Aya M. Mustafa

Dr. Aya M. Mustafa

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

3Years (2024-Present)

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

Representative Publications

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5 November 2024 in Inflammopharmacology
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
RERiham A. El-Shiekh
Riham A. El-Shiekh
AAAhmed Mohamed Atwa
Ahmed Mohamed Atwa
AEAli Mohamed Roshdy Dawood Elgindy
Ali Mohamed Roshdy Dawood Elgindy
AMAya M. Mustafa
Aya M. Mustafa
MSMohamed Magdy Senna
Mohamed Magdy Senna
KIKawther Magdy Ibrahim
Kawther Magdy Ibrahim
Eucalyptus essential oils (EEOs) have gained significant attention recently anticipated to their broad range of prospective benefits in various biological applications. They have been proven to have strong antibacterial properties against a variety of bacteria, fungi, and viruses. This makes them valuable in combating infections and supporting overall hygiene. The active compounds present in these oils can help alleviate inflammation, making them valuable in addressing inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, respiratory ailments, and skin disorders. Respiratory health benefits are another prominent aspect of EEOs. Inhalation of these oils can help promote clear airways, relieve congestion, and ease symptoms of respiratory conditions like coughs, colds, and sinusitis. They are often utilized in inhalation therapies and chest rubs. They can be used topically or in massage oils to alleviate muscle and joint pain. Furthermore, these oils have shown potential in supporting wound healing. Their antimicrobial activity helps prevent infection, while their anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties contribute to reducing inflammation and pain associated with wounds. In aromatherapy, EEOs are renowned for their invigorating and uplifting qualities, promoting mental clarity, relaxation, and stress relief. Overall, EEOs hold great promise in biological applications, offering a natural and versatile approach to promote health and well-being. Continued research and exploration of their therapeutic potential will further unveil their benefits and broaden their applications in various fields.

18 June 2025 in Inflammopharmacology
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Kareem AttallahKareem Attallah
Kareem Attallah
AEAhmed M. El-Dessouki
Ahmed M. El-Dessouki
MAMai A. ABD-ELMAWLA
Mai A. ABD-ELMAWLA
HGHeba R. Ghaiad
Heba R. Ghaiad
FAFatma Abo-Elghiet
Fatma Abo-Elghiet
HEHeba Elosaily
Heba Elosaily
Shogaol, a significant bioactive constituent of ginger, is present in several forms, including 4-, 6-, 8-, 10-, and 12-shogaol, with 6-shogaol identified as the most potent among them. Notably, 6-shogaol can be metabolized into 6-paradol, a compound that lacks pungency but retains biological activity. The primary focus of this review is to trace the diverse pharmacological effects of 6-shogaol, such as its anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, neuroprotective, antioxidant, and anticancer properties, and to document the molecular mechanisms underlying these actions. 6-Shogaol’s broad spectrum of benefits makes it valuable in the health, food, and beverage industries, where its unique taste, high biocompatibility, and ability to alleviate or prevent various health issues are particularly advantageous. Its multiple mechanisms of action, including the modulation of oxidative stress and inflammation, contribute to its reputation as a promising natural compound. By highlighting the therapeutic potential of 6-shogaol, this review aims to provide a scientific foundation for its future development, clinical application, and incorporation into functional foods or pharmaceuticals, ultimately supporting its role as a versatile agent in promoting human health.

21 July 2025 in Inflammopharmacology
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
AMAya M. Mustafa
Aya M. Mustafa
AAAhmed Mohamed Atwa
Ahmed Mohamed Atwa
AEAli Mohamed Roshdy Dawood Elgindy
Ali Mohamed Roshdy Dawood Elgindy
MAMahmoud Abdelrahman Alkabbani
Mahmoud Abdelrahman Alkabbani
KIKawther Magdy Ibrahim
Kawther Magdy Ibrahim
KKKamel Mahmoud Kamel
Kamel Mahmoud Kamel
Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated skin disorder characterized by aberrant keratinocyte proliferation, immune cell dysregulation, and sustained inflammation driven by cytokines, such as TNF-α, IL-17, and IL-23. Despite advancements in biologic therapies, limitations related to cost, safety, and resistance have prompted interest in alternative strategies. This review explores the pharmacological basis of natural products as promising anti-psoriatic agents, focusing on compounds with multi-targeted mechanisms including anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-proliferative, and immunomodulatory activities. Key phytochemicals, such as curcumin, thymoquinone, glycyrrhizin, and boswellic acids, are examined for their roles in modulating psoriatic pathways like NF-κB, IL-23/Th17 axis, and oxidative stress. Evidence from preclinical and clinical studies highlights their potential in reducing psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) scores, mitigating immune hyperactivity, and enhancing the safety and efficacy of standard therapies. Despite promising outcomes, translational hurdles persist, including extract standardization, pharmacokinetic limitations, and regulatory barriers. The integration of omics-based research and advanced formulation technologies is essential to support the clinical application of these agents. This review underscores the therapeutic potential of natural compounds as viable complements or alternatives in modern psoriasis management.

13 June 2025 in Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Archives of Pharmacology
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
AAAlaa Anwar
Alaa Anwar
AMAya M. Mustafa
Aya M. Mustafa
KAKareem Abdou
Kareem Abdou
MRMostafa Adel Rabie
Mostafa Adel Rabie
RERiham A. El-Shiekh
Riham A. El-Shiekh
AEAhmed M. El-Dessouki
Ahmed M. El-Dessouki
Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a complex, comprehensible mental condition that creates alienation from reality. SCZ is a mental disease, which is marked by progressive deficits in working memory, attention, and executive functioning. Because the disease’s etiology is unknown, current psychotherapy and pharmacological treatments merely treat symptoms and do not provide a cure. SCZ symptoms include hallucinations, delusions, disorganized behavior, and lack of desire. Long-term use of antipsychotic (antagonists at multiple G-protein-coupled receptors) (mGPCR antagonists) medicines for therapy has negative health consequences and discourages patients from taking regular medication. Ancient herbal therapies are regaining popularity in disease management due to their natural origins, less side effects, and cost-effectiveness. The various types of phytochemicals include alkaloids, glycosides, polyphenols, terpenes and terpenoids, phytosterols, cannabinoids, and carotenoids could be used as mGPCR antagonists. In this review, we documented the possibility of employing natural compounds as an alternative therapy to treat schizophrenia-related symptoms and cognitive impairments.

22 July 2024 in Pharmaceuticals
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
SSshrouq sweilam
shrouq sweilam
DADalia Ali
Dalia Ali
AAAhmed Mohamed Atwa
Ahmed Mohamed Atwa
AEAli Mohamed Roshdy Dawood Elgindy
Ali Mohamed Roshdy Dawood Elgindy
AMAya M. Mustafa
Aya M. Mustafa
RERiham A. El-Shiekh
Riham A. El-Shiekh
Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) represents a significant clinical challenge characterized by hepatic dysfunction following exposure to diverse medications. Methotrexate (MTX) is a cornerstone in treating various cancers and autoimmune disorders. However, the clinical utility of MTX is overshadowed by its ability to induce hepatotoxicity. The current study aims to elucidate the hepatoprotective effect of the alcoholic extract of Egyptian Araucaria heterophylla resin (AHR) on MTX-induced liver injury in rats. AHR (100 and 200 mg/kg) significantly decreased hepatic markers (AST, ALT, and ALP), accompanied by an elevation in the antioxidant’s markers (SOD, HO-1, and NQO1). AHR extract also significantly inhibited the TGF-β/NF-κB signaling pathway as well as the downstream cascade (IL-6, JAK, STAT-3, and cyclin D). The extract significantly reduced the expression of VEGF and p38 with an elevation in the BCL2 levels, in addition to a significant decrease in the IL-1β and TNF-α levels, with a prominent effect at a high dose (200 mg/kg). Using LC-HRMS/MS analysis, a total of 43 metabolites were tentatively identified, and diterpenes were the major class. This study presents AHR as a promising hepatoprotective agent through inhibition of the TGF-β/NF-κB and JAK/STAT3 pathways, besides its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

22 July 2025 in Inflammopharmacology
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
AMAya M. Mustafa
Aya M. Mustafa
GSghadir sayed
ghadir sayed
SHShymaa Hatem
Shymaa Hatem
RGRoxane Abdel Gawad
Roxane Abdel Gawad
DHDina Hal
Dina Hal
Mohamed Sayed Abd El HafeezMohamed Sayed Abd El Hafeez
Mohamed Sayed Abd El Hafeez
Mangiferin, a polyphenol of natural occurrence predominantly present in Mangifera indica, has attracted significant interest because of its multiplicity of pharmacological activities, of which its neuroprotective activity is of particular interest. Herein, the review delves into the biosynthetic mechanisms, structural properties, and action mechanisms responsible for the therapeutic value of mangiferin in neurological disorders. Of special note is that mangiferin has antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic activities, which are responsible for its effectiveness in reducing cognitive impairments and neuronal damage in disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, stroke, epilepsy, depression, anxiety, and general cognitive decline. Though being of low bioavailability, more recent approaches such as chemical derivatization, nanoparticle-mediated drug delivery, and intranasal delivery have the promise to enhance its central nervous system (CNS) delivery. By combining preclinical and mechanistic studies, the review herein highlights the potential of mangiferin as a multitherapeutic neuroprotectant and addresses new approaches to facilitate its clinical application.