Jordan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

In vivo Pharmacokinetic Comparison of Oral and Polymeric Nanoparticles Loaded in Transdermal Bilayer Dissolving Microneedles for Nimodipine delivery

2025-09-24T13:16:19+03:00

Background: Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a disease that requires extensive treatment with medication that targets the brain and minimizes systemic adverse effects, preferably with a single daily medication. Nimodipine [NID] offers these properties to be used for this purpose.

Objective: The goal of the study was to accomplish a comparison in the pharmacokinetic parameters of oral nimodipine suspension and transdermal Polymeric Nanoparticles loaded bilayer dissolving microneedles to improve lower oral bioavailability.

Methods: Nimodipine was previously formulated as polymeric nanoparticles (PNPs) characterized by a particle size of 81.78 ± 0.6 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.046 ± 0.01, and a zeta potential of -18.96 mV. These nanoparticles were incorporated into bilayer dissolving microneedle patches (bDMNs) utilizing a casting technique, employing a 10% w/v polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) polymer matrix and 5% glycerin. A total of twelve male white albino rabbits, each weighing approximately 1500 ± 175 g, were randomly allocated into two groups of six animals. One group received an oral dose of nimodipine suspension via oral gavage, while the other group was administered the nimodipine-loaded transdermal bDMNs applied to the skin. The plasma concentration of nimodipine was quantified using reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC), following the establishment of a spiked calibration curve with plasma samples with the internal standard cilnidipine.

Results: The results displayed mean value of time and concentration needed to achieve the maximum effect were (C_max= 42.54 ±3.4 ng/ml, T_max= 1 ±0.02 h) for oral and (C_max=64.66 ±2.9 ng/ml, T_max=0.5±0.01h) for bDMN, respectively approving that the optimized transdermal bDMN exhibited higher plasma concentration with T_max lower than oral route, achieving (1.9) fold rise in the calculated relative bioavailability.

Conclusions: The transdermal bDMNs could offer a promising and effective method for NID delivery to improved lower oral bioavailability by enhancing the delivery through skin.

Control-Release Polyethylenimine-Modified Fibroin Nanoparticles As A Potential Vehicle for the Oral Delivery of Quercetin

2025-09-24T13:16:17+03:00

Polyphenolic compounds are a big class of chemicals employed in numerous biomedical applications. However, these compounds are susceptible to degradations, especially in the varied gastrointestinal pH, which hinders their use in oral administrations. Thus, this work developed fibroin nanoparticles (FNP) and polyethylenimine-modified FNP (PEI-FNP) to orally protect and deliver quercetin (QC), a model polyphenol. The particles were formulated using two distinct methods: adsorption and co-condensation. Both formulas showed appropriate physicochemical properties for oral administrations, including nano-sizes (~700 nm for FNP-QC and ~200 nm for PEI-FNP-QC), narrow size distribution (polydispersity index < 0.3), adjustable zeta potentials (~-20 mV for FNP-QC and ~+25 mV for PEI-FNP-QC), enhanced QC aqueous solubility to 2-3 times, and observable chemical interactions (hydrogen bonding and ionic interactions) between QC and fibroin/PEI. Moreover, depending on the formulation process and particle compositions, the particles possessed moderate QC entrapment efficiency (35-75%), smooth/rough surfaces, and rapid drug adsorption followed models including Langmuir and Dubinin-Radushkevich isotherms, as well as pseudo-second-order kinetics. Interestingly, in the mimicked oral condition, the particles can protect QC from the gastric condition at pH 1.2, with less than 20% QC release, while sustaining its release in the intestine at pH 6.8, with the release rates that could be favorably controlled by varying the formulation methods and/or PEI functionalization. In summary, the FNP and PEI-FNP demonstrated much potential as release-controllable delivery systems for oral administrations of polyphenolic compounds.

AI's Healing Touch: Transforming Healthcare from Diagnosis to Recovery

2025-09-24T13:16:16+03:00

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming healthcare by enhancing diagnostic accuracy, personalizing treatment, and improving patient care. This review explores the key applications of AI, including predictive analytics, machine learning, and telemedicine, which contribute to better patient outcomes, increased operational efficiency, and cost reductions. Despite these benefits, challenges such as data privacy, algorithmic bias, and regulatory compliance persist. The review emphasizes the need for healthcare professionals to receive adequate training to effectively utilize AI technologies. Addressing these challenges is essential to realizing AI’s full potential in providing personalized and efficient healthcare.

Swietenia mahagoni Leaves Ethanolic Extract: In vitro anti-Oxidant Activity, Active Compound Identification and in silico Prediction as AKT-1 and MDM2 Protein Inhibitor

2025-09-24T13:16:13+03:00

The strong correlation between traditional practices and the pharmacological properties of these plants supports their continued use in treating various health conditions. This study evaluated and predicted the active compound in the ethanolic extract of Swietenia mahagoni leaves and their potency for inhibiting cancer cell growth. The analysis included measuring DPPH free radical inhibition, total phenolic and flavonoid content, drug-likeness evaluation, and molecular docking studies. Findings suggest that the ethanolic extract of S. mahagoni leaves ethanolic extract exhibits antioxidant properties due to its content of phenolic and flavonoid compounds such as Quercitrin, (+)-ar-Turmerone, and Hyperoside, which also meet Lipinski's criteria. Additionally, these compounds might act as inhibitors of MDM2 or AKT-1, potentially blocking MDM2 and AKT-1 and inducing apoptosis in cancer cells. Further research should be conducted in vitro to validate the activity of the studied compounds.

Cigarette Smoking Influences Montelukast Pharmacokinetics in Jordanian Population

2025-09-24T13:16:11+03:00

Background: Montelukast is one of the main therapeutic agents used for asthma management. Its therapeutic effectiveness is greatly influenced by the expression of metabolic enzymes and/or transporters involved in its disposition.

Objectives: To assess the effect of smoking on montelukast pharmacokinetics in four bioequivalence studies against the reference drug Singulair^®.

Methodology: Data were extracted from bioequivalence studies to compare 10 mg generic Montelukast to Singulair^® the originator. Primary pharmacokinetic parameters, maximum plasma concentration (C_max) and area under the curve (AUC_0-infand AUC_0-t) were calculated using Kinetica^®. Analysis of Variance was performed to compare montelukast pharmacokinetics between smokers and non-smokers. Statistical significance was set at P ≤ 0.05.

Results: Mean± SD montelukast C_max (ng/mL) was 397.1 ± 125.7 in non-smokers compared to 352.8± 133.9 in smokers. Significant alterations in montelukast C_max (P= 0.0206), AUC _0-t (ng. h/L) 2335 ± 111, P= 0.0016, and AUC _0-inf (ng. h/L) 2509 ± 1163, P= 0.0015 were observed in the study participants who are smokers.

Conclusion: Despite the minimal fold-decrease in montelukast pharmacokinetic parameters in smokers compared to non-smokers, this might have a profound clinical impact on the therapeutic effectiveness of montelukast in patients.

The Phenolic Content of Syrian styrax officinalis L. Fruits and its Antioxidant and Anti-Cholesterol Activities

2025-09-24T13:16:20+03:00

The objective of the current study was to determine the chemical constituents, total phenols, antioxidant activity, and hypocholesterol effect of the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Styrax officinalis fruits.The chemical composition of the extracts was assessed by (GC) and (GC-MS). The extract contained various compounds, with styracitol (90.8-97.4%) being the major compound in the aqueous and ethanolic extracts, respectively. The total phenolic content was quantitatively determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent, with gallic acid as the standard. Antioxidant activity was assessed by measuring the scavenging of 2,2-Diphenyl-1-Picryl-Hydrazyl (DPPH). The total phenolic content of the aqueous and ethanolic extracts was found to be 19.2 ± 0.75 mg GAE/g and 9.16 ± 0.23 mg GAE/g, respectively, in terms of gallic acid equivalent (GAE). The antioxidant activity has an IC50 of 1.076-2.49 mg/mL, respectively. The anti-cholesterol activity was determined using the CHOD-PAP method. The aqueous extract was more effective than the ethanolic extract at lowering cholesterol. The IC₅₀ for the ethanolic extract was 6.4 mg/ml, while the IC₅₀ for the aqueous extract was 0.54 mg/ml.

Therapeutic Potential of Traditional Medicinal Plants from the Central Algerian Steppe for Treating Common Digestive Disorders

2025-09-24T13:16:14+03:00

In the central Algerian steppe, digestive system disorders are a common affliction that the majority of the population treats using medicinal plants. This study aims to evaluate the therapeutic potential of the medicinal plants used for treating four common disorders: colopathy, gastric ulcers, acute diarrhea, and chronic constipation. To achieve this, a survey was conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire, involving a total of 75 traditional phytotherapy practitioners. The questionnaire comprised two sections: socio-demographic information about the practitioners and details regarding the cited plants. Data were collected through field survey forms, categorizing participants by gender, age, education level, and professional experience. Detailed botanical information about the identified plants was carefully collected and analyzed. The diversity of medicinal plants used for digestive disorders was inventoried and assessed using adequate statistics. The survey identified 57 plant species across 32 botanical families, with a predominance of Lamiaceae (9 species) and Asteraceae (7 species). Infusion was the most common preparation method (44%) followed by decoction (38%). These findings emphasize the importance of medicinal plants in traditional treatment of gastric disorders in the region and provide a foundation for future studies on their biological and chemical potentials. The study identified a wide variety of medicinal plants used to treat conditions such as colopathy, gastric ulcers, acute diarrhea, and chronic constipation, with key plants like Cuminum cyminum, Teucrium polium, Artemisia campestris, and Senna alexandrina noted for their high efficacy. The use of single plants (8 species) for multiple disorders was observed, reflecting the interconnected nature of these conditions and the broad medicinal properties of the plants. This investigation underscores the extensive traditional knowledge and rich diversity of medicinal plants used in the central Algerian steppe for treating digestive disorders. The findings highlight the importance of these plants and suggest potential areas for further pharmacological research to validate their efficacy and safety.

The Dispensing of Non-Prescribed Antibiotics to Pediatrics in Community Pharmacies: A Simulated Client Study

2025-09-24T13:16:22+03:00

Objective: This study aims to explore the practice of dispensing non-prescribe antibiotics to pediatrics in the community pharmacies in Jordan.

Method: This study was a cross-sectional study, performed between August 2021 and March 2022. Five different clinical case scenarios were simulated including pharyngitis, bronchitis, otitis media, gastroenteritis, and urinary tract infection (UTI). Three levels of demand were used to conceive the pharmacy staff to sell antibiotics.

Results: A total of 207 community pharmacies in Jordan were visited. The majority of pharmacies (n= 163, 78.7%) dispensed antibiotics without a prescription using three levels of demands. Most of the antibiotics dispensed for the pharyngitis case scenarios (95.3%), followed by UTI (89.2%). Among the pharmacists who dispensed antibiotics, 92.0% explained how to take the antibiotic, 41.1% provide the duration of treatment for the dispensed antibiotic, and 27.0% inquired about any type of drug allergy. On the other hand, only 21.3% (n= 44/207) of the pharmacy staff had refused to dispense any type of antibiotics, of those (n= 17/44, 38.6%) recommended consulting a physician, in which health issues were the only reason behind that refusal.

Conclusions: The results of the current study strongly demonstrate that dispensing of non-prescribed antibiotic in pediatric patients is prevalent in Jordan despite the current legislations. The ease of access and the inappropriate overuse of antibiotics confirms the need for stringent enforcement of the existing laws and the establishment of a new regulation regarding the dispensing of antibiotics without a valid prescription in the near future.

Literature Review of Herbal Remedies Used for Diabetes Mellitus: Efficacy, Safety, and Regulatory Considerations

2025-09-24T13:16:10+03:00

The Problem: The rising prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes presents a significant global health burden and economic strain, driving interest in herbal medicine as a potentially cost-effective alternative or supplement to conventional treatments.

Experimental Approach: This literature review included peer-reviewed studies published between 2018 and 2024. A comprehensive search of databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar was conducted using terms related to diabetes, herbal medicine, and cost-effectiveness. The included studies originated from various countries, including India, China, the United States, the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, and several African nations. Studies targeting adult participants with diabetes and assessing the effectiveness, cost, or user experiences of herbal remedies were included. In contrast, studies involving children, non-peer-reviewed articles, and those not directly related to herbal medicine were excluded. Data extraction was performed independently by two researchers using a standardized form to collect information on study characteristics, sample size, herbal remedies, glycemic control outcomes, and side effects.

Major Findings: A total of 45 studies were included, comprising randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies. The findings indicated that specific herbal remedies can significantly enhance glycemic control, with an average reduction in HbA1c ranging from 0.5% to 1.5%. Additionally, the economic impact of these remedies showed potential cost advantages compared to conventional treatments, although their safety profiles revealed some associated side effects.

Conclusions: This review highlights the potential benefits of herbal remedies in managing Type 2 Diabetes but underscores the need for further research. Future studies should specifically address optimal dosages, interactions with conventional medications, cost-effectiveness, and long-term safety and efficacy, particularly through RCTs with larger sample sizes and extended follow-up periods.

The Relationship between Diabetic Patients' Health Literacy and HBA1c Level in Jordan

2025-09-24T13:16:26+03:00

Objective: This study aimed to explore how diabetic health literacy influences glycated hemoglobin HbA1c levels—a crucial marker of long-term blood sugar control—in Jordanian patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods: Over a four-month period at a major public hospital in Amman, we enrolled 400 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in this cross-sectional study. The study used the Jordanian Diabetic Health Literacy Questionnaire (JDHLQ). This validated tool assesses health literacy among Arabic-speaking individuals.

Results: The findings revealed a significant link between higher health literacy scores and lower HbA1c levels. Specifically, each additional point on the JDHLQ was associated with a 0.040 decrease in HbA1c (95% CI [-0.078, -0.003], p=0.035). Patients taking more medications and those without insurance also had significantly higher HbA1c levels.

Conclusion: These results highlight the vital role of health literacy in managing diabetes effectively and support the implementation of targeted educational programs to improve patient outcomes in Jordan. The study emphasizes the need for policy improvements in diabetes care.

Practice Implications: Understanding the key factors that influence disease control in type 2 diabetes patients—including the impact of health literacy—is essential for developing targeted interventions, enhancing patient outcomes, and reducing the strain of diabetes on the healthcare system.

Effect of Lignin and other Biopolymers on Hyperlipidemia and Gut Microbiota

2025-09-24T13:16:37+03:00

So far, dietary fibers such as lignin, cellulose, pectin, guar gum, and psyllium have been well-studied for their preventive and therapeutical potential using animal and human models, especially for their beneficial effects on chronic metabolic conditions like dyslipidemia and related disorders. Dyslipidemia is a dangerous metabolic disorder related to hypercholesterolemia, coronary artery disease, and coronary heart disease. Earlier research has demonstrated that these dietary fibers can lower high serum lipid levels through different mechanisms. One of the most important mechanisms is the modification of gut microbiota. Increasing the abundance of lactic acid bacteria (LAB), which can metabolize different dietary fibers like lignin, may potentially reduce the cholesterol level. This review aims to provide useful insights and comprehensive discussions about current knowledge related to the properties, and the effects of dietary fibers mainly lignin in controlling hyperlipidemia and their effects on gut microbiota. Google Scholar, Research Gate, and Scopus are the search engines exploited to collect data by using lignin, biopolymers, gut microbiota, and hyperlipidemia as search terms.

Obesity is Associated with Increased Cardiovascular Risk and Increased Prevalence of Insulin Resistance among Apparently Healthy Young Adults

2025-09-24T13:16:35+03:00

Objective: Cardiometabolic abnormalities are still prevalent in young individuals. This research aims to investigate associations between obesity, cardiometabolic risk factors, and insulin resistance (IR) in apparently healthy young adults.

Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 70 obese and 70 age/gender matched young adults with normal body weight. Serum glucose, insulin, lipids, and homocysteine were measured. IR was determined using Homeostasis Model Assessment-IR (HOMA-IR). Systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressures were measured. Other data were self-reported.

Results: Obese participants exhibited higher SBP, DBP, glucose, triglycerides (TGs), cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), insulin, and HOMA-IR, and lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL) compared to healthy weight participants (p-values<0.01). Body mass index (BMI) was correlated with SBP, DBP, glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, cholesterol, LDL, TGs, and was inversely correlated with HDL (p-values<0.01). HOMA-IR was correlated with SBP, DBP, cholesterol, LDL, and TGs, and was inversely correlated with HDL (p-values<0.01). Participants with IR had higher BMI, SBP, DBP, cholesterol, LDL, and TGs compared to participants with normal insulin sensitivity (p-values<0.05). Obesity was associated with increased SBP, TGs, insulin and HOMA-IR (p-values<0.05). There was no significant difference in homocysteine between groups (p-value>0.05).

Conclusion: Obesity is associated with increased cardiovascular risk and increased prevalence of IR in apparently healthy young adults. Pharmacological and behavioral interventions are urgently needed to manage increased cardiovascular risks among this age group.

The Phytochemical Screening and Evaluation of Ameliorating Effect of Aleuritopteris bicolor (Roxb.) Fraser-Jenk Leaves Extract on Renal and Hepatic Impairment in a Rat Model of Gentamicin-Induced Renal Toxicity

2025-09-24T13:16:34+03:00

Background: The fern species Aleuritopteris bicolor (AB), in the Pteridaceae family, traditionally used for wound healing and treating various ailments.

Aim: This study was conducted to evaluate Aleuritopteris bicolor (AB) hydro ethanol leaf extract potential in mitigating gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity in Albino rats.

Methods and Materials: This study was achieved by performing a phytochemical test on AB hydro ethanol leaves extract and administering hydro ethanol extract of AB leaves orally and gentamicin (80 mg/kg/day) intraperitoneal for a period of seven consecutive days to male albino rats, followed by analysis of biochemical function, histopathology, and the weight of the kidney and liver after the eighth day. SPSS version 23 was used for data analysis. Results were presented as mean ± standard deviation (n=6). Statistical analysis involved one-way ANOVA followed by post hoc least significant difference (LSD) test.

Results: From the phytochemical screening, Aleuritopteris bicolor (AB) hydro ethanol extract was found to contain flavonoids, phenols, saponins, and tannins. Acute toxicity testing showed its safety up to 5000 mg/kg. Gentamicin administration (Group II) resulted in a significant (p < 0.001) increase in urea (154.07 ± 6.22 mg/dl), creatinine (8.90 ± 0.51 mg/dl), and uric acid (3.27 ± 0.74 mg/dl), indicating renal dysfunction compared to the negative control group (distilled water). Co-treatment with ascorbic acid (Group III) and varying doses of Aleuritopteris bicolor (AB) extract (Groups IV, V, and VI) led to significant reductions in urea and creatinine levels, with the 500 mg/kg AB extract dose showing the most notable effects (p < 0.001) compared to the gentamicin-only group. Histopathological analysis revealed that gentamicin caused tubular degeneration, colloid cast formation, and glomerular injury, while treatment with AB extract minimized these damages. Additionally, gentamicin caused significant increases in serum ALP (p < 0.001), AST (p < 0.001), and ALT (p < 0.001) compared to the control group. Treatment with AB extract significantly reduced these enzymes (p < 0.001) compared to the gentamicin-only group. Histological analysis showed the gentamicin group had portal inflammation and hepatocyte degeneration, while AB extract minimized these changes, supporting its protective effects against renal and hepatic toxicity.

Conclusions: These findings suggest that Aleuritopteris bicolor extract effectively mitigates gentamicin –induced nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity in Albino rats, demonstrating potential for therapeutic use.

Wound healing Potential of Fucoidan Extracted Microwavically from Sargassum wightii Possibly Mediated by Collagen-1 Expression in Vero Cell Line

2025-09-24T13:16:32+03:00

Background: Fucoidan, a natural macromolecule extracted from Sargassum wightii, has shown promise in various therapeutic areas, including anti-tumor, antioxidant, antithrombotic, and wound healing applications. This study explores the wound healing potential of fucoidan derived from Sargassum wightii collected from the Gulf of Mannar, Tamil Nadu, India.

Aims and Objectives: This research aims to assess the effectiveness of fucoidan extracted via microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) in promoting wound healing in Vero cells, a line of African green monkey kidney cells. The study also investigates the impact of fucoidan on collagen-1 expression, a critical protein involved in the wound healing process.

Materials and Methods: Fucoidan was extracted using MAE, and its cytotoxicity was evaluated using the Sulforhodamine B (SRB) Assay. The wound healing efficacy was tested through a scratch assay, measuring the closure of wounds over 24 and 48 hours.

Results: The SRB Assay demonstrated that fucoidan did not exhibit cytotoxicity to Vero cells, with an IC50 value of 61.30 µM. The scratch assay revealed wound closure of 46.15% at 24 hours and 76.9% at 48 hours, compared to 50% and 81.25% in the control group. Fucoidan treatment significantly increased collagen-1 expression, with 77.92% of cells showing elevated levels of this crucial protein.

Conclusions: This study confirms the in-vitro wound healing capabilities of fucoidan extracted from Sargassum wightii. These findings support the potential of fucoidan as a natural agent for wound healing and restoration.

Impact of an Educational Workshop on Improving Pharmacy Students’ Knowledge About Helicobacter pylori Infection

2025-09-24T13:16:29+03:00

Aim: There is limited awareness about H. pylori in the community, and if improved, better disease control will be produced. This study aims to assess the level of knowledge among undergraduate pharmacy students regarding H. pylori diagnosis and management before and after delivering an educational pharmacy intervention.

Methods: This intervention study was initiated in May 2020, where 72 pharmacy students attended a workshop about H. pylori management and diagnosis. Students’ knowledge about H. pylori infection was determined before and after the workshop. The intervention group attended a focused lecture about H. pylori combined with a case diagnosis and management simulation session. The control group self-reviewed a pamphlet related to the topic containing general information about H. pylori.

Results: Among the participants (n= 72), 58 (80.6%) had not attended a similar workshop previously. The intervention group demonstrated a significant improvement in their median knowledge score, rising from 9.0 (IQR: 8.0–11.0) pre-workshop to 11.0 (IQR: 10.0–12.0) post-workshop (P-value = 0.001). In contrast, the control group showed no significant change, maintaining a median score of 9.0 (IQR: 8.0–11.0) (P-value = 0.324). Additionally, while both groups had similar baseline knowledge scores, the intervention group achieved a significantly higher score after the workshop (P-value = 0.006).

Conclusion: The educational intervention resulted in a significant improvement in pharmacy students' knowledge about H. pylori. These findings underscore the importance of targeted educational activities in enhancing student preparedness for managing H. pylori cases in clinical practice.

Caraway Seed Extract and Lactation: in vivo study

2025-09-24T13:16:28+03:00

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of caraway seed aqueous extract on milk production in female rats and elucidate its bioactive components. We used three groups of six virgin rats and three groups of six lactating rats. We kept each mother rat and her six pups apart. From the third to the seventeenth day of breastfeeding, these groups of animals received distilled water, metoclopramide (5 mg/kg), and aqueous extracts of caraway seed (200 mg/kg) daily by mouth. We used the indirect method, which established a link between the amount of milk nursing rats produced and the weight gain of pups who received no food. We also measure the prolactin levels of female rats who have never been pregnant on specific days. On Day 14, the groups that received caraway seed fluid extracts (200 mg/kg) or metoclopramide (5 mg/kg) showed significantly higher prolactin levels (P > 0.01 and P > 0.001, respectively). Studies have shown that caraway seed significantly increases prolactin levels (P> 0.05) as early as Day 7. Only with (5 mg/kg) of metoclopramide did milk production and pup weight gain go up significantly (P > 0.05). An extract of caraway seed affects prolactin levels in rats, but it does not affect milk production. Further research is necessary to explore the potential therapeutic benefits of caraway seed.

Effect of Excipients on the Phenolic Content in Pumpkin Leaf Extracts after Their Introduction into Semisolid Pharmaceutical Forms and Evaluation of In Vitro Stability

2025-09-24T13:16:23+03:00

The present study aimed to formulate semi-solid pharmaceutical forms from pumpkin leaves (Cucurbita pepo Casper). Total phenolic content was measured after extracting the leaves from Ghouta, Syria. Plant extracts were prepared from Cucurbita pepo Casper leaves using four solvents: ethanol (70%), ethanol, aqueous, and methanol extract. The phenolic content of each extract was quantified. The most effective extracts were incorporated into semi-solid pharmaceutical forms. The influence of excipients on phenolic content was evaluated by measuring phenolic levels in the semisolid formulations and analyzing changes in viscosity and consistency on the shelf. The aqueous extract of Cucurbita pepo 'Casper' leaves exhibited the highest phenolic content, with a concentration of 2.21 ± 11.77 mg/g dry powder. This extract was selected for formulation into three distinct pharmaceutical bases. Among the formulations, the water-in-oil (w/o) cream demonstrated the highest phenolic content and superior stability compared to the oil-in-water (o/w) cream. Stability tests conducted over a three-month period confirmed that the w/o cream maintained optimal stability. Thus, the w/o cream was determined to be the most effective formulation.

Extraction, Phytochemical Analysis, and Standardization of Oleuropein-Rich Olive Leaf Extracts: A Study Across Diverse Jordanian Regions

2025-09-24T13:16:25+03:00

This study aims to investigate and standardize olive leaf extract (OLE) from Jordanian olive trees, examining the impact of geographical differences on the extract's characteristics. Olive leaves were collected from Amman, Karak, Ajloun, and Mafraq and processed using a cost-effective hydro-alcoholic extraction method. Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC-UV) were employed to identify and quantify oleuropein, the primary phenolic compound. Additionally, the effects of stress conditions (temperature, UV, humidity) on OLE from Karak were evaluated. The highest oleuropein concentration and total phenolic content were found in extracts from Karak. Physical properties, moisture, ash content, heavy metals, minerals, residual solvents, and microbiological purity were assessed for all extracts. The findings highlight that geographical factors such as altitude and rainfall significantly influence the phenolic content of OLE, with Karak yielding the highest quality extract. The study suggests Jordan's potential as a source of high-quality OLE and recommends further research to improve the stability and formulation of these extracts for therapeutic use.

Impact of Oxidative Stress on Jordanian Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

2025-09-24T13:16:31+03:00

Background: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder whose etiology is still unknown and without clinical biomarkers. Recent studies have highlighted the potential role of oxidative stress and metabolic changes in ASD. However, little is known about these changes in the Jordanian ASD population.

Aims: This study aimed to evaluate oxidative stress biomarkers in Jordanian children with ASD and to investigate the potential correlations with the disorder's clinical features.

Methodology: This cross-sectional study involved 80 Jordanian children divided into two groups: the patients’ group (diagnosed with ASD, n=40) and the control group (healthy, n=40). The study examined the distribution of ASD among the participants and assessed the prevalence of comorbid conditions. It also evaluated oxidative stress biomarkers, including Glutathione Peroxidase (GPX), Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), and Malondialdehyde (MDA).

Results: ASD was more common in males (65% in the ASD group) and in people with a family history of the disorder (55%). Common comorbid conditions included ADHD (42.5%), anxiety (25%), and epilepsy (15%). Children with ASD had significantly lower levels of GPX (2.72 ± 0.9 pmol/mL vs. 7.74 ± 2.5 pmol/mL in controls, p<0.005) and SOD (1.74 ± 0.75 ng/mL vs. 2.93 ± 0.98 ng/mL in controls, p<0.005) and higher levels of MDA (16 ± 1.95 nmol/mL vs. 5.46 ± 1.57 nmol/mL in controls, p<0.005).

Conclusion: This study suggests a potential association between ASD and oxidative stress. While further research is required, these findings contribute to our understanding of ASD pathogenesis and may guide future diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Pearson correlation coefficients imply that increased oxidative stress, as measured by lower GPX and SOD levels and higher MDA levels, may be linked to the severity and presence of clinical features in ASD.

A Comprehensive Novel Stability indicating Method Development and Validation for Simultaneous Assessment of Abiraterone and Niraparib in Bulk and Pharmaceutical Formulation by Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography

2025-09-24T13:16:08+03:00

Background: This study aims to develop and validate an innovative, rapid and dependable reverse-phase Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography method for the simultaneous quantification of the anticancer drugs Abiraterone and Niraparib in bulk and pharmaceutical formulations marketed under the brand name Akeega. By offering a precise and stability-indicating assay, this research addresses a critical need for efficient analytical methods to assess these two agents in combination, an area with limited prior exploration. This novel approach not only fills a significant gap in the quantification of these compounds but also enhances analytical reliability for combined anticancer therapies, supporting broader research and quality control efforts.

Method: The method was optimized for isocratic elution on a C18 HSS column (2.1 mm × 100 mm, 1.8 μm) using a mobile phase composed of methanol and buffer 60:40v/v at a flow rate of 0.3 mL/min providing stable performance at room temperature. Detection was carried out with a UV detector set to 259 nm using a 10 μL sample injection volume and a total run time of five minutes.

Results: The retention times for Abiraterone and Niraparib were observed at 1.0333 and 3.4833 minutes, respectively, demonstrating excellent peak separation and resolution. The method showed strong linearity within concentration ranges of 12.5–75 μg/mL for Abiraterone and 2.5–15 μg/mL for Niraparib with calibration curve regression equations of Y = 9668x - 3531 (R² = 0.999) for Abiraterone and Y = 9632x + 1803 (R² = 0.999) for Niraparib. The % RSD values indicating precision were below 2 at 0.239 and 0.265. The method yielded percentage mean recoveries of 99.4-99.7% for Abiraterone and 99.5-99.8% for Niraparib with % RSD values ranging from 0.1-0.2 and 0.1-0.3 respectively. Rigorous forced degradation tests, including acidic, alkaline, oxidative, photolytic, and thermal conditions, confirmed the method’s effectiveness as a stability-indicating assay.

Conclusion: Following validation in alignment with International Council for Harmonization (ICH) guidelines the method was found to be linear, specific, accurate, robust, time-efficient and suitable for quality control and process monitoring in the bulk manufacturing of these drugs. This validated method offers a valuable tool for ensuring the quality and stability of Abiraterone and Niraparib supporting their development and regulatory compliance.