Musbah O Tanira

Bio: Musbah O Tanira is an academic researcher from Sultan Qaboos University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Rhazya stricta & Volume of distribution. The author has an hindex of 21, co-authored 62 publications receiving 2290 citations. Previous affiliations of Musbah O Tanira include United Arab Emirates University & King Saud University.

Anti-Inflammatory, Antipyretic, and Analgesic Effects of Lawsonia inermis L. (Henna) in Rats

Abstract: Crude ethanolic extract of Lawsonia inermis L. (0.25-2.0 g/ kg) produced significant and dose-dependent anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic effects in rats. The extract al

Genetic variations related to hypertension: a review.

Abstract: Hypertension is a complex multifactorial disorder with genetic, environmental and demographic factors contributing to its prevalence. The genetic element contribution to blood pressure variation ranges from 30 to 50%. Therefore, identifying hypertension susceptibility genes will help understanding the pathophysiology of the disease. In addition to the potential impact of genomic information in selecting antihypertensive drug therapy, it may also help in recognizing those at risk of developing the disease, which may lead to new preventive approaches. Several strategies and methods have been used to identify hypertension susceptibility genes. Currently, genetic analysis of such data produced complex results, which makes it difficult to draw final conclusion on the use of genomic data in management of hypertension. This review attempts to summarize present known genetic variations that may be implicated in the pathogenesis of hypertension and to discuss various research strategies used to identify them. It also highlights some of the opportunities and challenges, which may be encountered in interpreting the value of these genetic variations to improve management of hypertension.

Pharmacological and toxicological investigations on Foeniculum vulgare dried fruit extract in experimental animals

Abstract: The ethanol extract of the dried ripe fruit of Foeniculum vulgare (500 mg/kg) was tested for diuretic, analgesic, antipyretic, antimicrobial, cytotoxic activities and its effect on bile secretion in rats. Also, the acute toxicity after 0.5, 1 and 3 g/kg was investigated in mice. The extract showed diuretic, analgesic, antipyretic activities and it enhanced bile secretion. As an antimicrobial agent, the extract inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis and showed a marked mitodepressive effect. At a dose of 3 g/kg, it caused piloerection and it depressed locomotor activity but caused no deaths when administered acutely to mice.

The ameliorative effect of cysteine prodrug L-2-oxothiazolidine-4- carboxylic acid on cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats

Abstract: Pathogenesis of nephrotoxicity of the synthetic anticancer drug cisplatin (CP) involves generation of reactive oxygen species and free radicals in the kidney cortex, and cysteine prodrug l-2-oxothiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid (OTC) has been confirmed to have a strong antioxidant action Therefore, in the present work, we aimed at testing the possible protective or palliative effect of OTC on CP nephrotoxicity in rats OTC was given at an oral dose of 150 mg/kg/day for 7 days On day 7, some of these rats were given a single intraperitoneal injection of CP (or vehicle) at a dose of 6 mg/kg Rats were killed, blood and urine samples were collected, and the kidneys were removed 6 days after CP treatment Nephrotoxicity was evaluated histopathologically by light microscopy, and biochemically by measuring the concentrations of creatinine and urea in serum, reduced glutathione (GSH) concentration and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in renal cortex, and by urinalyses CP significantly increased the concentrations of urea and creatinine (P < 005) by about 128% and 170% respectively CP treatment reduced cortical GSH concentration by about 34% (P < 005), and the activity of SOD by about 28% (P < 005) CP treatment significantly increased urine volume and N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) activity, and significantly decreased osmolality and protein concentrations OTC significantly mitigated all these effects Sections from saline- and OTC-treated rats showed apparently normal proximal tubules However, kidneys of CP-treated rats had a moderate degree of necrosis This appeared to be lessened when CP was given simultaneously with OTC The concentration of CP in the cortical tissues was not significantly altered by OTC treatment The results suggested that OTC had ameliorated the histopathological and biochemical indices of nephrotoxicity in rats Pending further pharmacological and toxicological studies, OTC may potentially be useful as a nephroprotective agent

The Design and Analysis of Experiments

Abstract: THE DESIGN AND ANALYSIS OF EXPERIMENTS. By Oscar Kempthorne. New York, John Wiley and Sons, Inc., 1952. 631 pp. $8.50. This book by a teacher of statistics (as well as a consultant for \"experimenters\") is a comprehensive study of the philosophical background for the statistical design of experiment. It is necessary to have some facility with algebraic notation and manipulation to be able to use the volume intelligently. The problems are presented from the theoretical point of view, without such practical examples as would be helpful for those not acquainted with mathematics. The mathematical justification for the techniques is given. As a somewhat advanced treatment of the design and analysis of experiments, this volume will be interesting and helpful for many who approach statistics theoretically as well as practically. With emphasis on the \"why,\" and with description given broadly, the author relates the subject matter to the general theory of statistics and to the general problem of experimental inference. MARGARET J. ROBERTSON

Bright Side of Lignin Depolymerization: Toward New Platform Chemicals

Abstract: Lignin, a major component of lignocellulose, is the largest source of aromatic building blocks on the planet and harbors great potential to serve as starting material for the production of biobased products. Despite the initial challenges associated with the robust and irregular structure of lignin, the valorization of this intriguing aromatic biopolymer has come a long way: recently, many creative strategies emerged that deliver defined products via catalytic or biocatalytic depolymerization in good yields. The purpose of this review is to provide insight into these novel approaches and the potential application of such emerging new structures for the synthesis of biobased polymers or pharmacologically active molecules. Existing strategies for functionalization or defunctionalization of lignin-based compounds are also summarized. Following the whole value chain from raw lignocellulose through depolymerization to application whenever possible, specific lignin-based compounds emerge that could be in the fu...

Phytochemicals: nutraceuticals and human health.

Abstract: Phytochemicals, as plant components with discrete bio-activities towards animal biochemistry and metabolism are being widely examined for their ability to provide health benefits. It is important to establish the scientific rationale to defend their use in foods, as potential nutritionally active ingredients. Phytochemicals could provide health benefits as: (1) substrates for biochemical reactions; (2) cofactors of enzymatic reactions; (3) inhibitors of enzymatic reactions; (4) absorbents/sequestrants that bind to and eliminate undesirable constituents in the intestine; (5) ligands that agonize or antagonize cell surface or intracellular receptors; (6) scavengers of reactive or toxic chemicals; (7) compounds that enhance the absorption and or stability of essential nutrients; (8) selective growth factors for beneficial gastrointestinal bacteria; (9) fermentation substrates for beneficial oral, gastric or intestinal bacteria; and (10) selective inhibitors of deleterious intestinal bacteria. Such phytochemicals include terpenoids, phenolics, alkaloids and fiber. Research supporting beneficial roles for phytochemicals against cancers, coronary heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, inflammation, microbial, viral and parasitic infections, psychotic diseases, spasmodic conditions, ulcers, etc is based on chemical mechanisms using in vitro and cell culture systems, various disease states in animals and epidemiology of humans. However, it must be emphasized that a distinction needs to be drawn between the types of information that can be obtained from studies in vitro, in animals and in humans. Mechanisms of action must certainly be established in vitro; however, the efficacy of these same ingredients with their mechanisms of action, must also be demonstrated in vivo. The rapid growth in the use of phytochemicals in nutraceutical and functional foods requires that the food and pharmaceutical industries face new challenges: in addressing worldwide public concern over the efficacy and safety of supplements and foods claimed to be health-promoting; in government regulations related to safety, labeling and health claims for products that contain phytochemicals; in the manufacturing of foods with different qualities and stabilities; and in marketing issues, particularly as they relate to consumers' recognizing added value. © 2000 Society of Chemical Industry