DMU College of Pharmacy Faculty and Students Publish Groundbreaking Cancer Research in International Peer-Reviewed Journal
The College of Pharmacy at Dubai Medical University (DMU) announces the publication of a significant research study by its faculty members along with students in Pharmaceuticals, a leading international peer-reviewed journal published by MDPI (Impact Factor: Q1). The article, titled “Development of Phyllanthus emblica Extract-Loaded Niosomes for Cancer Treatment: Formulation and In Vitro Evaluation,” was published on 6 April 2026 (Volume 19, Issue 4).
The study addresses one of the most pressing challenges in cancer pharmacotherapy: delivering plant-derived anticancer compounds effectively to tumour cells. The research team focused on Phyllanthus emblica — commonly known as amla or Indian gooseberry — a medicinal plant with well-documented anticancer, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties. Despite its promising therapeutic potential, amla extract suffers from poor stability and low bioavailability, limiting its clinical utility.
To overcome these barriers, the team developed an innovative niosomal drug delivery system — microscopic vesicles made from non-ionic surfactants — capable of encapsulating the amla extract and releasing it in a controlled, sustained manner.
This achievement reflects the strength of collaborative research at DMU, bringing together experienced faculty with pharmacy students:
Faculty Members:
- Prof. Bazigha K. Abdul Rasool — Professor, Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, College of Pharmacy, DMU (Corresponding Author)
- Dr. Al-Zahraa Khalifa — Assistant Professor, Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, College of Pharmacy, DMU
- Prof. Naglaa Gamil Shehab — Professor, Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, College of Pharmacy, DMU
- Prof. Aliasgar Shahiwala — Professor, Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, College of Pharmacy, DMU
Pharmacy Students:
- Dema Layth Jabbar
- Heba Marwan Ibrahim
- Manar Ahmed Hawash
- Maryam Jamal Afif Said
This research represents a meaningful contribution to the fields of pharmaceutical nanotechnology, drug delivery, and cancer therapy. By demonstrating that a natural plant extract can be effectively encapsulated in a biocompatible niosomal system and deliver potent anticancer effects in vitro, the team has laid a solid scientific foundation for future in vivo and translational studies.
The article is published open access and freely available at: https://doi.org/10.3390/ph19040582