Cannabis is the most widely used illicit drug globally, with an increasing use for both medicinal and non-medical purposes. Despite evolving policies and regulations, knowledge gaps persist among the youth, particularly regarding cannabis use, its integration into food products, and associated health risks. Many adolescents rely on unverified sources such as social media and peer networks for cannabis-related information, thereby increasing the risk of misinformation and unsafe consumption. This cross-sectional descriptive study assessed knowledge levels with respect to medical cannabis use, cannabis in food, and health literacy among late adolescent students in educational institutions. Additionally, it examined factors influencing know

The Corchorus olitorius leaves, a popular 'healthier' meal in Iraq , provided cytotoxic effects against different cell lines. The main purpose of the research work was to assess the phytochemical composition and the cytotoxicity of the Corchorus olitorius leaf ethyl acetate extract. The Iraqi Corchorus olitorius leaves ethyl acetate extract was made and fractionated using the hot continuous soxhlet device technique.Following this, a number of general and specialized tests were us

Obesity increases the detrimental effects on both reproductive and metabolic indicators of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). The ketogenic diet affects the outcomes of reproductive and metabolic characteristics in PCOS women. Adipose tissue is recognized as a novel gland by releasing diverse peptides called adipokines, like betatrophin, endorphin, and meteorite-like proteins. Although the ketogenic diet's impact on many adipokines in various diseases was examined, its effects on the adipokines level in PCOS have not yet been studied. Therefore, our paper attempts to investigate how the ketogenic diet affects the adipokines level in obese PCOS women. Because seventy obese women with PCOS did not follow our randomized clinical trial desi

Individuals with diabetes are susceptible to complications from diabetic foot ulcers, making it crucial to explore natural product-based dosage forms as alternative treatments for diabetic wound healing. One such natural product is the Centella asiatica (L.) plant, known to contain asiatic acid compounds that promote wound healing. However, these compounds exhibit low bioavailability. This study aims to evaluate the wound healing effectiveness of a topical nanohydrogel of C. asiatica leaf extract in hyperglycemic rats. C. asiatica leaves were extracted with 96% ethanol for 72 hours and formulated into a nanohydrogel. The diabetes was induced with a single dose of nicotinamide 230 mg/kgBW 15 minutes before the i

Hyperglycemia in diabetes mellitus (DM) induces oxidative stress, leading to inflammation, a decrease in the number of spermatogenic cells, and reduced testicular weight, which may affect reproduction and result in infertility. Ciplukan (Physalis angulata) contains flavonoid compounds that function as antioxidants to combat free radicals and exhibit protective and therapeutic effects on spermatogenic cells in diabetic rats. This study aims to investigate the protective effect of active fraction of P. angulata on the histology of spermatogenic cells, mRNA expression of NFkB and TNF-α, and testicular weight in a diabetic rat model. This study used a post-test-only control group design with 5 groups: control (K), DM group (K-DM), DM treate

Some genetic factors are not only involved in some autoimmune diseases but also interfere with their treatment, Such as Crohn's disease (CD), Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and psoriasis (PS). Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) is a most important pro-inflammatory cytokine, which has been recognized as a main factor that participates in the pathogenesis and development of autoimmune disorders. Therefore, TNF could be a prospective target for treating these disorders, and many anti-TNF were developed to treat these disorders.

Although the high efficacy of many anti-TNF biologic medications, the Patients' clinical responses to the autoimmune treatment showed significant heterogeneity.

Two types of TNF&nbsp

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of omega-3 poly unsaturated fatty-acids co-administered with the therapeutic dose of lornoxicam on liver of healthy rats. Twenty-eight adults male rats weighing 180-200g were used in this study and the animals were randomly divided into four groups of seven rats each. Group I: negative control/rats intraperitoneally injected with normal saline in a dose 5ml/kg/day; Group II: rats intraperitoneally injected with lornoxicam at dose 0.7 mg/kg/day; Group III: rats orally-administered omega-3 only at a dose 185mg/kg/day; Group IV: rats co-administered omega-3 (185mg/kg/day) orally and in

In this research, a series of new (Schiff base imidly sulfa drug) derivatives were designed and synthesized via many steps. In the first step, a sulfa drug (sulfamethoxazole) was chosen as a bioactive starting material and introduced in a condensation reaction with 4-amino acetophenone under microwave irradiation producing compound [1] N-(sulfamethoxazole-4\-yl)-4-amino methyl benzylidene. Subsequently, in the second step, compound [1] was introduced in reaction with three cyclic anhydrides, namely (succinic, maleic, and phthalic) anhydrides producing amic acid compounds [2-4], and these, inturn, introduced in the third step in a dehydration reaction via treatment with acetic anhydride and sodium acetate under reflux producing the target

          Cardiovascular risk is independently increased by plasma lipids abnormalities (low- density and high density lipoprotein -cholesterol and triglycerides). Most patients have more than one lipid abnormality. Combination therapy with lipid-modifying agents could offer an important therapeutic option for improving the overall lipid profile. Combinations have demonstrated to provide additive efficacy and significant reductions in coronary events . This study was designed to evaluate the effect of ezetimibe, when used in combination with other hypolipidaemic agents ( statins) on lipid  profile as well as on liver function ,renal function, oxidative stress, and platele

A current investigation aimed to assess the antihyperuricemic activity of the Boswellia Carterii plant and investigate the action of urate-lowering effect in a rat pattern of hyperuricemia generated by potassium-oxonate. Rats used in the research were randomized into five groups (n=6). The rats in the negative group, allopurinol group, olibanum 50 mg/kg group, and olibanum 100 mg/kg group received intraperitoneal injections of potassium oxonate (PO) twice a week at a dose of 250 mg/kg. The normal control group was supplied food and drink without any intervention. As a positive one control group, the olibanum 50 mg/kg group received daily oral administration of 50 mg/kg of olibanum powder dissolved in 0.5 L of distal water, an

Abstract

            Since the focus of healthcare has shifted toward prevention, pharmacists were highly encouraged to expand their practice to include vaccination services. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the attitude of Iraqi community pharmacists to provide vaccination and to explore the expected barriers to provide such services at community setting. The present study was a cross-sectional online survey study that included 135 Iraqi community pharmacists who are licensed by the Iraqi syndicate of pharmacists. The first part of the survey questionnaire is related to sociodemographic characteristics. The 2^nd part assessed the attitu

Atopic dermatitis (atopic eczema), is a common familial chronic inflammatory skin disease, determined by xerosis, itching, scaly and erythematous skin lesions, and high serum levels of IgE. Between 10 to 20% of children and 1 to 3% of adults worldwide affected by it and has negative medical and social effect on patients and their families. To evaluate the effectiveness of Phytosterol Fraction of Chenopodium Murale on induced atopic dermatitis (AD) of mice; Forty mice were included in the study, divided in to four groups (10 mice/group): apparently healthy, induced AD without treatment, induced AD treated with Tacrolimus 0.1% ointment, and induced AD treated with Phytosterol Fraction of Chenopodium Murale cream 3% topica

The Iraqi medication management system comprises five key pillars: selection, need estimation, procurement, storage and distribution, and use. Despite the diligent efforts of pharmacists to accurately estimate medication needs, Iraqi public health institutions sometimes experience medication shortages due to inadequate budget allocations and procurement challenges. This review examines current practices, legislation, and challenges in the need estimation of medications. Indeed, there is significant collaboration among Iraqi health authorities responsible for medication approval, regulation, procurement, and dispensing. Key stakeholders, including the Directorate of Technical Affairs/Department of Need Estimation, Department of Pharmacy,

 Pharmacotherapy is essential to lower the morbidity and mortality associated with cardiovascular diseases. Patients with cardiovascular (CV) disease are often given polypharmacy which increases both the incidence of errors in prescriptions and the associated complications of medications. The objective of this study was to disclose the impact of clinical pharmacist contributions on drug-related problems (DRPs) in patients with CV disease, educated the patients about the importance of adherence to their medication, and evaluated the Pharmaceutical Care Network Europe (PCNE) version 9.1 can provide a suitable tool for the DRP process for Iraqi clinical pharmacists during routine work in CV setting. A prospective, interventional, clinical

Abstract

    Asthma is a complex disease defined by chronic airway inflammation and airflow limitation causing variable respiratory symptoms which include shortness of breath (SOB), wheezing, chest tightness and cough. Asthma guidelines advocate adding a second long acting bronchodilator to medium doses of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) rather using high doses of ICS alone to control moderate to severe persistent asthma. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of three medication regimens indicated for Iraqi patients suffering from persistent asthma. 

    This study was interventional randomized clinical study conducted on a sample of adult Iraqi asthm

Thirty five samples were collected from patients (1-30) years old, suffered from, infected skin , rushes, boils , oral thrush, anal & vaginal itches.  Candida albicans 57.3% (20 isolates) and Candida tropicalis 22.5% (8 isolates) Aspergillus  fumegatus 11.5% (4 isolates)   Aspergillus nigar 8.7%(3 isolates) , were isolated & identified from these samples.  Alcoholic & water hot extracts of the punica granatum (Pomegranate) peels as well as the dried powder were prepared.  The anti-fungal activity of the extracts was evaluated by means of the agar-well diffusion assay. The extract exhibited potent activity against yeast. The Minimum inhibitory concentra

Asthma is one of the most common chronic, non-communicable diseases affecting children worldwide. The estimated prevalence of pediatric asthma in Iraq is 15.8%. Physiologic, inflammatory and structural factors contribute to the development of asthma. Assessment and monitoring of asthma control can be done by a validated children asthma control test (CACT). Management of asthma must address three components which are an appropriate management plan, the most appropriate medication if necessary, and the use of safe and effective medication. The management plan should consider patient counseling and education about the definition of asthma, signs, and symptoms, the pathophysiology of asthma, common triggers for asthma and how can avoid them,

The simple and available technique of colorimetry and indirect X-ray fluorescence determination of tetracycline hydrochloride (in the form of colored complex with iron(III) ions) and cyanocobalamine (in the form of the colored thiocyanate complex with cobalt(II) ions) is offered. The analytes were separated from the accompanying components by sorption to polyurethane foam based on ethers. The conditions of sorption separation and measurement of analytical signal of these substances are optimized. The obtained results of tetracycline drugs and injection solution B₁₂ vitamin are in satisfactory agreement with data declared by the manufacturer.

Nephrotoxicity is one of the major complications and clinical limitations of gentamicin. This study aimed to evaluate the nephroprotective effect of dapsone against gentamycin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats.

Twenty-four healthy rats weighing between (270-300) g were equally divided into three groups, eight rats in each group:  control group received normal saline (2mL/kg/day I.P.) for 10 days , gentamicin group received (100 mg/kg/day I.P.) for 10 days, and dapsone group received (5 mg/kg/day p.o) concomitantly with gentamicin (100 mg/kg/day I.P.) for 10 days. At the end of experiment, blood and kidney tissue samples were collected from all animals for biochemical and histopathological examination.

Dapsone exhibited

An inert matrix  that is used to control the release of  (PTX) was prepared using Eudragit RL100 and RSPM types as matrix forming agent . The matrices were prepared by either dry granulation(slugging) , or wet granulation method using chloroform as a solvent evaporation vehichle. The cumulative release was adjusted by using polyvinylpyrollidone (PVP) or ethylcellulose (EC) polymers .The results indicated that   both methods of preparation were valid for incorporation PTX as a sustained release granules .Moreover ,the results revealed that best polymer used  was Eudragit RSPM in 3:20 polymer drug ratio .Besides to that ,   the results indicated that the release profiles were affected by  pH- medium&

Vitamins k is an important fat-soluble vitamin that can be obtained from plants, bacteria and animals and is necessary for the blood clotting. It plays a key function as a cofactor in the synthesizing of blood clotting proteins in the liver; recently, the interest for its functions in extra-hepatic tissue has increased. Vitamin k deficiency is usually caused by abnormal absorption rather than in the lack of vitamin in food. Apart from its impact on clotting, chronic subclinical deficiency of vitamin K maybe a risk factor for many diseases such as osteoporosis, atherosclerosis, cancer, insulin resistance, neurodegenerative diseases and others, while current food intake guidelines be focused on the daily dose necessary to avoid blood loss.

Darifenacin hydrobromide is a selective ?₃ receptor antimuscarinic drug and it is used in the management of urinary frequency, urgency, and incontinence in detrusor instability. It slightly soluble in water, undergoes extensive hepatic first-pass metabolism and has short elimination half-life (3–4 hours). Therefore, It has low bioavailability (15.4 % - 18.6 %). Darifenacin hydrobromide loaded NLCs were formulated by emulsification sonication using different ratios of solid lipid to liquid lipid, different types of surfactants, and different concentration of surfactants. Formula sixteen was considered as an optimized formula based on its particle size, PDI, zeta potential and entrapment efficiency. Formula sixteen subjected t

The rheological behavior among factors that are present in Stokes law can be used to control the stability of the colloidal dispersion system. The felodipine lipid polymer hybrid nanocarriers  (LPHNs) is an interesting colloidal dispersion system that is used for rheological characteristic analysis. The LPHNs compose of polymeric components and lipids. This research aims to prepare oral felodipine LPHNs to investigate the effect of independent variables on the rheological behavior of the nanosystem. The microwave-based technique was used to prepare felodipine LPHNs (H1-H9) successfully. All the formulations enter the characterization process for particle size and PDI to ascertain the colloidal properties of the prepared nanosystem t

One of the therapeutic effects of nicotine  is used as  a protective against developing ulcerative colitis . ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory disease of the bowel affecting the superficial lining mucosa in the rectum and large intestine. In this study nicotine tablets were formulated as modified release tablets targeted to the colon. All formulas were studied for drug release , effect of diluent, retardant concentration, avicel grade,and compression force, the selected formula was then further studied for drug release in 3 different pH ( coated tablets) .The kinetic study revealed acceptable shelf life  . Finally the selected formula was given to 6 patients in a pre-liminary clinical study which showed that nicotine c

This study aimed to know the attitudes and practice of pharmacists regarding the management of minor ailments in Iraqi community pharmacies. A cross-sectional study for 320 community pharmacists was conducted during February 2020 using a newly developed and validated questionnaire. Only 4.4% of pharmacists prefer not to deal with minor ailment cases. Minority (15.6%) of participated pharmacists refer more than half of minor ailment cases they face to the physician. Regarding the assessment of minor ailments using WWHAM technique, what are the symptoms are the most commonly asked questions by pharmacists. Only 49.1% mentioned that they ask all WWHAM questions. On the other hand, most pharmacists (90%) educate their patients about the dosi

New hydrazone derivatives of Fenoprofen were synthesized and evaluated for their anti-inflammatory activity by means of egg white induced paw edema method. All the synthesized target compounds were characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy, 1HNMR analysis and by measure of their physical properties. The synthesis of the target compounds(H1-H4) was accomplished by multistep reaction procedures. The synthesized target compounds were show activity in reducing paw edema thickness and their anti-inflammatory effect was comparable to that of the standard (Fenoprofen) except for compound H3 which show anti-inflammatory activity higher than Fenoprofen.

         There is a suggestion that an antidiuretic hormone-induced decrease in diuresis might contribute to the rapid relief of the acute pain in renal colic. This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of desmopressin nasal spray compared with diclofenac given intramuscularly in patients with acute renal colic. The study included 75 patients randomized into three different groups; group A received desmopressin (40 μg, nasal spray), group B diclofenac (75 mg) intramuscularly and group C, both desmopressin and diclofenac. Pain was assessed using a visual analogue scale (a 10-cm horizontal scale ranging from `no pain' to `unbearable pain') at baseline, 10, 20 and 30 min after administering t

Abstract

Lack of safe available non-resistant treatment for visceral leishmaniasis (Kala-azar) keeps limiting the complete cure of this disease ,drugs that have  toxic side effects or lack of effectiveness  have led to disease relapse ,all these factors have lightened  the way to the search for imperative drugs from natural resources that have been shown to have antileishmanial activity through literature survey

. In the present study, the comparative in vitro anti-leishmania activity of various fractions of Osteospermum ecklonis aerial parts fractions have been evaluated. Extracts were prepared through maceration and Soxhlet apparatus using 85% meth

The purpose of this research work is to synthesize conjugates of some NSAIDs with sulfamethoxazole as possible mutual prodrugs to overcome the local gastric irritation of NSAID with free carboxyl group by formation of ester linkage that supposed to remain intact in stomach and may hydrolyze in intestine chemically or enzymatically; in addition to that attempting to target the synthesized derivative to the colon by formation of azo group that undergo reduction only by colonic bacterial azo reductaze enzyme to liberate the parent compound to act locally (treatment of  inflammation and infections in colon).

Key words: Mutual prodrug, Ester linkage, Azo bond, Colon targeting

Abstract

At any moment, the continuous usage of medications can accompanied by DNA damage and the accumulation of such damages can cause serious consequences. Antidepressants are long-term used drugs and the incidence of their genotoxic impacts cannot be excluded. Therefore, this work was designed to investigate the possible genotoxic effects of the commonly used antidepressants (fluoxetine and amitriptyline) in adult male rats.

Detection of DNA damage in individual cells was assessed by comet and micronucleus assays in three different cell populations i.e. liver, testis and bone marrow tissues of 24 swiss albino adult male rats. The animals were randomly allocated into three groups of 8 rats ea