Ebla Private University

Dr. Mais Kataya

Ph.D. in History of Medical Sciences, Univ. of Aleppo, Syria — 2010
M.A. in History of Medical Sciences, Univ. of Aleppo, Syria — 2006
Diploma in History of Medical Sciences, Univ. of Aleppo, Syria — 2000
B.Pharm. in Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Univ. of Aleppo, Syria — 1998

Contact

mais.s9fe@gmail.com

Experiences:

Academic Positions:

Faculty Member, Ebla Private University — 2011 – Present
Faculty Member, Institute of Arab Scientific Heritage, Univ. of Aleppo — 2022 – Present
Vice Dean for Academic Affairs, Institute of Arab Scientific Heritage — 2023 – Present
Lecturer, University of Aleppo — 1999 – 2022

Institutional Roles:

Head of Heritage and Culture Department, Center for Strategic Studies and Research, Univ. of Aleppo — 2026 – Present
Member, Syrian Pharmacists Syndicate Council — 2019 – 2023

Researches:

Dental and Oral Diseases in Al-Hawi FI T-Tadãwi of Najm ad-Dyn Al Shirazi (died 730 H/1330 AD)

This research studies oral and dental diseases in Najm al-Din Al-Shirazi's (d. 730 AH) book Al-Hawi FI T-Tadãwi by analyzing and verifying the manuscript's texts. The study employed a historical-analytical methodology, comparing the content with modern medical knowledge and with Ibn al-Nafis's "Mujaz al-Qanun". The findings indicate that Al-Shirazi provided an encyclopedic description of plant-based and compound remedies and treatments. However, his description of symptoms and diagnosis was less precise compared to Ibn al-Nafis. The research also highlighted Al-Shirazi's rare citations of his sources and the inaccuracy of some dental and oral medical information. In conclusion, while the book is an important reference in the history of pharmacy, its shortcomings in medical description and diagnosis render it an unreliable reference for traditional dentistry. - Aleppo Researches Magazine: History of Medical Sciences Series

10 - February - 2026

Tongue and Mouth Diseases in Sharh al-Asbāb wa-l-ʿalāmāt of Nafis Ibn Awad Al-Karmani

This research presents an analytical study of the book Sharh al-Asbab wa-l-‘Alamat by Nafis bin ‘Awad al-Karmani, focusing on diseases of the tongue and mouth. It highlights the medical methodology adopted by al-Karmani in his commentary on al-Samarqandi’s Asbab wa ‘Alamat, comparing both texts to clarify the additions and interpretations introduced by al-Karmani. The study is based on the manuscript preserved at the King Faisal Institute Library, that includes the section related to tongue and mouth diseases, followed by a scientific comparison with the original text. Al-Karmani demonstrates advanced diagnostic and therapeutic precision, as evidenced by his detailed descriptions of surgical techniques. The research emphasizes the significance of medical commentaries in Islamic heritage and their role in the development of medical knowledge. It also underscores al-Karmani’s status as a skilled physician and educational author, reflecting the evolution of Arab medical thought through accumulated experience and experimentation. - Aleppo Researches Magazine: History of Medical Sciences Series

1 - February - 2026

A comparative analytical study of the effectiveness of psyllium seeds in treating digestive diseases, both in the past and present

Traditional medicine has occupied a pivotal place in history of medical practice, a result of accumulated therapeutic experiences gained over centuries through clinical observations and practical applications. Psyllium is a prime example of this continuity of knowledge. It was mentioned in the texts of ancient civilizations and later in the classical Arabic medical literature by renowned physicians as a soothing and laxative treatment that regulates stool consistency and relieves digestive irritation. This research aims to identify the therapeutic potential of psyllium seeds for digestive diseases and their possible use as an effective traditional medicine. A comparative historical-retrospective approach was employed, investigating the indications of psyllium seeds in treating various digestive ailments, starting with major ancient civilizations, continuing through Arab civilization and compound medicines books (pharmacopoeia), and concluding with a review of modern medical reference studies. This research yielded several findings, most notably that Arab physicians discovered new uses for psyllium seeds that were unknown in previous civilizations. This was a result of their empirical medical practice, and some of the medicinal properties of psyllium seeds are still used today to treat digestive ailments. Thus, psyllium seeds represent a clear example of the integration of traditional and modern medicine, and stand out as a safe, effective, and low-cost treatment option. - Aleppo Researches Magazine: History of Medical Sciences Series

15 - January - 2026

Obesity and Slimness in Arab Heritage (Abu Bakr Al-Razi is a model)

Since ancient times, history has depicted a strong man as a large man, and a fat woman as more beautiful, fertile, and healthy. Obesity was a desirable trait in ancient times. Images of a thin body were indicative of poverty and illness, and for a long time they were considered weak and unable to work or produce. However, doctors were well aware of the harms of obesity and emaciation, so they warned against them and tried as much as possible to reduce and treat them. In this research, we will present a study of the management of obesity and Slimness in ancient civilizations and by the physician Abu Bakr al-Razi. We will explain the concept of obesity and wasting according to Abu Bakr al-Razi, comparing it with ancient civilizations and what was added new, and comparing it with contemporary medicine. - Aleppo Researches Magazine: History of Medical Sciences Series

1 - February - 2024

Popular Uses and Medical Treatments of Frankincense

Since ancient times, natural resins have played a significant role in daily life and established religious rituals due to their aromatic fragrance and various medicinal effects. Frankincense is considered one of the most important of these natural resins and is the primary subject of this research. The frankincense plant (Boswellia) is a genus within the Burseraceae family, belonging to the order Sapindales. Aromatic gum resins are extracted from these plants—secreted by laticiferous ducts—through the process of incising the bark of the branches. This results in the flow of a yellow gum that solidifies under natural conditions into small granules known as frankincense. Through the study of formulations and mixtures recorded in various manuscripts and modern research, it is evident that frankincense has been utilized in numerous fields across different historical periods. It continues to be used in religious ceremonies within the Roman Catholic, Episcopal, and Eastern Orthodox churches, as well as among Hindus. Furthermore, it has been employed as a fixative in cosmetic products such as perfumes, soaps, creams, and lotions, and as an oriental-scented fragrance for leading products in the perfume and cosmetic industries. Frankincense has also been used since antiquity in medicine as an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and wound astringent. These applications have prompted scientists and pharmaceutical companies over the past twenty years to identify its superior varieties and study its indications to highlight its various medicinal effects and determine the components responsible for them. Therefore, this research aims to compare the most significant uses of frankincense in pharmaceutical preparations as mentioned across major ancient civilizations with its modern applications. This is achieved by identifying its medical indications, mechanisms of action, and potential side effects. - Aleppo University Research Journal: Medical Science Series

31 - July - 2019

Alum in Pharmaceutical Preparations: Between Past and Present

Alum is considered one of the natural mineral saline stones. Scientifically, the term refers to a group of double sulfate salt compounds, the most prominent of which is aluminum potassium sulfate. This research aims to study the evolution of alum applications across various pharmaceutical dosage forms for both medicinal and cosmetic preparations up to the present day, while highlighting its medical indications and potential side effects. A study of various formulations and mixtures found in historical manuscripts reveals that alum was traditionally used as a deodorant to eliminate unpleasant odors and as a hemostatic agent to stop bleeding—applications that remains prevalent today. Its use has also expanded into modern fields, such as in the development of vaccines. Furthermore, contemporary compounded formulas have taken diverse pharmaceutical forms, linking various applications to the most distinctive indications of alum, namely its role as an antibacterial, astringent, and styptic agent. While recent studies have focused on certain side effects associated with the pharmaceutical use of alum due to the potential toxicity of aluminum ions, these investigations have not confirmed any risks regarding the topical application of natural alum to intact skin. - Aleppo University Research Journal: Medical Science Series

27 - January - 2019

Bimaristans in Aleppo

In this research, I will study the bīmāristāns in Aleppo, which numbered five in total; three of them have disappeared, while two remain: the Nūrī Bīmāristān and the Arghūnī Bīmāristān. Therefore, the study will shed light on both of them and highlight the importance of each one from a medical and therapeutic perspective, and then draw attention to the greatness of the Arabs at that time in establishing these medical institutions during that historical period -

25 - September - 2009

History of Odor Removers and Anti-perspirant in the Arabic Medical Heritage

Bad body smell is a social problem which is worthy to call our attention, and requires our both care and interest. We may notice that via a vast spreading advertisement regarding deodorants (Perfumed Deodorant) comparing with the other cosmetic products. Normal body sweats between one quarter up to three quarters of a gallon (about 1 – 3 liters) daily. Water, which is the main component of sweat, dries immediately leaving residues on the skin, which is in turn converted, by bacteria and chemical factors into unpleasant odors. Hyperhidrosis can be defined as excessive sweating. It is very disturbing for people who are suffering from this case. Arab physicians have been concerned, since the past, with bad odor removers, and we can see this in their medical publications. Some Arab physicians devoted a special chapter in which they mentioned prescriptions along with methods of preparing and using it, such as Physician (Ibn Al-Telmiz) in his Pharmacopeia. Some classified these removers with cosmetics, such as Physician (Avicenna) in his book (Al-Qanon fi AL-tib). Others specialized in this field as (Razes) did when he set special descriptions to remove the odor from armpit and foot. Our research sheds light on this social problem that has always been a cause of suffering for a lot of people. Ancient medicine gave special importance to this blast and considered it cosmetics social blast. It also considered odor removers as part of cosmetics. The most important example of this could be the large expenditures by women on this kind of cosmetics. We will study the forms of this kind of cosmetics, and distinguish between Perspirants and odor removers, and upon a comparative scientific study with modern medicine in this field in which we show the importance of science presented by Arab physicians, particularly the physician (Ibn Al-Telmiz) (..... -560 A.H. /.....- 1165 A.D.), This science was the corner stone for further Pharmacopeias which came after it on one hand. As well as other medical publications which were obviously considered in setting the formula for such kind of products on the other hand, especially that modern studies have confirmed the efficient role of these components used in composition of the prescriptions. - Journal of the International Society for the History of Islamic Medicine (ISHIM)

28 - June - 2009

Alum in Pharmaceutical Preparations: Between Past and Present

The science of pharmacopoeias (Aqrabadhin) or compound medicines emerged before the Common Era, dating back to Dioscorides, Galen, and other physicians, evolving alongside other theoretical and applied sciences. Prior to this, medical prescriptions were compiled in handbooks where physicians recorded the names of diseases affecting the human body, listing alongside each ailment the appropriate simple and compound medicines in a manner that allowed for easy reference when needed. This practice continued until the appearance of the first Aqrabadhin in the 3rd century AH (9th century AD) by Sabur ibn Sahl. This work served as an official pharmacopoeia, containing compound medicines, their methods of preparation, preservation, and medicinal dosages. It subsequently evolved over the following centuries to include methods for testing and standardization. Consequently, a succession of pharmacopoeias appeared after the 3rd century AH, leading to the Aqrabadhin of Ibn al-Tilmidh in the 6th century AH, followed by those of al-Samarqandi, al-Qalanisi, and Kohen al-Attar. Each of these was considered a modified version of its predecessor, incorporating additions deemed necessary by the physician. Physicians did not merely provide prescriptions for compound drugs but also addressed the testing and preparation of these compounds, believing this to be a fundamental task that a pharmacist must perform prior to the final preparation of the medicine. This led to a diversity in the organization of pharmacopoeias; some arranged prescriptions according to the pharmaceutical dosage form, as seen in the works of Sabur, Ibn al-Tilmidh, and al-Qalanisi. Others organized them according to ailments or the affected organs, as in al-Samarqandi’s pharmacopoeia, following the earlier classification methods of Greek and Syriac physicians. In this research, we investigated and studied one of the pharmaceutical forms used at that time: the Ayarijat (Hiera). These are defined as compound pharmaceutical forms characterized by a predominant bitterness, intended for the detoxification of the head and brain. A historical and scientific study was conducted using a specific prescription as a case study—Hiera Pigra—which was considered a significant compound medicine appearing in the works of Sabur ibn Sahl and later Ibn al-Tilmidh. A comparative study of this prescription between the two authors was performed, representing the core of our research, and was further compared with later pharmacopoeias. Notably, the use of this pharmaceutical form declined over time, replaced by other forms, particularly as its efficacy was found to be greater when prepared as pills. Supporting this shift is the observation that Sabur’s pharmacopoeia contained five prescriptions for this form, whereas Ibn al-Tilmidh’s contained only two. - Aleppo Researches Magazine: History of Medical Sciences Series

28 - June - 2009

Investigation and study of Chapter Three: On the description of drinks and syrups from the aqrabādhīn of Sābūr ibn Sahl

The professions of medicine and pharmacy were historically intertwined and inseparable; the physician who diagnosed the disease was the same practitioner who prepared and compounded the medication. This practice persisted until the 3rd century AH (9th century AD), specifically with the establishment of the Bimaristan (Hospital) of Gondishapur. At this juncture, medicine and pharmacy emerged as distinct professions; physicians utilized a compendium known as al-Kunnash, while pharmacists relied on a manual called al-Aqrabadhin (Pharmacopoeia). The first pharmacopoeia written in the Arabic language was authored by a physician from Gondishapur named Sabur ibn Sahl al-Kawsaj (d. 251 AH / 868 AD). Structured into sixteen chapters, this Aqrabadhin served as the authoritative reference in hospitals and pharmacies for approximately three centuries, particularly prior to the appearance of Ibn al-Tilmidh’s pharmacopoeia (d. 560 AH / 1164 AD) in the 6th century AH. The drugs within this work were classified according to their pharmaceutical dosage forms, encompassing approximately thirty-four distinct forms, each containing numerous prescriptions for compound medicines. Following this, physicians continued to compile subsequent pharmacopoeias. These were produced either as independent treatises—such as the pharmacopoeias of Ibn al-Tilmidh and al-Qalanisi—or as integrated sections within comprehensive medical texts, such as al-Razi's al-Hawi (The Virtuous Life) and Ibn Sina’s al-Qanun fi al-Tibb (The Canon of Medicine). This research highlights Sabur ibn Sahl’s pharmacopoeia, known as the "Abridged Pharmacopoeia of Ibn Sabur," emphasizing its medical significance as the first formally adopted pharmacopoeia of its time. Our study focuses on the third chapter, which discusses syrups (Sharab) and robs (Rub), providing a critical investigation and a historical-scientific analysis. This was achieved by selecting a specific prescription from each dosage form within the chapter to serve as a representative model for the remaining section - Aleppo Researches Magazine: History of Medical Sciences Series

28 - February - 2009