SIRT1 mediated autophagy enhancement by Lactobacillus fermentum derived oligosaccharides accelerates wound healing in biofilm associated infection Amany E. Ragab, Lamiaa A. Al-Madboly, Ghada M. Al-Ashmawy, Mariam A. Abo-Saif Scientific Reports, 2025 The present study explores the structural elucidation, antimicrobial properties, and wound-healing potential of a novel oligosaccharide, OligoF, derived from Lactobacillus fermentum . Structural analysis using paper chromatography, and 1D & 2D NMR spectroscopy indicated that OligoF is a linear tetrasaccharide comprising β-D-glucose, α-L-rhamnose, and D-glucuronic acid in a defined sequence. This structural elucidation was further confirmed by key chemical shifts, coupling constants, and glycosidic linkage assignments. OligoF exhibited potent antibacterial activity against multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates, demonstrating inhibition zones of 60–63 mm, a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 16 µg/mL, and a minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 32 µg/mL. Biofilm eradication assays revealed a significant reduction in biofilm viability by ~ four-fold at sub-MIC concentrations, as evidenced by scanning electron microscopy. OligoF-treated biofilms displayed notable disruption of extracellular matrix and severe bacterial cell distortion compared to untreated controls. In vivo wound-healing assays in rats showed that OligoF significantly reduced wound area and enhanced skin repair compared to untreated controls. Treatment with OligoF notably increased the concentration and gene expression of SIRT1 as well as upregulated the gene expression of beclin1 and ATG5 which are critical regulators of autophagy and cellular repair processes. Histopathological analysis corroborated these findings, revealing enhanced re-epithelialization, granulation tissue formation, and vascularized connective tissue deposition in OligoF-treated wounds. These findings underscore the potential of OligoF as a multifunctional agent with antibacterial and wound-healing properties, paving the way for its application in managing multidrug-resistant infections and promoting tissue repair.
Investigating the potential antibacterial, anti-biofilm, wound healing and anti-inflammatory activity of the extract of Aspergillus niger endophyte isolated from cucumber leaves: in vitro and in vivo study Maisra M. El-Bouseary, Duaa Eliwa, Mahmoud H. Farghali, Amany E. Ragab BMC Microbiology, 2025 Background Endophytic fungi are a vast inventory of bioactive compounds, offering potent, cost-effective, renewable, and low-toxicity alternatives for therapeutic applications. The current investigation focused on the endophytic fungus Aspergillus niger, which was isolated for the first time from Cucumis sativus (cucumber) leaves and subjected to comprehensive evaluation, including anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-biofilm, and in vitro wound healing potential. 18 S rRNA gene sequencing was utilized to identify A. niger after isolation, and the fungus was cultivated on Asian rice to produce fungal metabolites. The high-resolution liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-HRESI-MS/MS) was then used to elucidate its phytochemical profile. Results Fingerprint compounds detected in the ethyl acetate of the endophyte A. niger (ANM) revealed 15 compounds that are mainly pyrones and quinones in nature, including citric acid, nigerasperone A, aspernigrin A, aspinonene, campyrone B, aurasperone F, and plastoquinone-3. The ANM showed a strong antibacterial activity against S. aureus clinical isolates (MIC values ranging from 32 to 512 µg/mL) and a significant reduction in biofilm formation, where the total number of biofilm producers, S. aureus isolates, decreased from 19 to 6 after treatment with ½ MIC of ANM. Furthermore, ANM-treated WI38 human fibroblast cells displayed a wound closure percentage of 99.68% ± 0.02 compared to 83.37% ± 0.05 for the control cells. Additionally, the ANM demonstrated potential in promoting wound healing, particularly in infected wounds, through its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and tissue-regenerating properties. Conclusions These findings highlight A. niger as a valuable source of natural therapeutics. Additional research is needed to explore its key active components and potential side effects.
Synergistic anticancer effects of cisplatin and phenolic aglycones of the aerial part of Rumex dentatus L. in tongue squamous cell carcinoma: insights from network pharmacology and biological verification Amany E. Ragab, Ghada M. Al-Ashmawy, Sherin R. El Afify, Ola A. El-Feky, Amera O. Ibrahim BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, 2025 Background Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) ranks as the sixth most common malignancy globally. Cisplatin is the standard chemotherapy for OSCC, but resistance often reduces its efficacy, necessitating new treatments with fewer side effects. Rumex dentatus L., from the Polygonaceae family, is known for its medicinal properties, but its anticancer potential has not been thoroughly explored. This study aimed to investigate the synergy between cisplatin and an extract from the aerial parts of R. dentatus L. in treating tongue carcinoma (HNO97) in vitro, using network pharmacology, biological verification, and phytochemical analysis. Methods The study included UPLC-ESI–MS/MS analysis, cytotoxicity assays, cell cycle analysis, apoptosis assessment, and RT-qPCR for gene expression of Bcl2, p53, and ATG7. Potential targets were identified, and mechanisms of action were examined through online databases and enrichment analyses. Results The R. dentatus L. extract contained 14 phenolic aglycons. Combining cisplatin and R. dentatus L. was more effective in inhibiting proliferation, inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, and reducing autophagy in HNO97 cells than cisplatin alone. KEGG analysis indicated that the drug combination might work through pathways like PI3K-Akt signaling, microRNAs in cancer, and EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance. Conclusions Combining cisplatin with R. dentatus L. may be a promising approach for treating tongue carcinoma by affecting multiple pathways, providing a new perspective for developing more effective treatments for OSCC.
Investigation of antibacterial and wound healing activities of the extract of Rhodotorula mucilaginosa endophyte isolated from cucumber leaves Duaa Eliwa, Maisra M. El-Bouseary, Mahmoud H. Farghali, Thanaa A. El-Masry, Amany E. Ragab Scientific Reports, 2025 Endophytic fungi represent a reservoir of pharmacologically essential secondary metabolites. The current study focused on the antibacterial properties of the endophytic yeast-like fungus Rhodotorula mucilaginosa (R. mucilaginosa) isolated for the first time from Cucumis sativus (cucumber) leaves. After isolation, R. mucilaginosa was identified by 18S rRNA gene sequencing and was cultured on Asian rice for production of fungal metabolites. Then, its phytochemical profile was elucidated using LC–HRESI–MS/MS technique to reveal 22 compounds which are mainly carotenoids and fatty acids in nature. Dried ethyl acetate extract of R. mucilaginosa was tested for antimicrobial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates. The extract of R. mucilaginosa (ERM) showed minimum inhibitory concentrations with a range from 64 to 512 µg/mL. The crystal violet assay was utilized to determine the effect of ERM on the tested isolates’ ability to produce biofilms. The percentage of strong biofilm-forming isolates dropped from 20 to 3.3% and 10%, respectively, after the treatment with ½ and ¼ MICs of ERM. When tested isolates of P. aeruginosa were exposed to sub-MICs of ERM, their cell size significantly decreased, and their biofilm matrix was reduced. The in vitro anti-inflammatory activity of ERM was supported by the marked decrease in TNF-α gene expression in the cells treated with either ERM or piroxicam compared to the control cells. The wound healing effect of ERM was investigated in vitro, where ERM showed improvement in the wound healing process. In addition, the wound healing effect of ERM was investigated in vivo using a model of infection in rats, where the wounds were infected with P. aeruginosa. The histological investigation of the wound showed a remarkable improvement in the group treated with ERM. Therefore, further investigation is required to explore the possible application of ERM as a potential antibacterial agent, which could aid in our fight against pathogenic microbes that have become resistant.
Cranberry Extract Ameliorates Diabetic Cognitive Impairment in Rats Via LncRNA GAS-5 Downregulation and Pyroptosis Pathway Inhibition Mariam Ali Abo-Saif, Amany E. Ragab, Iman M. Talaat, Maha Saber-Ayad, Amera O. Ibrahim, et al. Journal of Neuroimmune Pharmacology, 2025 The pathophysiology of diabetes-induced brain injury involves pyroptosis, an inflammatory programmed cell death. This study aimed to investigate the potential protective effect of cranberry extract (CE) against diabetes-induced brain injury. Type 1 diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin in rats. Brain tissue samples were investigated for biochemical determination of the reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA), and the quantitative RT-PCR for the gene expression of glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), lncRNA GAS-5, and pyroptosis markers. ELISA was used to determine the caspase-1 level and immunohistochemical staining for assessing IL-1β. Prophylactic dosing of the CE in diabetic rats improved cognitive behavior and significantly suppressed MDA concentration, pyroptosis genes expression (gasdermin D and caspase 1), and lncRNA GAS-5. In addition, CE significantly elevated GSH concentration, SOD activity, and gene expression of GDNF and markedly reduced IL-1β positive stained cells score in the brain. Phytochemical characterization of the CE by FT-IR and UPLC-PDA-MS/MS revealed cyanidin arabinoside, procyanidins, quercetin, and isorhamnetin as key components. CE protects against diabetes-induced cognitive dysfunction in rats by targeting redox-related signaling pathways and inducing an anti-inflammatory effect. LncRNA GAS-5 downregulation and pyroptosis pathway inhibition may contribute to its beneficial effects, suggesting its therapeutic potential.
Phytochemical content of Cycas rumphii n-butanol fraction and antiprotozoal activity against Toxoplasma gondii in vivo Hosam M. El-Seadawy, Amany E. Ragab, Mona El-Aasr, Kamilia A. Abo El-Seoud, Ayat A. Elblihy, et al. Scientific Reports, 2025 Toxoplasmosis treatments are currently limited due to their ineffectiveness against the chronic stage and potential adverse effects. The search for novel medications that possess characteristics such as non-toxicity, and efficacy on all stages of the parasite, particularly the cystic form, is important. The n-butanol (n-BuOH) fraction of Cycas rumphii has shown promising potency against Toxoplasma gondii (RH strain) in vitro, and this study aimed to evaluate its efficacy against T. gondii in mice models. Therefore, mice were infected with 20 cysts (acute infection model) or 10 cysts (chronic infection model) of T. gondii (ME49 strain). The infected mice were treated with C. rumphii n-BuOH fraction and cotrimoxazole at 200 mg/kg/day and 370 mg/kg/day, respectively, divided into 2 doses/12 h, starting the 4th day (acute stage) or the 6th week (chronic model) post-infection, and continued for 14 consecutive days. Mice were sacrificed at 56, and 70 days post-infection for acute and chronic models, respectively, to assess the efficacy of treatment. Evaluations included size and count of brain cysts, histopathological examinations of the brain and liver, inflammatory scoring, and immunological studies to assess the levels of nitric oxide (NO), interferon-gamma (INF-γ), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in serum. Oral administration of the n-BuOH fraction at a daily dose of 200 mg/kg for two weeks significantly reduced the cyst count in the brains of infected mice and improved the survival rate. The results were comparable to those observed in subgroups treated with cotrimoxazole in both acute and chronic models. The histopathological findings indicated that C. rumphii n-BuOH alleviated T. gondii-induced brain and liver lesions. Furthermore, the serum levels of NO, and IFN-γ were significantly elevated in the C. rumphii n-BuOH fraction-treated subgroups. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis indicated that this fraction is rich in phenolic acids, including caffeic acid, gallic acid, and chlorogenic acid which have been linked to anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiparasitic, and anti-Toxoplasma properties. Experimental results demonstrated that the n-BuOH fraction of C. rumphii exhibits anti-Toxoplasma effects, making it a promising candidate for the development of complementary therapies or use in combination with other drugs.
A new cytotoxic and antioxidant amentoflavone monoglucoside from Cycas revoluta thunb growing in Egypt Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, 2016
Protective effect of Carica papaya leaf extract against dental pulp damage induced by gamma irradiation SS Mohammed, AE Ragab, HM Hassan, W Abdo, ME Mahmoud, ... Journal of Molecular Histology 57 (1), 16 , 2026 2026
SIRT1 mediated autophagy enhancement by Lactobacillus fermentum derived oligosaccharides accelerates wound healing in biofilm associated infection AE Ragab, LA Al-Madboly, GM Al-Ashmawy, MA Abo-Saif Scientific Reports , 2025 2025
Cultivation and Preliminary Screening of Some Microalgae and Cyanobacteria for Biotransformation of Coumarins and Flavonoids N Samir, AE Ragab, N Shoeib, MH Hussein, A Ibrahim Journal of Advanced Medical and Pharmaceutical Research, 8-14 , 2025 2025
Investigation of antibacterial and wound healing activities of the extract of Rhodotorula mucilaginosa endophyte isolated from cucumber leaves D Eliwa, MM El-Bouseary, MH Farghali, TA El-Masry, AE Ragab Scientific Reports 15 (1), 31730 , 2025 2025 Citations: 2
Comparative Preliminary Phytochemical and Biological Investigations on Encephalartos kisambo Faden & Beentje and Encephalartos ferox G. Bertol. Cultivated in Egypt SS El-Far, SA El-Sherbeni, AE Ragab, SM Ibrahim Journal of Advanced Medical and Pharmaceutical Research, 118-126 , 2025 2025
Potential protective effects of Pistacia lentiscus L. var. latifolius Coss extract against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury: Biochemical, histopathological, and … AE Ragab, SR El Afify, GM Al-Ashmawy, MA Abo-Saif Fitoterapia, 106773 , 2025 2025
Protective effects of Rosa canina fruit extract against kidney damage induced by CCl4 HSS Gazwi, AE Ragab, OIA Soltan, MA Abdein, B Shakoor, N Shafiq, ... Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology, 105913 , 2025 2025 Citations: 1
Investigating the potential antibacterial, anti-biofilm, wound healing and anti-inflammatory activity of the extract of Aspergillus niger endophyte isolated from … MM El-Bouseary, D Eliwa, MH Farghali, AE Ragab BMC microbiology 25 (1), 420 , 2025 2025 Citations: 3
Corn Silk (Stigma maydis) Ameliorates Indomethacin–Induced Colitis in Rats via Modulation of Keap1/Nrf2 Signaling Pathway H Aboumosalem, AAA Mokhbatly, WM Goda, EW Ghazy, MF Abou Elazab, ... Egyptian Journal of Veterinary Sciences 56 (7), 1629-1645 , 2025 2025
Alleviation of glyphosate-induced toxicity by Horseradish tree ( Moringa oleifera ) Leaf extract and phytase in Nile Tilapia ( Oreochromis niloticus ) highlighting the … EA Elahwl, DH Assar, II Al-Hawary, AS Salah, AE Ragab, A Elsheshtawy, ... Veterinary Research Communications 49 (3), 135 , 2025 2025 Citations: 7
Phytochemical content of Cycas rumphii n -butanol fraction and antiprotozoal activity against Toxoplasma gondii in vivo HM El-Seadawy, AE Ragab, M El-Aasr, KAA El-Seoud, AA Elblihy, ... Scientific Reports 15 (1), 15697 , 2025 2025 Citations: 3
Cranberry Extract Ameliorates Diabetic Cognitive Impairment in Rats Via LncRNA GAS-5 Downregulation and Pyroptosis Pathway Inhibition MA Abo-Saif, AE Ragab, IM Talaat, M Saber-Ayad, AO Ibrahim, HM Selim Journal of Neuroimmune Pharmacology 20 (1), 44 , 2025 2025 Citations: 2
Synergistic anticancer effects of cisplatin and phenolic aglycones of the aerial part of Rumex dentatus L. in tongue squamous cell carcinoma: insights from network … AE Ragab, GM Al-Ashmawy, SRE Afify, OA El-Feky, AO Ibrahim BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies 25 (1), 25 , 2025 2025 Citations: 7
Effects of pomegranate exocarp extract on H. pylori-induced pancreatic EMT: Molecular mechanisms and therapeutic potential MA Abo-Saif, GM Al-Ashmawy, AE Ragab, LA Al-Madboly, ABM Mehany, ... Cellular Signalling 124, 111465 , 2024 2024
New adipate esters from Cunninghamella echinulata : isolation, identification, biosynthesis and in silico prediction of potential opioid/anti-opioid and antidiabetic … ARS Ibrahim, AE Ragab Natural Product Research 37 (21), 3722-3726 , 2023 2023 Citations: 3
Antihyperlipidemic effect of bread fortified with potato peel powder against Triton X-100-induced hyperlipidemia in male albino rats OIA Soltan, HSS Gazwi, AE Ragab, ME Mahmoud, FMN Fudllalah, ... Journal of Functional Foods 108, 105725 , 2023 2023 Citations: 17
Phytochemical profile, ethnobotanical and biological impacts of various Zamia species: A mini-review HM El-Seadawy, KA Abo El-Seoud, M El-Aasr, AE Ragab Journal of Advanced Medical and Pharmaceutical Research 4 (2), 63-73 , 2023 2023 Citations: 3
Cycadaceae: An important source for biflavonoids and various pharmacological effects of different Cycas species HM El-Seadawy, KA Abo El-Seoud, M El-Aasr, AE Ragab Journal of Advanced Medical and Pharmaceutical Research 4 (2), 35-41 , 2023 2023 Citations: 6
Isoniazid, mechanism of action, biological activity, resistance and biotransformation ET Badawy, KA Abouelsaoud, A Kabbash, A Ragab Journal of Advanced Medical and Pharmaceutical Research 4 (2), 42-46 , 2023 2023 Citations: 7
Arecoline Biological Activity and Biotransformation: A review ET Badawy, KA Abouelsaoud, A Ragab, A Kabbash Journal of Advanced Medical and Pharmaceutical Research 4 (2), 27-34 , 2023 2023 Citations: 1
MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Pacidamycin biosynthesis: identification and heterologous expression of the first uridyl peptide antibiotic gene cluster EJ Rackham, S Grüschow, AE Ragab, S Dickens, RJM Goss ChemBioChem 11 (12), 1700-1709 , 2010 2010 Citations: 92
Wound healing potential of licorice extract in rat model: Antioxidants, histopathological, immunohistochemical and gene expression evidences DH Assar, N Elhabashi, AAA Mokhbatly, AE Ragab, ZI Elbialy, SA Rizk, ... Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy 143, 112151 , 2021 2021 Citations: 86
Purification, Characterization, Identification, and Anticancer Activity of a Circular Bacteriocin From Enterococcus thailandicus LA Al-Madboly, NM El-Deeb, A Kabbash, MA Nael, AM Kenawy, ... Frontiers in bioengineering and biotechnology 8, 450 , 2020 2020 Citations: 73
Pomegranate peel extract protects against the development of diabetic cardiomyopathy in rats by inhibiting pyroptosis and downregulating LncRNA-MALAT1 MA Abo-Saif, AE Ragab, AO Ibrahim, OF Abdelzaher, ABM Mehanyd, ... Frontiers in pharmacology 14, 1166653 , 2023 2023 Citations: 48
Promising Antiviral Activity of Agrimonia pilosa Phytochemicals against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Supported with In Vivo Mice Study NGM Attallah, AH El-Kadem, WA Negm, E Elekhnawy, TA El-Masry, ... Pharmaceuticals 14 (12), 1313 , 2021 2021 Citations: 45
Assessment of Bioactive Phytochemicals and Utilization of Rosa canina Fruit Extract as a Novel Natural Antioxidant for Mayonnaise OIA Soltan, HSS Gazwi, AE Ragab, ASM Aljohani, IM El-Ashmawy, ... Molecules 28 (8), 3350 , 2023 2023 Citations: 42
Biogenesis of the unique 4′, 5′-dehydronucleoside of the uridyl peptide antibiotic pacidamycin AE Ragab, S Grüschow, DR Tromans, RJM Goss Journal of the American Chemical Society 133 (39), 15288-15291 , 2011 2011 Citations: 39
Antidepressants and type 2 diabetes: highways to knowns and unknowns NS Alruwaili, HM Al-Kuraishy, AI Al-Gareeb, AK Albuhadily, AE Ragab, ... Diabetology & Metabolic Syndrome 15 (1), 179 , 2023 2023 Citations: 34
Ameliorative effects of Aspergillus awamori against the initiation of hepatocarcinogenesis induced by diethylnitrosamine in a rat model: regulation of Cyp19 and p53 gene expression DH Assar, AAA Mokhbatly, EW Ghazy, AE Ragab, S Abou Asa, W Abdo, ... Antioxidants 10 (6), 922 , 2021 2021 Citations: 32
A new cytotoxic and antioxidant Amentoflavone Monoglucoside from Cycas revoluta Thunb growing in Egypt WA Negm, SI Abd El-Rahim, KAA El-Seoud, GI Attia, AE Ragab Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research 8 (5), 343 , 2016 2016 Citations: 32
Dietary Olive Leaf Extract Differentially Modulates Antioxidant Defense of Normal and Aeromonas hydrophila -Infected Common Carp ( Cyprinus carpio ) via Keap1 … DH Assar, AE Ragab, E Abdelsatar, AS Salah, SMR Salem, BM Hendam, ... Animals 13 (13), 2229 , 2023 2023 Citations: 30
Phytochemical Profile of the Ethanol Extract of Malvaviscus arboreus Red Flower and Investigation of the Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, and Cytotoxic Activities HSS Gazwi, NA Shoeib, ME Mahmoud, OIA Soltan, MM Hamed, ... Antibiotics 11 (11), 1652 , 2022 2022 Citations: 30
Stress-Based Production, and Characterization of Glutathione Peroxidase and Glutathione S-Transferase Enzymes From Lactobacillus plantarum LA Al-Madboly, SM Ali, EME Fakharany, AE Ragab, EG Khedr, ... Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology 8, 78 , 2020 2020 Citations: 27
New pacidamycins biosynthetically: probing N-and C-terminal substrate specificity AE Ragab, S Grüschow, EJ Rackham, RJM Goss Organic & Biomolecular Chemistry 8 (14), 3128-3129 , 2010 2010 Citations: 25
Unravelling the In Vitro and In Vivo Anti- Helicobacter pylori Effect of Delphinidin-3- O -Glucoside Rich Extract from Pomegranate Exocarp: Enhancing Autophagy … AE Ragab, LA Al-Madboly, GM Al-Ashmawy, M Saber-Ayad, MA Abo-Saif Antioxidants 11 (9), 1752 , 2022 2022 Citations: 20
Antihyperlipidemic effect of bread fortified with potato peel powder against Triton X-100-induced hyperlipidemia in male albino rats OIA Soltan, HSS Gazwi, AE Ragab, ME Mahmoud, FMN Fudllalah, ... Journal of Functional Foods 108, 105725 , 2023 2023 Citations: 17
In vitro and in silico β-lactamase inhibitory properties and phytochemical profile of Ocimum basilicum cultivated in central delta of Egypt NA Shoeib, LA Al-Madboly, AE Ragab Pharmaceutical Biology 60 (1), 1969-1980 , 2022 2022 Citations: 17
In vitro characterization of inhibitors for lung A549 and leukemia K562 cell lines from fungal transformation of arecoline supported by in silico docking to M3-mAChR and ADME … AE Ragab, ET Badawy, SM Aboukhatwa, A Kabbash, KA Abo El-Seoud Pharmaceuticals 15 (10), 1171 , 2022 2022 Citations: 12
Microbial Oxidation of the Fusidic Acid Side Chain by Cunninghamella echinulata ARS Ibrahim, KM Elokely, D Ferreira, AE Ragab Molecules 23 (4), 970 , 2018 2018 Citations: 12
GC-MS Analysis of Petroleum Ether Extract and Volatiles of Cycas revoluta Thunb Growing in Egypt WA Negm, AERS Ibrahim, KAA El-Seoud, GI Attia, AE Ragab Inventi Impact: Planta Activa 2016 (2), 49-53 , 2016 2016 Citations: 10