Nagwan Mostafa Gabr

@capu.edu.eg

Pharmacognosy Department
Faculty of Pharmacy, Capital University (formerly Helwan University)

Nagwan Mostafa Gabr


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https://researchid.co/nagwangabr
I am an Associate Professor of Pharmacognosy at the Faculty of Pharmacy, Capital University (formerly Helwan University), with extensive academic, research, and editorial experience in chemistry of natural products. I have contributed significantly to teaching undergraduate and postgraduate courses, supervising research, and participating in quality assurance and academic development activities. My research focuses on the phytochemical investigation and biological evaluation of different medicinal plants, with numerous publications in reputable international journals. I also serve as Editor at the Journal of Advanced Pharmacy Research (JAPR) and Editor-in-Chief of the African Journal of Pharmaceutical and Herbal Research (AJPHR), reflecting my active role in advancing pharmaceutical sciences.

EDUCATION

I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences from the Faculty of Pharmacy, Helwan University in 2002 with an Excellent grade and honors. I then completed my Master’s Degree in Pharmacognosy at Helwan University in 2007, focusing on the phytochemical and biological study of Agave angustifolia. Building on this work, I obtained my PhD in Pharmacognosy from Helwan University in 2012, where my doctoral research explored the phytochemical profile and biological activities of plants belonging to the genus Agave.

RESEARCH, TEACHING, or OTHER INTERESTS

Pharmaceutical Science, Plant Science, Complementary and alternative medicine, Spectroscopy
12

Scopus Publications

518

Scholar Citations

8

Scholar h-index

8

Scholar i10-index

Scopus Publications

  • Biocatalytic structural diversification of saponins in Zygophyllum decumbens: HR-LC-ESI-TOF-MS/MS profiling and bioactivity modulation
    Nagwan M. Gabr, Soad M. Abd-ElKhalik, Jaky T. Zaki, Lina J. M. Abdel-Hafez, Alaadin E. El-Haddad
    BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, 2026
    Zygophyllum decumbens has been traditionally used in the treatment of gout, fungal infections, diabetes, and rheumatism. These therapeutic effects are primarily attributed to its triterpenoid saponins (TS). The present study explores the biocatalytic transformation of TS to examine structural modifications, identify rare saponins, and evaluate associated changes in biological activity. Triterpenoid saponins were isolated from shade-dried aerial parts by cold maceration in aqueous alcohol, followed by fractionation and precipitation with acetone, yielding (TS). Three microbial strains, Aspergillus niger , Lactobacillus acidophilus , and Bacillus subtilis , were evaluated for their biocatalytic potential. A. niger demonstrated the highest efficiency and was therefore selected for large-scale biocatalytic transformation, producing a modified saponin fraction (TSM). Both TS and TSM were characterized using high-resolution LC-ESI-TOF-MS/MS. Antifungal activity was assessed by agar diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays. Cytotoxic effects were determined using the MTT assay on HepG-2, HT-29, and BNL-CL2 cell lines, while antioxidant activity was evaluated using DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays. A total of thirty-three saponins were tentatively identified, with quinovic acid derivatives predominating. Biocatalysis led to the formation of eight new rare saponins and the loss of two pre-existing ones. Both TS and TSM demonstrated selective antifungal activity, with TSM producing broader inhibition zones and over 70% MIC reduction in most strains, except against Penicillium marneffei . Both fractions exhibited weak cytotoxicity (IC 50 > 300 µg/mL) against the tested cell lines. Antioxidant activity declined post-biocatalysis as DPPH values dropped from 40.91 ± 1.87 to 19.90 ± 0.22 µM Trolox equivalents/mg, and ABTS values from 309.66 ± 11.10 to 165.78 ± 4.62 µM Trolox equivalents/mg. Biocatalytic treatment with A. niger caused pronounced structural modifications in Z. decumbens saponins, resulting in enhanced selective antifungal activity accompanied by diminished antioxidant capacity. These results highlight microbial biocatalysis as an effective approach for generating structural diversity in plant-derived compounds and modulating their pharmacological properties.
  • Unlocking the cytotoxic potential of Apocynaceae monoterpene indole and bis-indole alkaloids: a review
    Yasmine S. Abdou, Suzan A. Mina, Soad M. Abdel-Khalik, Nagwan M. Gabr
    Natural Product Research, 2026
    provided valparicine, kopsiarborine B, kopsiafrutine E, and kopsifine, all showing broad low- to sub-micromolar cytotoxicity. Structure-activity analyses link bis-indole frameworks and defined substitutions with enhanced potency. Although mechanistic evidence remains limited, reported pathways commonly involve apoptosis induction and cell-cycle arrest. Such findings reveal promising Apocynacae genera and structure-guided opportunities for anticancer drug development while underscoring the need for toxicity evaluation, pharmacokinetic profiling, and scalable production strategies.
  • Impact of microbial biotransformation on Zygophyllum decumbens delile through comparative metabolic insights and evaluation of antihyperglycemic and antimicrobial activities
    Alaadin E. El-Haddad, Soad M. Abd El-Khalik, Lina J. M. Abdel-Hafez, Jaky T. Zaki, Nagwan M. Gabr
    Scientific Reports, 2025
    Zygophyllum is known to be used traditionally in the management of several medical conditions, including diabetes, infections, and hypertension. This study aims to monitor the effect of microbial biotransformation on both antihyperglycemic and antimicrobial activities of Zygophyllum decumbens Delile using Aspergillus niger. The metabolic profile before and after biotransformation of the ethyl acetate extract was compared using HPLC-ESI-TOF-MS/MS. Pancreatic lipase, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase in vitro inhibition assays and agar diffusion method were used to evaluate the antihyperglycemic and antimicrobial activities, respectively. Eighty-six metabolites, mainly flavonoids and phenolic acids, with a few miscellaneous metabolites, were tentatively identified in both tested extracts. A 36% potentiation in antihyperglycemic activity was observed following microbial biotransformation. Regarding antimicrobial activity, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against both E. coli and P. aeruginosa decreased from 0.62 to 0.31 mg/ml, representing a nearly 50% reduction. It was noticed that microbial biotransformation altered 27 of the identified metabolites, which may contribute to the enhanced biological activities detected. The study depicts the first report of metabolic profiles and biological differences of Z. decumbens before and after biotransformation. It also validates the traditional use of Z. decumbens for hyperglycemia and its potential as a natural antimicrobial source.
  • Comparative Evaluation of Green-Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles and Nanoemulsions of Zygophyllum decumbens Extracts: Antihyperglycemic and Antimicrobial Activities
    Nagwan Mostafa Gabr, Soad M. El-Khalik, Jaky Talaat Zaki, Mahmoud Emam, Shereen S. El-Mancy, Lina J. M. Abdel-Hafez, Alaadin E. El-Haddad
    Egyptian Journal of Chemistry, 2025
    Disease resistance, including insulin and microbial resistance, is a global challenge. Nano-formulations of plant extracts offer eco-friendly solutions by enhancing biological activities. Zygophyllum species, particularly Zygophyllum. decumbens (Z. decumbens), are recognized for their bioactive compounds with their potential to manage diabetes and microbial infections. This study developed silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and nanoemulsion (NE) formulations of Z. decumbens ethyl acetate (ET) and n-butanol (BT) extracts, assessed their physicochemical properties, and evaluated their antihyperglycemic and antimicrobial activities. AgNPs from both extracts showed enhanced dose-dependent antihyperglycemic activity, with n-butanol extract AgNPs (BTN) exhibiting significant α-amylase inhibition (96.09±0.23% and 99.60±0.63% at 50 and 500 µg/ml, respectively). Both AgNPs demonstrated strong antimicrobial effects, particularly against resistant Gram-positive bacteria (MIC 0.3125 and 0.00976 mg/ml). In contrast, NE formulations showed promising antihyperglycemic activity but limited antimicrobial efficacy. This study highlights the dual biological activity of green-synthesized AgNPs from Z. decumbens extracts, surpassing NE formulations in therapeutic potential. AgNPs appear more effective for managing diabetes and combating microbial infections, encouraging further exploration of their mechanisms and clinical applications.
  • Profiling of two Lampranthus species using LC-ESI/MS with evidence of their hepatoprotective activity
    Nagwan M. Gabr, Suzan Adib Mina, Sally A. El Awdan, Gihan F. Asaad, Sherein S. Abdelgayed, Rafik F. Mounir
    Natural Product Research, 2025
    Lampranthus glaucus and Lampranthus glaucoides are only reported to have significant cytotoxic activity against certain cancer cell lines with phytochemical investigation of their petroleum ether and the ethyl acetate extracts. Further investigation was suggested concerning their hepatoprotective activity and relating it to the metabolic profile of their defatted methanol extracts using LC–ESI/MS analysis. Hepatoprotective activity was evaluated through assessment of three liver parameters as well as liver histopathological examination in thioacetamide-induced hepatotoxicity model. Sixty-eight and 26 phytochemicals were tentatively identified in L. glaucoides and L. glaucus, respectively, with phenolic compounds as the major class. Both plants showed significant inhibition of serum GPT and GOT levels, inhibition of tissue IL-1β and TNF-α levels and inhibition of tissue NF-κβ and caspase-3 gene expression proving hepatoprotective action. Liver treated with L. glaucoides showed lesion scoring range between negative to mild, whereas L. glaucus showed a range between mild to moderate. Graphical Abstract
  • Structural characterization of three cytotoxic steroidal saponins from the leaves of Agave desmetiana hort.
    Nagwan M. Gabr, Neveen S. Ghaly, Suzan A. Mina
    Phytochemistry, 2022
  • Phytochemical investigation of Lampranthus glaucus and Lampranthus aurantiacus, family Aizoaceae and evaluation of their cytotoxic activity
    Nagwan Mostafa Gabr, Marwa Refaat Abdel-Khalek, Haitham Hamdy Abdel-Gawad, Suzan Adib Mina
    Natural Product Research, 2022
    This study aims to shed light on the phytochemical composition and the biological effect of two members of family Aizoaceae, Lampranthus glaucus and Lampranthus aurantiacus. Gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to investigate the lipoidal matter and the phenolic content, respectively. The MTT assay was used to evaluate the cytotoxic activity against MCF-7 (breast cancer), HepG2 (liver cancer) and HCT-116 (colorectal cancer) cell lines. The total phenolic acids and the total flavonoid content of L. glaucus were found to be higher than that of L. aurantiacus. Phytol, hexadecanoic acid, p-coumaric, ferulic and p- hydroxybenzoic acids were the major detected compounds. Both the petroleum ether and the ethyl acetate extracts of the two plants showed significant cytotoxic activity (IC50 ranging from 15to 27 µg/mL) against the tested cell lines compared to 5-fluorouracil used as a reference standard. Graphical Abstract
  • The anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer activities and phytochemical investigation of Cucumis melo L. cv. Ismailawi fruits
    Sherifa F. Moustafa, Nagwan M. Gabr, Jaky T. Zaki, Sally A. El Awdan, Suzan A. Mina
    Natural Product Research, 2021
    This study aims to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcer activities of Cucumis melo L. cv. Ismailawi fruits, as well as the investigation of the phenolic content and lipoidal matter composition via high performance liquid chromatography and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry respectively. Both the petroleum ether and defatted methanol extracts of the fruit pulp showed 63.13% and 54.97% decrease in oedema volume respectively after 4 h in comparison to indomethacin standard drug. Both the petroleum ether extract and ethyl acetate fractions at a dose (200 mg/kg) showed significant anti-ulcer activity decreasing both ulcer number and severity in comparison to ranitidine as standard drug. Histopathological investigation further confirmed these results. Moreover; this is the first report for the investigation of the phenolic content and the lipoidal matter of Cucumis melo L. cv. Ismailawi fruits where methyl palmatate, gallic acid and rutin represented the major detected components. Graphical Abstract
  • Cytotoxic Potential of Green Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles of Lampranthus coccineus Extracts, Metabolic Profiling and Molecular Docking Study
    Khayrya A. Youssif, Ali M. Elshamy, Mohamed A. Rabeh, Nagwan Gabr, Wael M. Afifi, Mohamed A. Salem, Amgad Albohy, Usama Ramadan Abdelmohsen, Eman G. Haggag
    Chemistryselect, 2020
    The green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (SNPs) using plant extracts has gained great attention due to its unique properties. So, in this study, the aqueous and n‐hexane extracts of Lampranthus coccineus F. Aizoaceae were used for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles. The early signs of SNPs synthesis were detected by a color change from yellow to reddish‐brown color. The formation of SNPs was further confirmed using a transmission electron microscope (TEM), UV‐Visible spectroscopy, and zeta potential. The TEM analysis of SNPs showed spherical nanoparticles with mean size ranges between 8.55 nm to 16.44 nm for Lampranthus coccineus aqueous and hexane extracts. The UV‐Visible spectrophotometric analysis showed an absorption peak at λmax of 417 nm, which confirms the formation of SNPs. Zeta potential results indicated that the particles are negatively charged and fairly stable due to the electrostatic repulsion. The cytotoxic activity of the green synthesized SNPs as well as the four isolated compounds (β‐Sitosterol‐3‐O‐β‐D‐glucoside, P‐methoxy benzoic acid, dibutyl phthalate, and dioctyl phthalate) was evaluated using MTT assay against MCF‐7, HepG‐2, and HCT‐116 cell lines. Metabolic profiling of the annotated twelve compounds from the crude extract of L. coccineus. These compounds, along with the four isolated compounds were subjected to molecular docking study.
  • A Rare Triterpenoidal Saponin Isolated and Identified from Tetraena simplex (L.) Beier &Thulin (Syn. Zygophyllum simplex L.)
    Mostafa H. Baky, Nagwan M. Gabr, Enas M. Shawky, Mohamed R. Elgindi, Reham H. Mekky
    Chemistryselect, 2020
    Tetraena simplex(L.) Beier & Thulin (syn.Zygophyllum simplexL.) is an annual, succulent plant belonging to family Zygophyllaceae. The plant grows in harsh environmental conditions and it is traditionally used as an analgesic and anti‐inflammatory agent. This study aims to isolate and identify phytochemical constituents of then‐butanol fraction of its aerial parts that was repeatedly chromatographed on Diaion HP‐20 and silica gel columns to yield a rare triterpenoidal saponin, 3‐O‐[β‐D‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→2)‐β‐D‐glucopyranosyl] quinovic acid‐28‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranosyl ester (1) along with three other known triterpenoidal compounds namely; 3‐O‐methoxy‐quinovic acid (2), quinovic acid (3), and 3‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranosyl‐quinovic acid (4). Moreover, quercetin 3‐O‐α‐L‐rhamnoside (5) was isolated from this fraction. Different spectroscopic techniques including one dimensional (1D) and two dimensional (2D) NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) spectroscopy allowed the unambiguous structure elucidation of the isolated compounds.
  • Anti-Alzheimer potential, metabolomic profiling and molecular docking of green synthesized silver nanoparticles of Lampranthus coccineus and Malephora lutea aqueous extracts
    Khayrya A. Youssif, Eman G. Haggag, Ali M. Elshamy, Mohamed A. Rabeh, Nagwan M. Gabr, Amany Seleem, M. Alaraby Salem, Ahmed S. Hussein, Markus Krischke, Martin J. Mueller, Usama Ramadan Abdelmohsen
    Plos One, 2019
  • Antiviral potential of green synthesized silver nanoparticles of lampranthus coccineus and malephora lutea
    Eman Haggag, Ali Elshamy, Mohamed Rabeh, Nagwan Gabr, Mohamed Salem, Khayrya Youssif, Ahmed Samir, Abdullatif Bin Muhsinah, Abdulrhman Alsayari, Usama Ramadan Abdelmohsen
    International Journal of Nanomedicine, 2019

RECENT SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS

  • Biocatalytic structural diversification of saponins in Zygophyllum decumbens: HRLC-ESI-TOF-MS/MS profiling and bioactivity modulation
    NM Gabr, SM El-Khalik, JT Zaki, LJM Abdel-Hafez, AE El-Haddad
    BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies 26, 155 , 2026
    2026
  • Unlocking the cytotoxic potential of Apocynaceae monoterpene indole and bis-indole alkaloids: a review
    SMAKNMG Yasmine S. Abdou ,Suzan A. Mina
    Natural Product Research, 1-24 , 2026
    2026
    Citations: 1
  • Phytochemical Profiling and Nutritional Value of Cucumis melo var. aegyptiacus cv. Ismailawi with Antidiabetic Evaluation
    S Fahmy, S Mina, S El-Awdan, J Talat, NM Gabr
    Journal of Advanced Pharmacy Research 10 (1), 1-9 , 2026
    2026
  • Impact of microbial biotransformation on Zygophyllum decumbens delile through comparative metabolic insights and evaluation of antihyperglycemic and …
    AE El-Haddad, SMA El-Khalik, LJM Abdel-Hafez, JT Zaki, NM Gabr
    Scientific Reports 15 (1), 16244 , 2025
    2025
  • Comparative Evaluation of Green-Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles and Nanoemulsion of Zygophyllum decumbens Extracts: Antidiabetic and Antimicrobial Activities
    NM Gabr, SM El-Khalik, JT Zaki, M Emam, SS El-Mancy, LJM Abdel-Hafez, ...
    Egyptian Journal of Chemistry , 2025
    2025
    Citations: 1
  • Profiling of two Lampranthus species using LC-ESI/MS with evidence of their hepatoprotective activity
    NM Gabr, SA Mina, SA El Awdan, GF Asaad, SS Abdelgayed, RF Mounir
    Natural Product Research 39 (11), 3086-3092 , 2024
    2024
  • duction of Ag+ and the formation of AgNPs [15]. The formation of AgNPs was ini
    AM Elshamy, MA Rabeh, NM Gabr, A Seleem, MA Salem, AS Hussein, ...
    Silver Nanoparticles for Drug Delivery, 211 , 2023
    2023
  • Phytochemical and Biological Study on Plants (F. Aizoaceae)
    EG Haggag, KA Youssif, NM Gabr, MA Rabeh, AM Elshamy
    Current Overview on Pharmaceutical Science Vol. 6 6, 104-160 , 2023
    2023
  • Phytochemical investigation of Lampranthus glaucus and Lampranthus aurantiacus, family Aizoaceae and evaluation of their cytotoxic activity
    NM Gabr, MR Abdel-Khalek, HH Abdel-Gawad, SA Mina
    Natural Product Research 36 (21), 5614-5618 , 2022
    2022
    Citations: 1
  • Structural characterization of three cytotoxic steroidal saponins from the leaves of Agave desmetiana hort.
    NM Gabr, NS Ghaly, SA Mina
    Phytochemistry 195, 113057 , 2022
    2022
    Citations: 5
  • The anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer activities and phytochemical investigation of Cucumis melo L. cv. Ismailawi fruits
    SF Moustafa, NM Gabr, JT Zaki, SA El Awdan, SA Mina
    Natural product research 35 (24), 5934-5938 , 2021
    2021
    Citations: 19
  • Cytotoxic Potential of Green Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles of Lampranthus coccineus Extracts, Metabolic Profiling and Molecular Docking Study
    KA Youssif, AM Elshamy, MA Rabeh, N Gabr, WM Afifi, MA Salem, ...
    ChemistrySelect 5 (39), 12278-12286 , 2020
    2020
    Citations: 17
  • A Rare Triterpenoidal Saponin Isolated and Identified from Tetraena simplex (L.) Beier &Thulin (Syn. Zygophyllum simplex L.)
    MH Baky, NM Gabr, EM Shawky, MR Elgindi, RH Mekky
    ChemistrySelect 5 (6), 1907-1911 , 2020
    2020
    Citations: 14
  • Determination of Volatile Constituents of Cucumis melo L. var. aegyptiacus cv. Ismailawi Fruits and Evaluation of its Cytotoxic Activity
    N Gabr, S Mina, J Talat, S Fahmy
    Journal of Advanced Pharmacy Research 4 (1), 7-12 , 2020
    2020
  • Anti-Alzheimer potential, metabolomic profiling and molecular docking of green synthesized silver nanoparticles of Lampranthus coccineus and Malephora lutea aqueous extracts
    KA Youssif, EG Haggag, AM Elshamy, MA Rabeh, NM Gabr, A Seleem, ...
    PloS one 14 (11), e0223781 , 2019
    2019
    Citations: 92
  • A phytochemical and biological review on plants of the family Aizoaceae
    K Youssif, A Elshamy, M Rabeh, N Gabr, E Haggag
    Journal of Advanced Pharmacy Research 3 (4), 158-181 , 2019
    2019
    Citations: 17
  • Antiviral potential of green synthesized silver nanoparticles of Lampranthus coccineus and Malephora lutea
    EG Haggag, AM Elshamy, MA Rabeh, NM Gabr, M Salem, KA Youssif, ...
    International journal of nanomedicine, 6217-6229 , 2019
    2019
    Citations: 286
  • A comprehensive review on genus Zygophyllum
    E Shawky, N Gabr, M El-gindi, R Mekky
    Journal of Advanced Pharmacy Research 3 (1), 1-16 , 2019
    2019
    Citations: 48
  • HPLC investigation of carbohydrates and phenolic constituents of Livistona decipiens and Livistona australis leaves and assessment of their protective activity against …
    F S Elshaarawy, S A Mina, N M Gabr, S M Abdelkhalik, R Kamel, ...
    Journal of Advanced Pharmacy Research 2 (3), 201-211 , 2018
    2018
    Citations: 3
  • Two steroidal saponins from Agave franzosinii and Agave angustifolia leaves and Biological activities of Agave franzosinii
    NMG Suzan A Mina, Farouk R Melek, Soad M Abdel-khalik
    Journal of Natural Product 6, 188-197 , 2013
    2013
    Citations: 10

MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS

  • Antiviral potential of green synthesized silver nanoparticles of Lampranthus coccineus and Malephora lutea
    EG Haggag, AM Elshamy, MA Rabeh, NM Gabr, M Salem, KA Youssif, ...
    International journal of nanomedicine, 6217-6229 , 2019
    2019
    Citations: 286
  • Anti-Alzheimer potential, metabolomic profiling and molecular docking of green synthesized silver nanoparticles of Lampranthus coccineus and Malephora lutea aqueous extracts
    KA Youssif, EG Haggag, AM Elshamy, MA Rabeh, NM Gabr, A Seleem, ...
    PloS one 14 (11), e0223781 , 2019
    2019
    Citations: 92
  • A comprehensive review on genus Zygophyllum
    E Shawky, N Gabr, M El-gindi, R Mekky
    Journal of Advanced Pharmacy Research 3 (1), 1-16 , 2019
    2019
    Citations: 48
  • The anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer activities and phytochemical investigation of Cucumis melo L. cv. Ismailawi fruits
    SF Moustafa, NM Gabr, JT Zaki, SA El Awdan, SA Mina
    Natural product research 35 (24), 5934-5938 , 2021
    2021
    Citations: 19
  • Cytotoxic Potential of Green Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles of Lampranthus coccineus Extracts, Metabolic Profiling and Molecular Docking Study
    KA Youssif, AM Elshamy, MA Rabeh, N Gabr, WM Afifi, MA Salem, ...
    ChemistrySelect 5 (39), 12278-12286 , 2020
    2020
    Citations: 17
  • A phytochemical and biological review on plants of the family Aizoaceae
    K Youssif, A Elshamy, M Rabeh, N Gabr, E Haggag
    Journal of Advanced Pharmacy Research 3 (4), 158-181 , 2019
    2019
    Citations: 17
  • A Rare Triterpenoidal Saponin Isolated and Identified from Tetraena simplex (L.) Beier &Thulin (Syn. Zygophyllum simplex L.)
    MH Baky, NM Gabr, EM Shawky, MR Elgindi, RH Mekky
    ChemistrySelect 5 (6), 1907-1911 , 2020
    2020
    Citations: 14
  • Two steroidal saponins from Agave franzosinii and Agave angustifolia leaves and Biological activities of Agave franzosinii
    NMG Suzan A Mina, Farouk R Melek, Soad M Abdel-khalik
    Journal of Natural Product 6, 188-197 , 2013
    2013
    Citations: 10
  • Structural characterization of three cytotoxic steroidal saponins from the leaves of Agave desmetiana hort.
    NM Gabr, NS Ghaly, SA Mina
    Phytochemistry 195, 113057 , 2022
    2022
    Citations: 5
  • Agave angustifolia: A potential source of control agents against Schistosomiasis mansoni
    NMG Menerva M Tadros, Soad M Abdel Khalik, FR Melek
    The New Egyptian Journal of Medicine 39 (2), 169-176 , 2008
    2008
    Citations: 4
  • HPLC investigation of carbohydrates and phenolic constituents of Livistona decipiens and Livistona australis leaves and assessment of their protective activity against …
    F S Elshaarawy, S A Mina, N M Gabr, S M Abdelkhalik, R Kamel, ...
    Journal of Advanced Pharmacy Research 2 (3), 201-211 , 2018
    2018
    Citations: 3
  • Unlocking the cytotoxic potential of Apocynaceae monoterpene indole and bis-indole alkaloids: a review
    SMAKNMG Yasmine S. Abdou ,Suzan A. Mina
    Natural Product Research, 1-24 , 2026
    2026
    Citations: 1
  • Comparative Evaluation of Green-Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles and Nanoemulsion of Zygophyllum decumbens Extracts: Antidiabetic and Antimicrobial Activities
    NM Gabr, SM El-Khalik, JT Zaki, M Emam, SS El-Mancy, LJM Abdel-Hafez, ...
    Egyptian Journal of Chemistry , 2025
    2025
    Citations: 1
  • Phytochemical investigation of Lampranthus glaucus and Lampranthus aurantiacus, family Aizoaceae and evaluation of their cytotoxic activity
    NM Gabr, MR Abdel-Khalek, HH Abdel-Gawad, SA Mina
    Natural Product Research 36 (21), 5614-5618 , 2022
    2022
    Citations: 1
  • Biocatalytic structural diversification of saponins in Zygophyllum decumbens: HRLC-ESI-TOF-MS/MS profiling and bioactivity modulation
    NM Gabr, SM El-Khalik, JT Zaki, LJM Abdel-Hafez, AE El-Haddad
    BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies 26, 155 , 2026
    2026
  • Phytochemical Profiling and Nutritional Value of Cucumis melo var. aegyptiacus cv. Ismailawi with Antidiabetic Evaluation
    S Fahmy, S Mina, S El-Awdan, J Talat, NM Gabr
    Journal of Advanced Pharmacy Research 10 (1), 1-9 , 2026
    2026
  • Impact of microbial biotransformation on Zygophyllum decumbens delile through comparative metabolic insights and evaluation of antihyperglycemic and …
    AE El-Haddad, SMA El-Khalik, LJM Abdel-Hafez, JT Zaki, NM Gabr
    Scientific Reports 15 (1), 16244 , 2025
    2025
  • Profiling of two Lampranthus species using LC-ESI/MS with evidence of their hepatoprotective activity
    NM Gabr, SA Mina, SA El Awdan, GF Asaad, SS Abdelgayed, RF Mounir
    Natural Product Research 39 (11), 3086-3092 , 2024
    2024
  • duction of Ag+ and the formation of AgNPs [15]. The formation of AgNPs was ini
    AM Elshamy, MA Rabeh, NM Gabr, A Seleem, MA Salem, AS Hussein, ...
    Silver Nanoparticles for Drug Delivery, 211 , 2023
    2023
  • Phytochemical and Biological Study on Plants (F. Aizoaceae)
    EG Haggag, KA Youssif, NM Gabr, MA Rabeh, AM Elshamy
    Current Overview on Pharmaceutical Science Vol. 6 6, 104-160 , 2023
    2023

Publications

Biocatalytic structural diversification of saponins in Zygophyllum decumbens: HR-LC-ESI-TOF-MS/MS profiling and bioactivity modulation.

RESEARCH OUTPUTS (PATENTS, SOFTWARE, PUBLICATIONS, PRODUCTS)

Background Zygophyllum decumbens has been traditionally used in the treatment of gout, fungal infections, diabetes, and rheumatism. These therapeutic effects are primarily attributed to its triterpenoid saponins (TS). The present study explores the biocatalytic transformation of TS to examine structural modifications, identify rare saponins, and evaluate associated changes in biological activity. Methods:Triterpenoid saponins were isolated from shade-dried aerial parts by cold maceration in aqueous alcohol, followed by fractionation and precipitation with acetone, yielding (TS). Three microbial strains, Aspergillus niger, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Bacillus subtilis, were evaluated for their biocatalytic potential. A. niger demonstrated the highest efficiency and was therefore selected for large-scale biocatalytic transformation, producing a modified saponin fraction (TSM). Both TS and TSM were characterized using high-resolution LC-ESI-TOF-MS/MS. Antifungal activity was assessed by agar diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays. Cytotoxic effects were determined using the MTT assay on HepG-2, HT-29, and BNL-CL2 cell lines, while antioxidant activity was evaluated using DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays. Results:A total of thirty-three saponins were tentatively identified, with quinovic acid derivatives predominating. Biocatalysis led to the formation of eight new rare saponins and the loss of two pre-existing ones. Both TS and TSM demonstrated sel