Assoc. Prof. Dr. Eman Zahran | Pharmaceutical Science | Best Academic Researcher Award
Associate Professor of Pharmacognosy from Deraya university, Egypt
Dr. Eman Maher Zahran is a distinguished academic and researcher in the field of pharmacognosy, currently serving as an Associate Professor at Deraya University’s Faculty of Pharmacy. With a career rooted in natural product research, her work spans the morphological study of medicinal plants to the biological activities of phytoconstituents. A Ph.D. graduate from Minia University, she has demonstrated unwavering commitment to academic excellence, scientific innovation, and student mentorship. Her research integrates traditional knowledge with advanced technologies such as metabolomic profiling, ESI-HR-MS analysis, and molecular docking. Dr. Zahran has authored over 25 impactful peer-reviewed articles and delivered talks at key international and national pharmaceutical conferences. In addition to her scholarly contributions, she is actively involved in student-centered initiatives, scientific committees, and governmental outreach programs. Her editorial and peer-review work across several international journals further amplifies her impact within the global scientific community. A strong advocate for female leadership in science, she completed the prestigious “The Woman Leads” program at Egypt’s National Training Academy. Dr. Zahran’s blend of academic excellence, innovative research, leadership in community engagement, and dedication to advancing pharmacognosy education positions her as a leading figure in Egypt’s pharmaceutical sciences landscape.
Professional Profile
Education
Dr. Eman Maher Zahran’s educational journey is deeply rooted in Minia University, where she pursued her undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral degrees in Pharmaceutical Sciences with a specialization in Pharmacognosy. She completed her B.Sc. in Pharmaceutical Sciences in 2006 with a cumulative grade of “Very Good.” Her keen interest in medicinal plants and natural product research led her to undertake pre-master courses in 2007, which served as the foundation for her M.Sc. that spanned from 2007 to 2013. Her master’s research involved the detailed phytochemical investigation of plant constituents and their pharmacological evaluation. From 2016 to 2020, she pursued her Ph.D. at the Faculty of Pharmacy, Minia University, where she delved into advanced areas such as metabolomics, molecular docking, and structure elucidation of phytoconstituents. Her doctoral work not only reflected technical expertise but also interdisciplinary collaboration. During this academic trajectory, she also completed specialized training programs and participated in scientific workshops that refined her methodological capabilities. The strength of her education lies in its comprehensive nature, encompassing foundational knowledge, research techniques, and a critical understanding of the pharmacological potential of natural compounds, all of which have laid the groundwork for her ongoing contributions to pharmaceutical research and academia.
Professional Experience
Dr. Zahran’s professional trajectory reflects a steady and strategic ascent through the academic ranks of pharmacognosy. She began her journey as a community pharmacist, transitioning into academia in 2008 as a postgraduate researcher and then as a teaching assistant. Between 2010 and 2012, she served as a grant teaching assistant for Clinical Pharmacy students. From 2016 to 2020, she was appointed Associate Lecturer at the Faculty of Pharmacy, Minia University. In 2020, she was promoted to Assistant Professor, where she continued to lead educational initiatives, mentor students, and develop curricula. As of March 2025, she holds the rank of Associate Professor at Deraya University. Dr. Zahran has also been deeply involved in co-curricular activities, supervising multiple student-led initiatives such as “Hayah,” a student entity focused on scientific and community outreach. She has contributed to post-graduate course development and served on Deraya’s Quality Assurance and Accreditation Unit. Her participation in national-level training programs like “The Woman Leads” demonstrates her leadership and civic engagement. With over 15 years of diverse experience spanning pharmacy practice, teaching, and research, Dr. Zahran has emerged as a dynamic academic professional, recognized for her commitment to excellence, innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Research Interests
Dr. Zahran’s research interests center on pharmacognosy and natural product chemistry, with a strong emphasis on isolating, identifying, and evaluating bioactive phytoconstituents derived from medicinal plants and marine algae. Her work integrates classical botanical techniques with cutting-edge technologies like ESI-HR-MS analysis and molecular docking. A unique aspect of her research involves the application of network pharmacology to uncover the multi-target mechanisms of natural compounds, especially in treating complex disorders like ADHD and osteoarthritis. Her contributions extend to investigating the wound healing, antifungal, antiplasmodial, and anti-inflammatory properties of various natural substances. Recently, she has delved into combining natural phytochemicals with stem cell therapies to enhance regenerative medicine applications. Additionally, Dr. Zahran’s studies examine the environmental and biochemical effects of phytoconstituents using in vitro, in vivo, and in silico models. This holistic and multidisciplinary approach allows her to bridge the gap between traditional herbal medicine and contemporary pharmacological science. Her interest in neuropsychiatric disorders also reflects a forward-thinking orientation, exploring novel therapeutic avenues. Through her robust pipeline of projects and publications, she continues to identify plant-based compounds with the potential to be developed into pharmaceutical agents, contributing significantly to both academic knowledge and practical healthcare innovation.
Research Skills
Dr. Eman Maher Zahran is equipped with an extensive set of research skills that make her a leading expert in pharmacognosy and natural product research. She is proficient in the morphological and micromorphological analysis of medicinal plants and marine algae, with deep expertise in isolation and structure elucidation techniques for phytochemicals. Her methodological proficiency spans thin-layer chromatography (TLC), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and advanced mass spectrometric techniques, including ESI-HR-MS. Furthermore, she demonstrates high competence in molecular docking, network pharmacology, and in silico ADME studies, which she integrates seamlessly into phytochemical investigations. Dr. Zahran is also skilled in conducting both in vitro and in vivo biological activity assessments, exploring pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of bioactive compounds. Her research frequently employs interdisciplinary approaches, such as combining plant extracts with mesenchymal stem cells in regenerative medicine models. Additionally, she is adept in scientific writing and publishing, having authored numerous high-impact papers in Scopus-indexed and Web of Science journals. Her peer-review activities and editorial board membership further reflect her critical appraisal capabilities. Collectively, her skills not only underscore her technical competence but also her innovative spirit and dedication to producing translational research that advances healthcare through natural product pharmacology.
Awards and Honors
Dr. Eman Maher Zahran has garnered significant recognition for her academic achievements, both within her institution and the broader scientific community. She was honored by Deraya University for her outstanding academic contributions from 2020 onward, a period during which she published prolifically and advanced numerous research projects. Her active role in student development and community outreach, particularly through her supervision of the “Hayah” entity and ADHD-focused conferences, highlights her multifaceted impact. In 2023, she was selected to join the second cohort of the Egyptian National Training Academy’s “The Woman Leads” program, which is designed to empower and equip promising female leaders in science and education. She serves as an editorial board member and peer reviewer for multiple prestigious journals, including the Journal of Pharmaceutical Chemistry & Chemical Science, Octahedron Drug Research, and journals by the Royal Society of Chemistry. Furthermore, her selection to the scientific committee of international congresses on nanoscience and pharmacology reflects her expertise and respected standing in the academic community. These honors not only affirm her scientific merit but also her leadership, dedication to knowledge dissemination, and her influential role in shaping the future of pharmacognosy in Egypt and beyond.
Conclusion
Dr. Eman Maher Zahran exemplifies the qualities of a dedicated academic, an innovative researcher, and an inspiring mentor. Her career is marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence, from foundational studies in pharmaceutical sciences to cutting-edge research in natural product pharmacology. Her interdisciplinary focus—combining phytochemistry, molecular modeling, and regenerative medicine—demonstrates her commitment to translating traditional medicinal knowledge into therapeutic breakthroughs. Dr. Zahran’s engagement with students, leadership in research committees, and active role in scientific communication reflect her holistic academic persona. Her prolific publication record, participation in international conferences, and collaborations underscore her relevance on both national and global levels. Equally commendable is her devotion to community-based initiatives, particularly in raising awareness and support for neuropsychiatric conditions like ADHD. Her recognition through institutional awards and national leadership programs stands as a testament to her impact. As she continues to expand her research footprint and inspire the next generation of scientists, Dr. Zahran remains a vital force in the advancement of pharmacognosy and pharmaceutical sciences. Her contributions resonate far beyond the laboratory and classroom, positioning her as a role model and a key influencer in the evolving landscape of academic research and community health promotion.
Publications Top Notes
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Title: Diversity, phytochemical and medicinal potential of the genus Ocimum L. (Lamiaceae)
Authors: EM Zahran, UR Abdelmohsen, HE Khalil, SY Desoukey, MA Fouad, …
Year: 2020
Citations: 86 -
Title: Bioactivity potential of marine natural products from scleractinia-associated microbes and in silico anti-SARS-COV-2 evaluation
Authors: EM Zahran, A Albohy, A Khalil, AH Ibrahim, HA Ahmed, EM El-Hossary, …
Year: 2020
Citations: 41 -
Title: Antioxidant and wound healing potential of Vitis vinifera seeds supported by phytochemical characterization and docking studies
Authors: T Al-Warhi, EM Zahran, S Selim, MM Al-Sanea, MM Ghoneim, SA Maher, …
Year: 2022
Citations: 36 -
Title: Multitarget in silico studies of Ocimum menthiifolium, family Lamiaceae against SARS-CoV-2 supported by molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: A Albohy, EM Zahran, UR Abdelmohsen, MA Salem, T Al-Warhi, …
Year: 2022
Citations: 29 -
Title: Antiulcer potential and molecular docking of flavonoids from Ocimum forskolei Benth., family Lamiaceae
Authors: EM Zahran, UR Abdelmohsen, AS Hussein, MA Salem, HE Khalil, …
Year: 2021
Citations: 27 -
Title: Scabicidal potential of coconut seed extract in rabbits via downregulating inflammatory/immune cross talk: A comprehensive phytochemical/GC-MS and in silico proof
Authors: EM Zahran, NMR Abdel-Maqsoud, OY Tammam, IM Abdel-Rahman, …
Year: 2022
Citations: 23 -
Title: New Acaciin-loaded self-assembled nanofibers as MPro inhibitors against BCV as a surrogate model for SARS-CoV-2
Authors: SA Mohamad, EM Zahran, MR Abdel Fadeel, A Albohy, MA Safwat
Year: 2021
Citations: 23 -
Title: New halogenated compounds from Halimeda macroloba seaweed with potential inhibitory activity against malaria
Authors: AH Elmaidomy, EM Zahran, R Soltane, A Alasiri, H Saber, CJ Ngwa, …
Year: 2022
Citations: 22 -
Title: Metabolic profiling, histopathological anti-ulcer study, molecular docking and molecular dynamics of ursolic acid isolated from Ocimum forskolei Benth. (family Lamiaceae)
Authors: EM Zahran, UR Abdelmohsen, AT Ayoub, MA Salem, HE Khalil, …
Year: 2020
Citations: 21 -
Title: Cytotoxic and anti-diabetic potential, metabolic profiling and in silico studies of Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels belonging to family Myrtaceae
Authors: SS Eldin Elhawary, AE Elmotayam, D Alsayed, EM Zahran, MA Fouad, …
Year: 2022
Citations: 11