Donia Karaman

Donia Karaman


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

8Years (2019-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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11 November 2019 in Toxins
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Amin Mahmoud ThawabtehAmin Mahmoud Thawabteh
Amin Mahmoud Thawabteh
SJSalma Juma
Salma Juma
MBMariam Bader
Mariam Bader
DKDonia Karaman
Donia Karaman
laura scranolaura scrano
laura scrano
Rafik KaramanRafik Karaman
Rafik Karaman
The growing incidence of microorganisms that resist antimicrobials is a constant concern for the scientific community, while the development of new antimicrobials from new chemical entities has become more and more expensive, time-consuming, and exacerbated by emerging drug-resistant strains. In this regard, many scientists are conducting research on plants aiming to discover possible antimicrobial compounds. The secondary metabolites contained in plants are a source of chemical entities having pharmacological activities and intended to be used for the treatment of different diseases. These chemical entities have the potential to be used as an effective antioxidant, antimutagenic, anticarcinogenic and antimicrobial agents. Among these pharmacologically active entities are the alkaloids which are classified into a number of classes, including pyrrolizidines, pyrrolidines, quinolizidines, indoles, tropanes, piperidines, purines, imidazoles, and isoquinolines. Alkaloids that have antioxidant properties are capable of preventing a variety of degenerative diseases through capturing free radicals, or through binding to catalysts involved indifferent oxidation processes occurring within the human body. Furthermore, these entities are capable of inhibiting the activity of bacteria, fungi, protozoan and etc. The unique properties of these secondary metabolites are the main reason for their utilization by the pharmaceutical companies for the treatment of different diseases. Generally, these alkaloids are extracted from plants, animals and fungi. Penicillin is the most famous natural drug discovery deriving from fungus. Similarly, marines have been used as a source for thousands of bioactive marine natural products. In this review, we cover the medical use of natural alkaloids isolated from a variety of plants and utilized by humans as antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and anticancer agents. An example for such alkaloids is berberine, an isoquinoline alkaloid, found in roots and stem-bark of Berberis asculin P. Renault plant and used to kill a variety of microorganisms.

18 June 2023 in Molecules
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Amin Mahmoud ThawabtehAmin Mahmoud Thawabteh
Amin Mahmoud Thawabteh
AJAlaa Jibreen
Alaa Jibreen
DKDonia Karaman
Donia Karaman
ATAlà Thawabteh
Alà Thawabteh
Rafik KaramanRafik Karaman
Rafik Karaman
Human skin pigmentation and melanin synthesis are incredibly variable, and are impacted by genetics, UV exposure, and some drugs. Patients’ physical appearance, psychological health, and social functioning are all impacted by a sizable number of skin conditions that cause pigmentary abnormalities. Hyperpigmentation, where pigment appears to overflow, and hypopigmentation, where pigment is reduced, are the two major classifications of skin pigmentation. Albinism, melasma, vitiligo, Addison’s disease, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which can be brought on by eczema, acne vulgaris, and drug interactions, are the most common skin pigmentation disorders in clinical practice. Anti-inflammatory medications, antioxidants, and medications that inhibit tyrosinase, which prevents the production of melanin, are all possible treatments for pigmentation problems. Skin pigmentation can be treated orally and topically with medications, herbal remedies, and cosmetic products, but a doctor should always be consulted before beginning any new medicine or treatment plan. This review article explores the numerous types of pigmentation problems, their causes, and treatments, as well as the 25 plants, 4 marine species, and 17 topical and oral medications now on the market that have been clinically tested to treat skin diseases.

30 October 2024 in Molecules
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Amin Mahmoud ThawabtehAmin Mahmoud Thawabteh
Amin Mahmoud Thawabteh
AGAseel Wasel Ghanem
Aseel Wasel Ghanem
SMSara Maher
Sara Maher
DTDania Nedal Thaher
Dania Nedal Thaher
WJWeam Jaghama
Weam Jaghama
Rafik KaramanRafik Karaman
Rafik Karaman
The most prevalent chronic neurodegenerative illness in the world is Alzheimer’s disease (AD). It results in mental symptoms including behavioral abnormalities and cognitive impairment, which have a substantial financial and psychological impact on the relatives of the patients. The review discusses various pathophysiological mechanisms contributing to AD, including amyloid beta, tau protein, inflammation, and other factors, while emphasizing the need for effective disease-modifying therapeutics that alter disease progression rather than merely alleviating symptoms. This review mainly covers medications that are now being studied in clinical trials or recently approved by the FDA that fall under the disease-modifying treatment (DMT) category, which alters the progression of the disease by targeting underlying biological mechanisms rather than merely alleviating symptoms. DMTs focus on improving patient outcomes by slowing cognitive decline, enhancing neuroprotection, and supporting neurogenesis. Additionally, the review covers amyloid-targeting therapies, tau-targeting therapies, neuroprotective therapies, and others. This evaluation specifically looked at studies on FDA-approved novel DMTs in Phase II or III development that were carried out between 2021 and 2024. A thorough review of the US government database identified clinical trials of biologics and small molecule drugs for 14 agents in Phase I, 34 in Phase II, and 11 in Phase III that might be completed by 2028.

20 September 2023 in Toxins
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Amin Mahmoud ThawabtehAmin Mahmoud Thawabteh
Amin Mahmoud Thawabteh
Hani A Naseef shtayaHani A Naseef shtaya
Hani A Naseef shtaya
DKDonia Karaman
Donia Karaman
Sabino Aurelio BufoSabino Aurelio Bufo
Sabino Aurelio Bufo
laura scranolaura scrano
laura scrano
Rafik KaramanRafik Karaman
Rafik Karaman
Blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, may be prevalent in our rivers and tap water. These minuscule bacteria can grow swiftly and form blooms in warm, nutrient-rich water. Toxins produced by cyanobacteria can pollute rivers and streams and harm the liver and nervous system in humans. This review highlights the properties of 25 toxin types produced by 12 different cyanobacteria genera. The review also covered strategies for reducing and controlling cyanobacteria issues. These include using physical or chemical treatments, cutting back on fertilizer input, algal lawn scrubbers, and antagonistic microorganisms for biocontrol. Micro-, nano- and ultrafiltration techniques could be used for the removal of internal and extracellular cyanotoxins, in addition to powdered or granular activated carbon, ozonation, sedimentation, ultraviolet radiation, potassium permanganate, free chlorine, and pre-treatment oxidation techniques. The efficiency of treatment techniques for removing intracellular and extracellular cyanotoxins is also demonstrated. These approaches aim to lessen the risks of cyanobacterial blooms and associated toxins. Effective management of cyanobacteria in water systems depends on early detection and quick action. Cyanobacteria cells and their toxins can be detected using microscopy, molecular methods, chromatography, and spectroscopy. Understanding the causes of blooms and the many ways for their detection and elimination will help the management of this crucial environmental issue.

10 May 2023 in Preprints.org
Verified
Preprint
Open access
PDF file
Amin Mahmoud ThawabtehAmin Mahmoud Thawabteh
Amin Mahmoud Thawabteh
AJAlaa Jibreen
Alaa Jibreen
DKDonia Karaman
Donia Karaman
ATAlà Thawabteh
Alà Thawabteh
Rafik KaramanRafik Karaman
Rafik Karaman
Humans have extremely variable skin pigmentation and melanin production influenced by genetics, UV exposure, and some medications. A significant number of skin illnesses that result in pigmentary abnormalities have an impact on patients’ physical appearance as well as their psychological and social well-being. Skin pigmentation can be divided into two basic categories: hyperpigmentation, where pigment appears to overflow, and hypopigmentation, where pigment is reduced. Albinism, melasma, vitiligo, Addison's disease, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which can be brought on by eczema, acne vulgaris, and drug interactions, are the most common skin pigmentation disorders in clinical practice. Anti-inflammatory medications, antioxidants, and medications that inhibit tyrosine, which prevents the production of melanin, are all possible treatments for pigmentation problems. Skin pigmentation can be treated orally and topically with medications, herbal remedies, and cosmetic products, but a doctor should always be consulted before beginning any new medicine or treatment plan. This review article explores the numerous types of pigmentation problems, their causes, and treatments, as well as the 25 plants, four marine species, and 17 topical and oral medications now on the market that have been clinically tested to treat skin diseases.

17 February 2025 in Molecules
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Amin Mahmoud ThawabtehAmin Mahmoud Thawabteh
Amin Mahmoud Thawabteh
AGAseel Wasel Ghanem
Aseel Wasel Ghanem
SMSara Maher
Sara Maher
DTDania Nedal Thaher
Dania Nedal Thaher
WJWeam Jaghama
Weam Jaghama
Rafik KaramanRafik Karaman
Rafik Karaman
This study examines the intricacies of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), its origins, and the potential advantages of various herbal extracts and natural compounds for enhancing memory and cognitive performance. Future studies into AD treatments are encouraged by the review’s demonstration of the effectiveness of phytoconstituents that were extracted from a number of plants. In addition to having many beneficial effects, such as improved cholinergic and cognitive function, herbal medicines are also much less harmful, more readily available, and easier to use than other treatments. They also pass without difficulty through the blood–brain barrier (BBB). This study focused on natural substances and their effects on AD by using academic databases to identify peer-reviewed studies published between 2015 and 2024. According to the literature review, 66 phytoconstituents that were isolated from 21 distinct plants have shown efficacy, which could be encouraging for future research on AD therapies. Since most clinical trials produce contradictory results, the study suggests that larger-scale studies with longer treatment durations are necessary to validate or refute the therapeutic efficacy of herbal AD treatments.