The objective of the study was to evaluate the quality of Zamzam water, holy water for Muslims and consumed for its medicinal value. The present study demonstrates the physicochemical characterization and wound healing property of Zamzam water. The physicochemical characterization of Zamzam water samples was analyzed for dissolved oxygen, pH, conductivity, total dissolved solids, redox potential, zeta potential, polydispersity index, and zeta size. The microbial quality of Zamzam water was also assessed by exposing water samples to open air. In this work, Zamzam water was also screened for the medicinal value through wound healing properties in Wistar rats. Zamzam water exhibited a unique physicochemical characterization with high levels of dissolved oxygen, zeta potential, polydispersity index, redox potential, total dissolved solids, and conductivity before exposure to open air. After open air exposure, Zamzam water resisted the growth of bacteria. The wound healing properties of Zamzam water in vivo showed a 96% of healing effect on 12th day observation. The wound healing was achieved by modulating pro-inflammatory cytokine such as interleukin -1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor -α (TNF-α). Followed by the level of apoptosis markers caspase-9 and caspase-3 were reduced. The present study proved that Zamzam water is a good-quality water and showed excellent wound healing property. Therefore, Zamzam water can be used for pharmaceutical formulations.

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the prevalence and patterns of GLP-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) use for weight loss and to identify factors associated with their use among overweight and obese adults in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among overweight and obese adults aged 18 years and older residing in the Eastern Province. Data were collected in December 2024 using an online, self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to assess the prevalence of GLP-1 RA use, while chi-square tests and logistic regression analyses were performed to examine associations between GLP-1 RA use and relevant independent variables. Results: A total of 1264 participants were included. The lifetime prevalence of GLP-1 RA use was 18.2%, with 14.2% reporting current use. Injectable semaglutide (Ozempic) was the most commonly used medication (73.9%). Most individuals reported initiating treatment based on a doctor’s recommendation (70.4%), although 36.5% began use based on personal decision. Multivariable logistic regression identified several factors significantly associated with GLP-1 RA use, including obesity status, diabetes, prior weight-loss attempts, having family members or friends who use GLP-1 RAs, and studying or working in a health-related field. Conclusions: GLP-1 RA use is substantial among overweight and obese adults in the Eastern Province. In addition to medical conditions, social influences and involvement in health-related fields appear to shape use. These findings emphasize the need for awareness initiatives promoting appropriate GLP-1 RA use and stricter adherence to prescription guidelines.

Background and objective: Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) cause substantial harm, and a considerable proportion may be preventable, but under-reporting persists and weakens pharmacovigilance. Spontaneous reporting depends on clinicians, yet under-reporting persists and weakens pharmacovigilance. To map barriers to adverse drug reaction reporting among physicians, a comparison of nurses and pharmacists in single-country studies was carried out between high-income countries (HICs) and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Methods: A scoping review was conducted following PRISMA-ScR guidance. PubMed and Web of Science were searched for studies published from 2016 onward. Eligible studies were single-country primary empirical studies including physicians, nurses, or pharmacists and examining ADR reporting. Only barriers that were measured or explicitly explored and reported as extractable results were included. Barriers were coded into 12 domains and summarised by income group and profession. Results: A total of 44 studies were included, with 18 from HICs and 26 from LMICs. Survey designs were most common. Pharmacists were the most frequently studied cadre. Knowledge and training barriers were reported in all studies in both income groups. Fear of legal or punitive concerns was reported in 13/18 (72.2%) HIC studies and 17/26 (65.4%) LMIC studies. Time and workload barriers were reported in 10/18 (55.6%) HIC studies and 11/26 (42.3%) LMIC studies. Access barriers to tools, forms, and information technology showed the clearest income group difference: these were reported in 5/18 (27.8%) HIC studies versus 16/26 (61.5%) LMIC studies. Lack of feedback or acknowledgement was reported in 8/18 (44.4%) HIC studies and 10/26 (38.5%) LMIC studies. Conclusions: Barriers extend beyond individual knowledge in all settings. The main income group difference was the greater prominence of reporting system access barriers in LMICs compared with workflow and time pressure barriers in HICs. Addressing fear and building a supportive non-punitive reporting culture remains a cross-cutting priority because these were common issues in both income groups and can limit reporting even when infrastructure and training exist.