This study explored a safe and environmentally friendly method for synthesizing zinc oxide nanoparticles from Lebanese rice ethanolic extract and its aqueous fraction, with the aim of improving their efficacy and safety as promising preclinical candidates for arthritis treatment. The nanoparticles were characterized using several analytical techniques, and the results showed that both extracts successfully produced nanoparticles with small sizes and suitable physicochemical properties. The in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo results demonstrated that the prepared nanoparticles had stronger anti-arthritic activity than the original plant extracts and sodium diclofenac in some tests, along with high permeability and a clear effect in reducing edema and inflammation. Safety tests also showed no acute or subacute toxic effects, confirming that these nanoparticles represent a promising natural and safe option for developing future arthritis therapies

20 - September - 2025

This study aimed to develop a simple and safe green synthesis method for zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using ethanolic extract and aqueous fraction of Cedrus libani to enhance their therapeutic efficacy and biosafety as potential anti-arthritis agents. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using UV-visible spectrophotometry, FTIR, FESEM, EDX, dynamic light scattering, and zeta potential analysis. The results confirmed successful synthesis of ZnO NPs with particle sizes of 71 and 44 nm. In vitro evaluations demonstrated superior anti-arthritic activity of the synthesized nanoparticles compared to plant extracts and sodium diclofenac, through albumin denaturation inhibition and human red blood cell membrane stabilization assays. Ex vivo permeability studies also revealed high skin permeability, supporting their potential for topical application. In vivo experiments showed significant inhibition of carrageenan-induced paw edema and improvement in inflammatory biomarkers, including C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), with better outcomes than the standard drug. Acute and subacute dermal toxicity studies confirmed the safety and biosafety of the synthesized nanoparticles. Overall, the green synthesized ZnO nanoparticles showed high permeability, superior efficacy, and excellent safety, making them a promising natural therapeutic candidate for arthritis

1 - September - 2025

The Schinus molle plant is commonly found in the Syrian Arab Republic and has been traditionally used to manage inflammatory conditions, treat spasms, and heal wounds. The aim of this research is to verify the traditional use of the ethanol extracts of the fruits and leaves in managing inflammatory conditions. This was achieved by isolating the oil and preparing the ethanol extracts. The anti-inflammatory activity was tested in vitro through an Inhibition of protein denaturation. Additionally, the in vivo activity was tested by inducing carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats, where the ethanol extract of the fruits was prepared and injected intraperitoneally, and its effectiveness was compared with sodium diclofenac. The leaves and fruits of the Schinus molle plant showed significant activity in When comparing the ethanol extracts of both parts with the positive control, the ethanol extract of the fruits was more effective than the positive control, yielding 85% activity at a concentration of 100µg/ml, whereas the ethanol extract of the leaves showed 46.3% activity at a concentration of 500µg/ml. This is in comparison to the positive control, sodium diclofenac, which showed 63.5% activity at a concentration of 400µg/ml. The leaves and fruits of the Schinus molle plant showed significant activity in the albumin protection test, especially the ethanol extract of the fruits, which demonstrated the highest activity at a concentration of 200µg/ml with a protection rate of 75.3%, compared to the other extracts and the positive control, which gave a protection rate of 54.6% at a concentration of 300µg/ml. In the carrageenan test, the ethanol extract of the fruits showed lower activity than the positive control, reaching its peak at the fourth hour post-injection with 73% effectiveness at a concentration of 50mg/kg, while the positive control (diclofenac) reached 88%. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are among the most commonly used medications for treating pain and inflammation. However, their use is limited by their harmful side effects, which is why research is leaning towards developing effective and safe drugs from the plant kingdom. The Schinus molle plant is traditionally used in treating inflammatory diseases and rheumatism. Based on the positive results obtained, this encourages conducting clinical studies after performing toxicity tests and ensuring their safety, in order to obtain new compounds with good effectiveness and fewer side effects.

1 - May - 2025

For many decades, Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) has been endemic in Aleppo, Syria. The situation has worsened due to the ongoing war. Currently, CL diagnosis in Syria relies mainly on conventional methods, such as clinical symptoms and microscopic examination. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of PCR (polymerase chain reaction) in diagnosing suspected CL cases. Two PCR protocols were applied: kDNA PCR for CL diagnosis and ITS2 PCR to identify the Leishmania parasite species. The results were compared with conventional methods, and correlations between CL prevalence and demographic factors were explored. Between January 2021 and October 2022, 105 suspected CL patients were screened at the Leishmania Center in Aleppo. kDNA PCR showed a sensitivity of 100 %, detecting positive results in 92 samples. Microscopic examination had a sensitivity of 76.1 %, identifying Leishmania amastigotes in 70 out of 92 samples. ITS2 PCR revealed that L. tropica was the dominant species (96.0 %) in Aleppo. Prevalence of CL was higher among men (54.3 %), the 13–25 years age group (39.1 %), and those with poor to moderate living conditions (87.0 %). Patients typically had an average of 3 lesions, with the upper extremities (55.4 %) and face (35.9 %) being the most affected areas. The study recommends using kDNA PCR for CL diagnosis due to its high sensitivity. Furthermore, the reported demographic and epidemiological data can inform public health authorities in their efforts to treat and prevent leishmaniasis in the country.

1 - February - 2025

For many decades, Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) has been endemic in Aleppo, Syria. The situation has worsened due to the ongoing war. Currently, CL diagnosis in Syria relies mainly on conventional methods, such as clinical symptoms and microscopic examination. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of PCR (polymerase chain reaction) in diagnosing suspected CL cases. Two PCR protocols were applied: kDNA PCR for CL diagnosis and ITS2 PCR to identify the Leishmania parasite species. The results were compared with conventional methods, and correlations between CL prevalence and demographic factors were explored. Between January 2021 and October 2022, 105 suspected CL patients were screened at the Leishmania Center in Aleppo. kDNA PCR showed a sensitivity of 100 %, detecting positive results in 92 samples. Microscopic examination had a sensitivity of 76.1 %, identifying Leishmania amastigotes in 70 out of 92 samples. ITS2 PCR revealed that L. tropica was the dominant species (96.0 %) in Aleppo. Prevalence of CL was higher among men (54.3 %), the 13–25 years age group (39.1 %), and those with poor to moderate living conditions (87.0 %). Patients typically had an average of 3 lesions, with the upper extremities (55.4 %) and face (35.9 %) being the most affected areas. The study recommends using kDNA PCR for CL diagnosis due to its high sensitivity. Furthermore, the reported demographic and epidemiological data can inform public health authorities in their efforts to treat and prevent leishmaniasis in the country.

1 - February - 2025

Prosopis farcta (Banks et Sol.) Eig., is a widely distributed plant, that is rich in health benefits components. This study aims to optimize the ultrasonic-assisted extraction parameters of P. farcta leaves in order to maximize total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity, using response surface methodology (RSM). A Box-Behnken design (BBD) with three levels and three variables was employed, the independent variables were extraction temperature (20, 40 and 60°C), extraction time (20, 40 and 60 minutes) and ethanol concentration (20, 45 and 70%). Results show that all three extraction parameters have great effects on the TPC, TFC, and DPPH scavenging values, the optimal conditions were (extraction temperature: 53.93°C, extraction time: 51.11 minutes and ethanol concentration: 65.45%), under these conditions, the experimental results were (TPC: 109.89 mg GAE/g DW, TFC: 11.287 mg RE/g DW and DPPH: 37.503%), these results are matching well with the theoretical predicted values which proves that RSM models were accurate and reliable. Strong correlations were found between TPC, TFC, and DPPH scavenging activity. This study revealed the importance of P. farcta as a natural source of antioxidants, and highlighted the optimal extraction conditions that can be effectively employed for maximizing production of natural antioxidants from P. fractal leaves.

1 - July - 2024

Prosopis farcta (Banks et Sol.) Eig., is a widely distributed plant, that is rich in health benefits components. This study aims to optimize the ultrasonic-assisted extraction parameters of P. farcta leaves in order to maximize total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity, using response surface methodology (RSM). A Box-Behnken design (BBD) with three levels and three variables was employed, the independent variables were extraction temperature (20, 40 and 60°C), extraction time (20, 40 and 60 minutes) and ethanol concentration (20, 45 and 70%). Results show that all three extraction parameters have great effects on the TPC, TFC, and DPPH scavenging values, the optimal conditions were (extraction temperature: 53.93°C, extraction time: 51.11 minutes and ethanol concentration: 65.45%), under these conditions, the experimental results were (TPC: 109.89 mg GAE/g DW, TFC: 11.287 mg RE/g DW and DPPH: 37.503%), these results are matching well with the theoretical predicted values which proves that RSM models were accurate and reliable. Strong correlations were found between TPC, TFC, and DPPH scavenging activity. This study revealed the importance of P. farcta as a natural source of antioxidants, and highlighted the optimal extraction conditions that can be effectively employed for maximizing production of natural antioxidants from P. farcta leaves. Keywords: Prosopis farcta, antioxidant, ultrasonic-assisted extraction, optimization, response surface methodology (RSM)

1 - July - 2024

This research discusses 3D Bioprinting, an advanced technology that combines biotechnology and additive manufacturing to fabricate living tissues and potentially functional organs using living cells and biomaterials known as bioinks. The study explains the development stages of bioprinting technology and describes major printing techniques such as: Inkjet bioprinting Laser-assisted bioprinting Extrusion

24 - May - 2024

NSAIDs, glucocorticoids, aminosalicylates, and immunosuppressants are nowadays the most commonly used anti-inflammatory medicines, although they have cosiderable side effects. Nanoparticles (NPs), notably metallic NPs, have gained appeal in the development of safer anti-inflammatory drugs. Because conventional NP synthesis methods are limited by environmentally unfriendly chemicals and high energy consumption, alternative green synthesis of metallic and metal oxide NPs, including plant-mediated synthesis, has piqued the interest of researchers due to phytochemicals that can reduce metal precursors and stabilize the generated NPs. This method is an eco-friendly, non-toxic, and cost-effective. This review aimed to highlight studies concerningthe anti- inflammatory activity of different plant-mediated green synthesis of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles with anti-inflammatory properties covering papers since 2017. According to the findings, the majority of the NPs tested were AgNPs. Noticeably, few investigations were conducted to assess the stability and safety of these NPs. Remarkably, someNPs exert more anti-inflammatory activity than plant extract itself and the standard. Some anti-inflammatory tests were limited to in vitro testing. Obviously, there is a lack of information regarding the safety issues of these NPs and the determination of their active doses. Thus, further invitro and invivo pharmacological and toxicological studiesare required for these metal and metal oxide NPs to identify medicinal uses and avoid unintended adverse consequences. It is also urgent to test the stability of these NPs in various dosage forms after determining the optimal active dose

1 - May - 2024

This review article discusses the anti-inflammatory properties and safety of green-synthesized metal and metal oxide nanoparticles produced using plant-mediated methods. The study highlights green synthesis as an eco-friendly and safer alternative to conventional chemical nanoparticle synthesis methods. In this approach, natural phytochemicals from plant extracts are used to reduce and stabilize metallic nanoparticles. The review covers several types of nanoparticles, including: Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) Gold nanoparticles Zinc oxide nanoparticles Iron oxide nanoparticles Cerium oxide nanoparticles The article explains their ability to: Inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines Reduce oxidative stress Enhance anti-inflammatory therapeutic activity Minimize side effects compared with traditional anti-inflammatory drugs. The study also addresses safety and toxicological concerns, indicating that some nanoparticles may induce cellular toxicity at high concentrations. Therefore, the authors emphasize the need for further in vivo pharmacological and toxicological studies before these nanoparticles can

1 - May - 2024

This research presents a comparative study evaluating the effects of two materials used in direct pulp capping treatment: Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) Biodentine The study aimed to determine which material is more effective in stimulating dentin bridge formation after direct pulp exposure. The research was conducted as an in vivo study, assessing the pulp tissue response and the ability of each material to: Protect dental pulp Reduce inflammation Stimulate reparative dentin formation Preserve tooth vitality This research presents a comparative study evaluating the effects of two materials used in direct pulp capping treatment: Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) Biodentine The study aimed to determine which material is more effective in stimulating dentin bridge formation after direct pulp exposure. The research was conducted as an in vivo study, assessing the pulp tissue response and the ability of each material to: Protect dental pulp Reduce inflammation Stimulate reparative dentin formation Preserve tooth vitality The findings indicated that both materials showed good biocompatibility and supported dentin bridge formation. However, Biodentine demonstrated faster healing and reparative responses in some aspects compared to MTA, along with easier clinical handling