Universal Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
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TRANSFORMING PHARMACY EDUCATION IN UNANI SYSTEM OF MEDICINE: A CRITICAL EVALUATION OF ANCIENT, PRESENT, AND FUTURE
Get PDFThis review article illuminates; a brief historical outline of the origin, evolution and current scenario of the Unani system of Medicine (USM) and Ilmul Saidla (Pharmacy), major issues in Pharmacy (Unani) education, training, practice, including lacunas in; course, curriculum, research, and innovation. The promising and constructive revolutionary idea of the educational system that should be implemented by the establishment of the Bachelor, Master, Doctor of Pharmacy, and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Pharmacy (Unani) is also given. The objective of this futuristic vision is to produce skilled pharmaceutical professionals in USM to meet the requirements of Unani pharmaceutical industries, supervision of dispensaries of hospitals, public healthcare services and to upgrade the text and knowledge of Pharmacy (Unani). This paper offers a unique opportunity to spark meaningful discussions, encourage critical reflection, and guide strategic planning, making it an essential resource for the ongoing enhancement of the new Pharmacy education system in USM, to achieve impactful and positive outcomes.
Peer Review History:
Received 10 October 2024; Reviewed 11 November; Accepted 20 December; Available online 15 January 2025
Academic Editor: Dr. Jennifer Audu-Peter, University of Jos, Nigeria, [email protected]
Reviewers:
Dr. Wilman Ismael Carrillo Terán, Technical University of Ambato Avda, Ecuador, [email protected]
Dr. Wadhah Hassan Ali Edrees, Hajja University, Yemen, [email protected]
ANTIBACTERIAL EFFICACY OF FIVE NATURAL ESSENTIAL OILS USED IN YEMEN: A COMPARATIVE STUDY
Get PDFBackground and objective: Due to the increasing resistance to synthetic antibiotics and preservatives, there is growing interest in exploring natural alternatives. This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial potential of five commercially available essential oils in the Yemeni market Azadirachta indica (Neem), Moringa oleifera, Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary), Salvia officinalis, and Origanum majorana against selected Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains.
Method: Agar diffusion was used to investigate the antibacterial activity of essential oils from five plants: Azadirachta indica (neem), Moringa oleifera, Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary), Salvia officinalis, and Origanum majorana.
Result: Significant differences in the inhibitory effects of the plant oils of neem, Moringa oleifera, Rosmarinus officinalis, Salvia officinalis, and Origanum majorana against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria were found during the antimicrobial screening process. Nearing the effectiveness of gentamicin (25 mm), Salvia officinalis and neem oils demonstrated the highest action against Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus (22 mm and 20 mm inhibition zones, respectively). Rosmarinus officinalis, on the other hand, demonstrated a low level of efficacy (10 mm). Most oils were less effective against Gram-negative organisms, and E. coli showed resistance to all save Rosmarinus officinalis (12 mm).
Conclusions: These results demonstrate the potential of oils produced from plants, especially Origanum majorana, neem, and Salvia officinalis, as antibacterial agents against Gram-negative bacteria highlights the need for more research into maximizing their use, either alone or in combination with other antibiotics, despite their encouraging efficacy against Gram-positive bacteria.
Peer Review History:
Received 9 April 2025; Reviewed 14 May 2025; Accepted 20 June; Available online 15 July 2025
Academic Editor: Dr. Ahmad Najib, Universitas Muslim Indonesia, Indonesia, [email protected]
Reviewers:
Antonio José de Jesus Evangelista, Federal University of Ceará, UFC, Brazil, [email protected]
Prof. Abdulwahab Ismail Al-kholani, Dean of Faculty of Dentistry at 21 September University, Yemen. [email protected]
CHITOSAN COATED ROSUVASTATIN NANOSTRUCTURED LIPID CARRIERS: FORMULATION, IN VITRO CHARACTERIZATION AND STORAGE ASSESSMENTS
Get PDFBackground and Objective: Rosuvastatin calcium (ROS-Ca) is a synthetic, highly potent third-generation HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor with significant hypocholesterolemic effects. The objective of this study was to develop and characterize nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) as a delivery system for the poorly water-soluble drug rosuvastatin calcium (ROS-Ca), with the aim of enhancing its dissolution rate and improving oral bioavailability.
Methods: ROS-NLCs is prepared by hot homogenization–ultrasonication technique then the prepared formulations were further characterized. Finally compare their characteristics to the corresponding a positively charged chitosan coated to develop new CH-ROS-NLCs. In this study, glyceryl monostearate (GMS) was selected as solid lipids and Transcutol® HP as a liquid lipid, to develop ROS-NLC (nanostructured lipid carrier).
Results: The physicochemical properties were achieved. The prepared ROS-NLC formulation was showed in nanometric size (121.6±6.2 nm) with encapsulation efficiency (63±0.2%). Furthermore, ROS-NLC and CH-ROS-NLC appeared almost spherical nanoparticles in morphology under transmission electron microscope (TEM). DSC, XRD and FT-IR analysis showed that ROS was miscible, compatible, and incorporated into NLCs in amorphous form not in native crystalline state.
Conclusion: The previously results showed that ROS-Ca was successfully encapsulated into nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) which coated with chitosan CH-ROS-NLC to overcome the above-mentioned defects and, it was ensured that nanostructured lipid carriers have high beneficial effect for enhancing and improving the oral bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs such as Rosuvastatin.
Peer Review History:
Received 9 April 2025; Reviewed 12 May 2025; Accepted 22 June; Available online 15 July 2025
Academic Editor: Dr. DANIYAN Oluwatoyin Michael, Obafemi Awolowo University, ILE-IFE, Nigeria, [email protected]
Reviewers:
Dr. Areen Alshweiat, University of Szeged, Hungary, [email protected]
Dr. Awofisayo, O Abosede, University of Uyo, Nigeria, [email protected]
HEMATOCRIT AND HEMOGLOBIN RATIO: A POTENTIAL INDICATOR FOR CERVICAL CANCER PROGNOSIS – A NARRATIVE REVIEW
Get PDFCervical cancer continues to be a major source of cancer-related illness and death among women globally, especially in low- and middle-income nations. Although progress in screening and treatment has enhanced results, discovering straightforward, affordable, and broadly available prognostic indicators is essential, particularly in resource-constrained environments. Hematological measures like hematocrit (Hct) and hemoglobin (Hb) are regularly assessed in clinical settings, and their ratio Hct/Hb has recently been identified as a potentially significant marker for disease progression and treatment response. The Hct/Hb ratio indicates modifications in red blood cell structure, plasma volume, and systemic inflammation elements closely related to tumor biology and anemia associated with cancer. In cervical cancer, alterations in this ratio might relate to tumor hypoxia, inadequate oxygen supply, and inflammatory mechanisms that encourage disease advancement and therapeutic resistance. Initial research has suggested that a diminished or modified Hct/Hb ratio might correlate with later disease stages, lowered treatment effectiveness, and reduced survival rates, indicating its importance as a prognostic factor.
Peer Review History:
Received 8 April 2025; Reviewed 14 May 2025; Accepted 23 June; Available online 15 July 2025
Academic Editor: Dr. Nuray Arı, Ankara University, Turkiye, [email protected]
Reviewers:
Dr. Jennifer Audu-Peter, University of Jos, Nigeria, [email protected]
Dr. Kamal Elbssir Mohammed Ali, Hail University KSA, [email protected]
THE EFFECTIVENESS OF MODIFIED OCCLUSAL SPLINT IN TREATMENT OF OROMANDIBULAR DYSTONIA FOR A SAMPLE OF YEMENI PATIENTS
Get PDFBackground and aim: Dystonia is a neurological movement disorder characterized by sustained or periodic muscle contractions, resulting in abnormal, often repetitive, body movements or postures, or both. The movements are typically stereotyped and twisting, and may resemble a tremor. This study was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of a modified occlusal splint (the AL Hadi Modified Occlusal Splint) in the treatment of oromandibular dystonia (OMD).
Methodology: Modified Al-Hadi occlusal splints were fitted to 25 patients (21 males and 4 females) with oromandibular dystonia (OMD) and uncontrolled lateral mandibular deviation. These patients underwent monthly follow-ups for six months. The effectiveness of the modified occlusal splint was assessed by measuring changes in speech, pain, discomfort, involuntary lateral jaw movement, and mastication ability. Scores for each symptom ranged from 0 to 4, with a higher score indicating severe impairment.
Result: The results showed significant improvement in chewing ability starting from the second visit, as well as significant improvement in speech and discomfort (involuntary lateral jaw movement). However, no significant improvement was observed in pain levels. For example, at the six-month follow-up, 8% of patients reported normal chewing ability, 68% could eat anything without significant time-consuming, and 24% could only eat soft foods. Furthermore, no patient found it difficult or time-consuming to eat only soft foods or liquids. Furthermore, 16% of patients reported normal comfort, and no patient reported severe discomfort.
Conclusion: The modified occlusal splint has promise improvement in speech, mastication ability and uncontrolled lateral jaw movement.
Peer Review History:
Received 6 June 2025; Reviewed 12 July 2025; Accepted 22 August; Available online 15 September 2025
Academic Editor: Dr. Ahmad Najib, Universitas Muslim Indonesia, Indonesia, [email protected]
Reviewers:
Ahmed Tagelsir Mohamed Ali, National University, Sudan, [email protected]
Antonio José de Jesus Evangelista, Federal University of Ceará, UFC, Brazil, [email protected]
A SYSTEMS BASED APPROACH TO MICROBIOLOGICAL QUALITY ASSESSMENT IN A HEALTHCARE FACILITY’S WATER DISTRIBUTION NETWORK: A CASE STUDY
Get PDFBackground: Water distribution systems within healthcare facilities are complex ecosystems that can harbor opportunistic pathogens, posing a significant risk to patient safety. Ensuring the microbiological quality of water requires rigorous monitoring and a deep understanding of the entire system, from source to point-of-use. This study undertakes a comprehensive statistical analysis of microbiological data from a healthcare facility’s water treatment and distribution network to identify contamination hotspots, evaluate the efficacy of critical treatment barriers, and map potential contamination pathways.
Methods: This retrospective case study analyzed heterotrophic plate count (HPC) data collected from 29 distinct sampling points throughout a healthcare facility’s water system. The points represented various stages, including municipal source water, intermediate treatment steps (softening, ultrafiltration, reverse osmosis), storage tanks, and multiple points-of-use. Non-parametric statistical methods were employed due to the non-normal distribution of microbial data. A Kruskal-Wallis test with Dunn's post-hoc analysis was used to compare microbial loads across all sampling points. A focused Mann-Whitney U test was performed to assess the performance of the ultrafiltration (UF) unit.
Results: The analysis revealed significant variability in microbiological quality throughout the system (Kruskal-Wallis, p<0.0001). One point-of-use and a pre-UF exhibited high median microbial counts and extreme variability, indicating chronic contamination and potential biofilm proliferation. Critically, the ultrafiltration unit failed to demonstrate a statistically significant reduction in microbial load between the pre-filter.
Conclusion: The data reveals variability in microbiological levels across the water system, suggesting that the ultrafiltration barrier's performance is a significant factor influencing downstream water quality. The data points to systemic issues, likely involving widespread biofilm, that compromise water quality at the points-of-use.
Peer Review History:
Received 1 June 2025; Reviewed 8 July 2025; Accepted 14 August; Available online 15 September 2025
Academic Editor: Dr. Tamer Elhabibi, Suez Canal University, Egypt, [email protected]
Reviewers:
Dr. Gülay B Anadolu, Anadolu University, Eskisehir, Turkey, [email protected]
Prof. Dr. A. Hakan AKTAŞ, Süleyman Demirel University, Faculty of Science and Art, Department of Chemistry, Isparta-Turkey, [email protected]
CAROTID-JUGULAR FISTULA FOLLOWING A BOMB EXPLOSION: A CASE STUDY OF RARE FISTULA
Get PDFBackground: Traumatic arteriovenous fistula (TAVF) is a rare vascular injury, usually caused by blast trauma and is on the rise in Yemen due to the ongoing war there for 14 years. This report describes a case of TAVF that occurred 5 days before the patient sought help and presented to the hospital.
Case presentation: A 16-year-old male with unknown past medical history presented five days after a bomb blast with penetrating trauma to the second zone of the neck. Physical examination revealed a tremor over the site of injury, suggestive of vascular injury, but the patient had no active bleeding, neurologic deficit, or expansive hematoma. Computed tomography (CT) angiography findings were critical in confirming a traumatic arteriovenous fistula and guiding the surgical approach for exploration and repair. Surgical exploration identified a carotid-jugular fistula between the posterolateral common carotid artery and the medial internal jugular vein. Computed tomography angiography findings confirmed successful closure of the fistula with preservation of vascular integrity and no immediate postoperative complications.
Conclusion: This case report describes the successful surgical management of a rare carotid-jugular fistula after a bomb blast. The positive outcomes, including preservation of neurological function and vascular integrity, highlight the importance of prompt surgical intervention and the potential for excellent recovery in traumatic vascular injuries.
Peer Review History:
Received 2 December 2024; Reviewed 8 January 2025; Accepted 16 February; Available online 15 March 2025
Academic Editor: Dr. Sally A. El-Zahaby, Pharos University in Alexandria, Egypt, [email protected]
Reviewers:
Dr. Rana Ahmed MohamedEl-Saied El-Fitiany, Ahram Canadian University, Giza, Egypt, [email protected]
Dr. Razan Hani Amin Haddad, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Jordan, [email protected]
ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF ESSENTIAL OIL OBTAINED FROM LEAVES AND ROOTS OF LAVANDULA PUBESCENS
Get PDFBackground: Yemen is home to 23 genera and 23 species of the Lamiaceae family. Lamiaceae essential oils have shown the strongest antibacterial activity against a variety of pathogens, such as Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus, Aspergillus fumigatus, and Escherichia. These properties may be attributed to the main constituents of Lamiaceae essential oils, such as carvacrol, thymol, p-cymene, 1, 8-cineole, and caryophyllene.
Method: Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus viridans.), Gram-negative bacteria (Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, and Proteus vulgaris), and a series of bacteria available in the institute laboratory's stock culture were used for antibiotic sensitivity testing. The dried leaves and roots of the plant were chopped into small pieces, and the essential oil was extracted from each part by hydro distillation for 12 hours using a Clevenger-type all-glass apparatus. The oil was then transferred to a screw-capped glass vial, dried (Na2SO4), and kept at 4°C in the dark until analysis.
Results: Higher concentrations of the extract result in stronger inhibition. Gram-positive bacteria were more susceptible to the extract than Gram-negative bacteria, possibly because of differences in their cell wall structure. Lavandula pubescens essential oil has strong antimicrobial properties, especially against Staphylococcus aureus and Proteus viridans.
Conclusions: Gram-positive bacteria were more susceptible to the extract than Gram-negative bacteria, possibly because of differences in their cell wall structure. This study supports the potential use of Lavandula pubescens as a natural antimicrobial agent, which could be further investigated for pharmaceutical applications. The essential oil of the plant has significant antimicrobial properties, especially against Staphylococcus aureus and Proteus viridans. The antimicrobial effect is concentration dependent, with higher concentrations of the extract leading to stronger inhibition.
Peer Review History:
Received 1 February 2025; Reviewed 6 March 2025; Accepted 17 April; Available online 15 May 2025
Academic Editor: Dr. A.A. Mgbahurike, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria, [email protected]
Reviewers:
Dr. Alfonso Alexander Aguileral, University of Veracruz, Mexico, [email protected]
Dr. Ahmed Mohammed Al-Haddad, Hadhramout University, Al-Mukalla, Yemen, [email protected]
EFFECTS OF LOW LEVEL LASER IN THE TREATMENT OF MYOFASCIAL PAIN DYSFUNCTION TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT IN SAMPLE OF YEMENI PATIENT
Get PDFBackground and aims: Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are a collection of ailments that impact the temporomandibular joints and tissues, especially while chewing. The most prevalent type of TMD that causes discomfort and functional challenges is masticatory myofascial pain (MMP). Treatments for MPDS vary, with conservative and reversible therapies including behaviour adaptation, physical therapy, medicine, oral devices and patient education. The aim of this study is to test low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in reducing pain, increasing function, and improving range of motion and ability to perform daily activities in patients with MPS.
Patients and Methods: This study was a prospective clinical trial designed twenty patients to assess the efficacy of LLLT as a treatment modality for MPS, including the incidence and severity of side effects.
Results: The mean pain severity, measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), significantly decreased from 7.5 (1.3 SD) in first Week and progressively reducing to 3.8 (1.0 SD) in six Week, indicating substantial pain reduction over the treatment period. The majority of patients showed significant improvement, with 95% of participants experiencing a reduction in pain severity (p<0.001).
Conclusion: This study elucidated that LLLT may be regarded as an appropriate and non-invasive therapeutic approach for MPD. It was also effective, had promising outcomes, and can be utilized as a treatment for MP. Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) is regarded as a preferred therapeutic option due to its short-term bio stimulatory, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and regenerative benefits. LLLT shown minimal adverse effects and exhibited favorable patient acceptability.
Peer Review History:
Received 8 February 2025; Reviewed 12 March 2025; Accepted 23 April; Available online 15 May 2025
Academic Editor: Dr. A.A. Mgbahurike, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria, [email protected]
Reviewers:
Dr. Ahmed Mohammed Al-Haddad, Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hadhramout University, Al-Mukalla, Yemen, [email protected]
Dr. Ahmed Mohammed Al-Haddad, Hadhramout University, Al-Mukalla, Yemen, [email protected]
BREAST CANCER CELLS UNDER OXYGEN STRESS: ADAPTATION AND SURVIVAL MECHANISMS
Get PDFOxygen deprivation, or hypoxia, is a key characteristic of the tumor microenvironment in various solid tumors, such as breast cancer. As tumors exceed their blood supply, regions with low oxygen develop, generating selective pressure that fuels cancer advancement and resistance to treatment. Breast cancer cells demonstrate significant flexibility, allowing them to adjust to and endure under these difficult circumstances. Grasping the cellular and molecular reactions to hypoxia is essential for creating more efficient treatment approaches. A key adaptation to hypoxic stress includes metabolic reconfiguration. Breast cancer cells lower their dependence on oxygen driven mitochondrial respiration while boosting glycolytic activity, even when oxygen is available this is referred to as the Warburg effect. This metabolic change facilitates ATP generation and biosynthesis in oxygen-limited environments. Simultaneously, hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) trigger various genes related to angiogenesis, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), encouraging the development of new yet frequently ineffective blood vessels that continue to sustain hypoxic environments.
Peer Review History:
Received 1 August 2025; Reviewed 11 September 2025; Accepted 15 October; Available online 15 November 2025
Academic Editor: Dr. Jennifer Audu-Peter, University of Jos, Nigeria, [email protected]
Reviewers:
Dr. Hasniza Zaman Huri, University of Malaya Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, [email protected]
Dr. Hatem Sameir Abbas, Al-Azhar University, Egypt, [email protected]