Under the supervision of the Dean of the College of Pharmacy, Professor Dr. Sarmed H. Kathem Alkhateeb, the Scientific Affairs Unit at the University of Baghdad/College of Pharmacy, held an in-person workshop entitled “The Effects of Iraqi Callistemon Viminalis Extract on Collagen-Induced Rheumatoid Arthritis in Rats,” delivered by Pharmacist Luay Mohammed Khudhair, the MSc student at the Pharmacology and Toxicology Department. The seminar aimed to present experimental findings on the anti-arthritic and anti-inflammatory potential of Callistemon Viminalis extract in a preclinical rheumatoid arthritis model, emphasizing its impact on clinical, biochemical, and histopathological parameters. The seminar included several topics, including the preparation of the ethanolic extract and induction of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in rats. Assessment of clinical parameters such as body weight, paw thickness, and arthritis index. Evaluation of serum inflammatory biomarkers, including TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, CRP, and RF. Investigation of the molecular mechanisms related to NF-κB pathway modulation. Histopathological assessment of joint integrity and cartilage preservation. The seminar concluded that Callistemon Viminalis extract demonstrated significant dose-dependent anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic effects, effectively reducing cytokine levels, suppressing NF-κB expression, and preserving joint architecture. These findings highlight the potential of Callistemon Viminalis as a complementary therapy for rheumatoid arthritis, highlighting the need for further clinical validation.
