 %). The results demonstrated different levels of effectiveness against the investigated microorganisms, with the extract from <em>O. compactum</em> exhibiting better activity, particularly against Gram-negative bacteria, certain yeasts, and the fungus Aspergillus niger. The aqueous extracts of both <em>Origanum</em> species demonstrate significant antioxidant activity. <em>O. compactum</em> has a higher total antioxidant capacity (IC<sub>50</sub> of 35.083 μg/mL) compared to <em>O. elongatum</em> (IC<sub>50</sub> of 77.080 μg/mL). However, <em>O. elongatum</em> has a higher reducing power (35.697 μg/mL) compared to <em>O. compactum</em> (42.563 μg/mL). <em>In vivo</em> evaluations revealed that the aqueous extracts of <em>O. compactum</em> and <em>O. elongatum</em> possess significant antihyperglycemic and anticoagulant properties. The extracts demonstrated a marked reduction in blood glucose levels during the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in Wistar rats and effectively prolonged both prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), highlighting their ability to inhibit coagulation pathways. Moreover, their comparable efficacy to standard antihyperglycemic medications and absence of severe toxicity, even at high doses, underscore their therapeutic potential for safe and effective treatment applications. Between the two species, <em>O. compactum</em> exhibited superior efficacy in key biological activities such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticoagulant properties, making it a strong candidate for therapeutic applications. This study underscores the value of <em>Origanum</em> species as a rich source of bioactive compounds, offering significant potential in pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and agri-food industries. The findings pave the way for further exploration of their diverse
{"title":"Identification of compounds from Origanum compactum and Origanum elongatum using HPLC/UV-ESI-MS and comparative analysis of their antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticoagulant, and antidiabetic properties","authors":"Omkulthom Al Kamaly , Aziz Drioiche , Firdaous Remok , Soukaina Saidi , Ahde El Imache , Fadoua El Makhoukhi , Bshra A. Alsfouk , Touriya Zair","doi":"10.1016/j.jsps.2024.102184","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jsps.2024.102184","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The aim was to assess the phytochemical composition, phenolic component levels, and biological properties of the flowering tops of <em>Origanum compactum</em> and <em>Origanum elongatum</em>. The study employed phytochemical assays, spectrophotometric techniques for quantitative analysis of polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannins, and compound identification using HPLC/UV-ESI-MS. The antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticoagulant, and antidiabetic properties were examined both <em>in vitro</em> and <em>in vivo</em>. The results showed that the <em>O. compactum</em> extract had significantly high levels of total polyphenols, measuring 47.368 mg gallic acid equivalents per gram, and flavonoids, measuring 14.839 mg quercetin equivalents per gram. The phytochemical examination of <em>O. compactum</em> revealed that lithospermic acid accounted for 36.82 % of the chemicals detected, followed by salvianolic acid C at 12.57 % and ros-marinic acid at 6.01 %. The main constituents of <em>O. elongatum</em> are salvianolic acid C (14.46 %), luteolin-3-O-glucuronide (13.51 %), salvianolic acid B (12.24 %), rosmarinic acid (7.83 %), and rutin (6.18 %). The results demonstrated different levels of effectiveness against the investigated microorganisms, with the extract from <em>O. compactum</em> exhibiting better activity, particularly against Gram-negative bacteria, certain yeasts, and the fungus Aspergillus niger. The aqueous extracts of both <em>Origanum</em> species demonstrate significant antioxidant activity. <em>O. compactum</em> has a higher total antioxidant capacity (IC<sub>50</sub> of 35.083 μg/mL) compared to <em>O. elongatum</em> (IC<sub>50</sub> of 77.080 μg/mL). However, <em>O. elongatum</em> has a higher reducing power (35.697 μg/mL) compared to <em>O. compactum</em> (42.563 μg/mL). <em>In vivo</em> evaluations revealed that the aqueous extracts of <em>O. compactum</em> and <em>O. elongatum</em> possess significant antihyperglycemic and anticoagulant properties. The extracts demonstrated a marked reduction in blood glucose levels during the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in Wistar rats and effectively prolonged both prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), highlighting their ability to inhibit coagulation pathways. Moreover, their comparable efficacy to standard antihyperglycemic medications and absence of severe toxicity, even at high doses, underscore their therapeutic potential for safe and effective treatment applications. Between the two species, <em>O. compactum</em> exhibited superior efficacy in key biological activities such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticoagulant properties, making it a strong candidate for therapeutic applications. This study underscores the value of <em>Origanum</em> species as a rich source of bioactive compounds, offering significant potential in pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and agri-food industries. The findings pave the way for further exploration of their diverse ","PeriodicalId":49257,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal","volume":"32 11","pages":"Article 102184"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142428817","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Herbal products and their formulations have a large market at the global level. A significant portion of the worldwide population relies upon herbal treatment. Their apparent non-toxic and cost-effective nature appeals to the population and drives researchers to pursue them for drug development. However, due to the lack of scientific evidence, their conventional preparation, poor regulation and control make these an unseen threat to the people. There has been a long-standing argument that allopathic medicines are better than herbal medicines due to their specificity and precision. To compete with modern medicines, a concept of science-based phytopharmaceutical drugs was introduced through a draft amendment notified to the Drugs and Cosmetics 1940 and Rules 1945. The amendment has introduced a definition for botanicals and their scientific evaluation for quality safety and efficacy by the Central Drugs Standard and Control Organization (CDSCO) office as a marketing authorization requirement. The present article discusses the advantages and challenges faced in the development of phytopharmaceuticals, and how they differ from dietary supplements and herbal drugs. It also gives consolidated information on Phytopharmaceuticals and their regulatory and Pharmacopoeial status with an exemplary PPI monograph – Aegle marmelos. The plant selection was done based on extensive research using the PRISMA approach. A detailed view of the opportunities and challenges provided by phytopharmaceuticals is explained in the present review.
草药产品及其配方在全球拥有巨大的市场。全世界有相当一部分人口依赖草药治疗。草药明显的无毒性和成本效益吸引着人们,也促使研究人员将其用于药物开发。然而,由于缺乏科学依据、传统的制备方法、监管不力等原因,这些草药对人们构成了无形的威胁。长期以来,有一种说法认为,对抗疗法药物因其特异性和精确性而优于草药。为了与现代药物竞争,《1940 年药品和化妆品法》和《1945 年规则》的修正案草案引入了以科学为基础的植物药概念。该修正案引入了植物药的定义,并由中央药品标准和控制组织(CDSCO)办公室对其质量、安全性和有效性进行科学评估,以此作为上市许可要求。本文讨论了植物药开发的优势和面临的挑战,以及它们与膳食补充剂和草药的区别。文章还提供了有关植物药及其监管和药典地位的综合信息,并附有一份典型的 PPI 专论--Aegle marmelos。植物选择是在广泛研究的基础上采用 PRISMA 方法完成的。本综述详细介绍了植物药带来的机遇和挑战。
{"title":"The Dawn till Dusk of phytopharmaceuticals","authors":"Ritu Tiwari , Smita Mishra , Aishwarya Chauhan , Poornima Gulati , Mahaveer Dhobi","doi":"10.1016/j.jsps.2024.102185","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jsps.2024.102185","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Herbal products and their formulations have a large market at the global level. A significant portion of the worldwide population relies upon herbal treatment. Their apparent non-toxic and cost-effective nature appeals to the population and drives researchers to pursue them for drug development. However, due to the lack of scientific evidence, their conventional preparation, poor regulation and control make these an unseen threat to the people. There has been a long-standing argument that allopathic medicines are better than herbal medicines due to their specificity and precision. To compete with modern medicines, a concept of science-based phytopharmaceutical drugs was introduced through a draft amendment notified to the Drugs and Cosmetics 1940 and Rules 1945. The amendment has introduced a definition for botanicals and their scientific evaluation for quality safety and efficacy by the Central Drugs Standard and Control Organization (CDSCO) office as a marketing authorization requirement. The present article discusses the advantages and challenges faced in the development of phytopharmaceuticals, and how they differ from dietary supplements and herbal drugs. It also gives consolidated information on Phytopharmaceuticals and their regulatory and Pharmacopoeial status with an exemplary PPI monograph – <em>Aegle marmelos</em>. The plant selection was done based on extensive research using the PRISMA approach. A detailed view of the opportunities and challenges provided by phytopharmaceuticals is explained in the present review.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49257,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal","volume":"32 11","pages":"Article 102185"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142428819","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-09-21DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2024.102183
Xinquan Li , Yunpeng Qin , Shu Ye , Hang Song , Peng Zhou , Biao Cai , Yan Wang
{"title":"Retraction notice to “Protective effect of Huangpu Tongqiao capsule against Alzheimer’s disease through inhibiting the apoptosis pathway mediated by endoplasmic reticulum stress in vitro and in vivo” [Saudi Pharm. J. 30(11) (2022) 1561–1571]","authors":"Xinquan Li , Yunpeng Qin , Shu Ye , Hang Song , Peng Zhou , Biao Cai , Yan Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.jsps.2024.102183","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jsps.2024.102183","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":49257,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal","volume":"32 11","pages":"Article 102183"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1319016424002342/pdfft?md5=7f5cf68f02d464bec21b348d2d046c43&pid=1-s2.0-S1319016424002342-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142271518","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-09-18DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2024.102181
Nasser F. BinDhim , Nora A. Althumiri , Rahaf A. Albluwi , Hisham S. Aljadhey
Objectives
This study aims to explore the essential competencies, leadership development strategies, skills, values, and personal characteristics required for pharmacists aspiring to leadership positions in Saudi Arabia.
Methods
Semi-structured, in-depth interviews, conducted either in person or via video, were selected to confidentially explore the leadership traits and strategies of pharmacists. The study included twelve pharmacists, consisting of 7 males and 5 females, with varying levels of experience: 3 aspiring leaders, 5 current leaders, and 4 retired leaders. A fourteen-question interview guide was developed to investigate the key elements necessary for effective pharmacy leadership development. The guide was pilot tested with two pharmacists, whose responses were excluded from the final sample and subsequent analysis.
Results
The study revealed significant disparities in the perceptions of leadership skills and personal characteristics among the different groups. The junior cohort, consisting of aspiring pharmacists, emphasized idealistic personal characteristics over practical skills. In contrast, current and retired leaders demonstrated a clear ability to differentiate between personal characteristics and essential skills. Furthermore, the study identified leadership development strategies grounded in the Saudi context, which were particularly resonant with both current and former leaders.
Conclusions
The study examined the essential competencies and leadership development strategies for pharmacists aspiring to leadership roles, revealing notable disparities between early-career individuals and current or former leaders. Future research should focus on bridging these differences in perception and skills through targeted knowledge interventions.
{"title":"Competencies, skills, and personal characteristics needed for pharmacy leaders: An in-depth interview","authors":"Nasser F. BinDhim , Nora A. Althumiri , Rahaf A. Albluwi , Hisham S. Aljadhey","doi":"10.1016/j.jsps.2024.102181","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jsps.2024.102181","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>This study aims to explore the essential competencies, leadership development strategies, skills, values, and personal characteristics required for pharmacists aspiring to leadership positions in Saudi Arabia.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Semi-structured, in-depth interviews, conducted either in person or via video, were selected to confidentially explore the leadership traits and strategies of pharmacists. The study included twelve pharmacists, consisting of 7 males and 5 females, with varying levels of experience: 3 aspiring leaders, 5 current leaders, and 4 retired leaders. A fourteen-question interview guide was developed to investigate the key elements necessary for effective pharmacy leadership development. The guide was pilot tested with two pharmacists, whose responses were excluded from the final sample and subsequent analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The study revealed significant disparities in the perceptions of leadership skills and personal characteristics among the different groups. The junior cohort, consisting of aspiring pharmacists, emphasized idealistic personal characteristics over practical skills. In contrast, current and retired leaders demonstrated a clear ability to differentiate between personal characteristics and essential skills. Furthermore, the study identified leadership development strategies grounded in the Saudi context, which were particularly resonant with both current and former leaders.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The study examined the essential competencies and leadership development strategies for pharmacists aspiring to leadership roles, revealing notable disparities between early-career individuals and current or former leaders. Future research should focus on bridging these differences in perception and skills through targeted knowledge interventions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":49257,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal","volume":"32 11","pages":"Article 102181"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142428818","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-09-13DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2024.102171
Laith AL-Eitan , Hana Abu Kharmah , Mansour Alghamdi
Objective
Drug addiction is a complex disorder caused by multiple factors, including environmental and genetic factors. Stress-related genes such as Galanin (GAL) and Oxytocin (OXT) have been linked to the reward pathways that contribute to the development and progression of substance addiction. This study aimed to explore the correlation between several polymorphisms of stress-related genes and drug addiction among Jordanian males.
Methods
The study included 500 participants, consisting of both healthy controls and drug-addicted Jordanian males. The genetic material and clinical data were collected, and 18 SNPs in four candidate genes were genotyped using the Sequenom MassARRAY® system. Statistical analyses were performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.0 and the SNPStats website.
Results
The study identified a significant correlation between three SNPs of the GAL gene and drug addiction, specifically rs3136544, rs3136541, and rs694066. The study also found that different genotypes of these variants were significantly associated with drug addiction. Furthermore, different haplotypes of the GAL, GALR1, and OXTR polymorphisms were also significantly correlated with drug addiction. The study also identified a correlation between several drug addiction features and the studied variants, including the association of rs2717162 of Galanin receptor 1 (GALR1) with age at use onset and the association of rs3136541 of GAL with the type of substance and number of substances used.
Conclusion
Stress-related genes can play a significant role in the development and progression of addiction among the Jordanian population, and further investigations are necessary to understand the underlying mechanisms better and improve future treatment strategies.
{"title":"SNP analysis of stress-related genes reveals significant correlations with drug addiction in Jordan","authors":"Laith AL-Eitan , Hana Abu Kharmah , Mansour Alghamdi","doi":"10.1016/j.jsps.2024.102171","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jsps.2024.102171","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><p>Drug addiction is a complex disorder caused by multiple factors, including environmental and genetic factors. Stress-related genes such as Galanin (GAL) and Oxytocin (OXT) have been linked to the reward pathways that contribute to the development and progression of substance addiction. This study aimed to explore the correlation between several polymorphisms of stress-related genes and drug addiction among Jordanian males.</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>The study included 500 participants, consisting of both healthy controls and drug-addicted Jordanian males. The genetic material and clinical data were collected, and 18 SNPs in four candidate genes were genotyped using the Sequenom MassARRAY® system. Statistical analyses were performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.0 and the SNPStats website.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>The study identified a significant correlation between three SNPs of the GAL gene and drug addiction, specifically rs3136544, rs3136541, and rs694066. The study also found that different genotypes of these variants were significantly associated with drug addiction. Furthermore, different haplotypes of the GAL, GALR1, and OXTR polymorphisms were also significantly correlated with drug addiction. The study also identified a correlation between several drug addiction features and the studied variants, including the association of rs2717162 of Galanin receptor 1 (GALR1) with age at use onset and the association of rs3136541 of GAL with the type of substance and number of substances used.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>Stress-related genes can play a significant role in the development and progression of addiction among the Jordanian population, and further investigations are necessary to understand the underlying mechanisms better and improve future treatment strategies.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":49257,"journal":{"name":"Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal","volume":"32 11","pages":"Article 102171"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1319016424002214/pdfft?md5=3986cb21f4ce7be05cebbe8cf77fae45&pid=1-s2.0-S1319016424002214-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142232093","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}