Nabil Selim – Chemistry of Natural Products | Associate Professor at Faculty Of Pharmacy Cairo University, Egypt
Dr. Nabil M. Aboul-Fotouh Selim is a distinguished Associate Professor in the Department of Pharmacognosy and Medicinal Plants at Cairo University, Egypt. He is well-regarded for his extensive work in natural products chemistry, especially in marine natural products and phytochemistry. His academic career spans over two decades, with contributions to both research and teaching. Dr. Selim’s work focuses on the extraction, isolation, and characterization of bioactive compounds from natural sources, which has resulted in numerous publications in high-impact journals. His research is particularly relevant in the areas of drug discovery and development, and he has been recognized for his contributions with multiple awards from Cairo University.
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Education
Dr. Selim’s academic journey began at Cairo University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy in 2001. He furthered his education with a Master of Science in Phytochemistry from Cairo University in 2007, where he delved into the phytochemical properties of medicinal plants. In 2012, Dr. Selim completed his Ph.D. in Marine Natural Products, also at Cairo University, after conducting research at Pretoria University in South Africa. His doctoral thesis explored the chemical and bioactivity properties of soft corals from the Red Sea, establishing a strong foundation for his future research endeavors in pharmacognosy and natural product chemistry.
Experience
Dr. Selim has held various academic and research positions, contributing significantly to pharmacognosy education and research. Since 2020, he has served as an Associate Professor at Cairo University, where he teaches courses in natural products, marine drugs, and quality control of herbal drugs. He also holds part-time teaching roles at other Egyptian universities. His career began as a Demonstrator, progressing to Lecturer and eventually to his current role. Dr. Selim has supervised numerous master’s and doctoral theses, covering diverse topics such as anti-inflammatory drug development, metabolic syndrome management, and comparative pharmacognosy. He has also served in administrative roles, including as the Chairman of the Laboratory Committee at Cairo University’s Pharmacognosy Department.
Research Interest
Dr. Selim’s research interests are centered on natural product chemistry, with a particular focus on marine natural products. He is passionate about discovering and characterizing bioactive compounds that may serve as therapeutic agents for various diseases. His research on bioactive terpenoids and polyhydroxy sterols has garnered significant attention, with applications in cancer treatment and anti-inflammatory therapies. Additionally, Dr. Selim is involved in exploring the pharmaceutical potential of plants indigenous to Egypt, aiming to harness their bioactive properties for medical use. His work often combines in vitro, in vivo, and in silico methods to evaluate the efficacy and safety of natural compounds.
Awards
Dr. Selim has been recognized with multiple awards for his academic and research contributions. From 2016 to 2018, he received the Annual International Publication Award from Cairo University, honoring his work’s impact on the global scientific community. In 2010, he was awarded the title of “Ideal Demonstrator” by the Club of Cairo University Faculty Members. Dr. Selim’s awards reflect his commitment to advancing pharmacognosy and natural product research, particularly in the field of marine bioactives. His contributions have not only enriched the scientific community but also strengthened Cairo University’s research reputation.
Publications
El-Sayed A. Aboutabl, Shadia M. Azzam, Camilia G. Michel, Nabil M. Selim. Polyphenolics of Ricinus communis L. Growing in Egypt and Their Bioactivities. Bulletin of the Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, 46(2), 121-129 (2008).
Nabil M. Selim, et al. Bioactive Terpenoids from the Red Sea Soft Coral Sinularia polydactyla. Natural Product Research, 27(23), 2224-6 (2013).
Nabil M. Selim, Taghreed Ibrahim, et al. Phytochemical Composition and Cytotoxic Activities of Convolvulus arvensis Seeds. International Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biological Sciences, 7(2), 107-116 (2016).
Nabil M. Selim, et al. Polyhydroxy Sterols from the Red Sea Soft Coral Lobophytum crassum and Their Cytotoxic Activity. Natural Product Communications, 12(2), 233-235 (2017).
Nabil M. Selim, et al. Immunosuppressive Principles from Carthamus tenuis. Indian Journal of Natural Sciences, 7(41), 12130-12137 (2017).
Nabil M. Selim, Abdullah A. Elgazar, et al. Isolates from Alpinia officinarum Attenuate LPS-Induced Inflammation. Phytotherapy Research, 32, 1273-1288 (2018).
Nabil M. Selim, et al. Modulation of Gene Expression of Pro-Inflammatory Mediators in HepG2 Cells by Natural Compounds. Antioxidants, 8, 371 (2019), doi:10.3390/antiox8090371.
Conclusion
Dr. Nabil M. Aboul-Fotouh Selim’s career reflects a strong commitment to advancing pharmacognosy through research and education. His work has led to significant findings in the field of marine natural products, contributing to the global understanding of bioactive compounds and their potential therapeutic applications. Dr. Selim’s dedication to teaching and mentoring the next generation of pharmacists further underscores his impact on the field. His numerous awards and high-quality publications attest to his standing as a respected researcher and educator, making him a valuable asset to Cairo University and the scientific community.