Abstract 

Dental caries is a widespread infectious disease influenced by bacterial activity, dietary factors, and host 

susceptibility. Community water fluoridation has been a key public health measure for caries prevention, 

particularly in children. The optimal fluoride concentration in drinking water (0.7 mg/L) balances caries 

reduction with minimal fluorosis risk. This study assessed fluoride levels in drinking water and their 

correlation with dental caries in primary school children in Gharyan, Libya. A cross-sectional study was 

conducted on 350 children (aged 7–10 years) from urban and rural schools in Gharyan. Water samples from 

five stores and one groundwater source were analyzed for fluoride concentration using an ion-selective 

electrode. Dental caries was assessed using the dmft/DMFT index. Fluoride levels in water stores were 

negligible (0.0–0.1 mg/L), while unfiltered groundwater exhibited high concentrations (6.0–7.0 mg/L), 

exceeding WHO guidelines (1.5 mg/L). The low fluoride availability in most drinking sources suggests 

limited caries-preventive effects from water fluoridation in this region. The study highlights insufficient 

fluoride exposure in Gharyan’s public water supply, potentially contributing to higher caries prevalence. 

Further research is needed to evaluate alternative fluoride delivery methods and assess groundwater safety 

to optimize oral health outcomes.

Keywords. Fluoride Concentration, Drinking Water, Dental Caries, Primary School.

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Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) is a medical plant known for its antioxidant properties, which are attributed to bioactive compounds such as flavonoids and terpenoids. The study aimed to compare the antioxidant efficacy of natural chamomile with three commercial brands, A (Italian chamomile (Sonny)), B (Italian chamomile (Restora)), and C (German chamomile (UTZ)) available in Libyan markets. Methanol extracts of all samples were prepared by maceration, and antioxidant activity was evaluated using the DPPH radical scavenging assay. All data were expressed as mean ± standard deviation (SD). Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA, with A p-value < 0.05, which was considered statistically significant. Results revealed significant differences in IC50 values, with natural chamomile exhibiting the highest potency (IC50 = 3.35 mg/ml ± 0.055), followed by Brand A (IC50= 3.56 mg/ml ± 0.04) and Brand C (3.88 mg/ml ± 0.21). Brand B showed the weakest activity (IC50= 5.01 mg/ml ± 0.04). The statistical analysis confirmed the superiority of natural chamomile over commercial variants. Our findings suggest that processing methods, storage conditions, or potential additives in commercial products may degrade bioactive compounds, reducing antioxidant efficacy. This study highlights the advantage of minimally processed natural chamomile for optimal antioxidant benefits, and it underscores the implications for consumer choice and quality control in the manufacturing of herbal products.

Abstract: Vitamin D deficiency is a public health concern affecting many individuals as it is highly prevalent in

all parts of the world. Recent studies have reported an association of vitamin D deficiency with cardiometabolic

alterations such as dyslipidemia. The study aimed to evaluate vitamin D and lipid profile levels among the Libyan

adult population and investigate the correlation of vitamin D deficiency with the alteration of lipid profile levels.

A cross-sectional study was conducted at Janzour Hospital among 193 subjects (107 males and 86 females) whose

ages ranged between 20 and 50 years over three months from Sept to Dec 2023. Vitamin D, cholesterol,

triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein, and high-density lipoprotein levels were estimated. The total mean vitamin

D levels were 8.31±4.74, 23.83±2.78, and 42.67±7.95 ng/dl for deficiency, insufficiency, and sufficiency,

respectively. The findings revealed significant alterations in cholesterol (increase), triglyceride (increase), LDLcholesterol

(increase), and HDL-cholesterol (decrease) among subjects who had vitamin D deficiency or

insufficiency as compared to subjects having vitamin D sufficiency. Vitamin D levels were negatively correlated

with cholesterol, triglyceride, and LDL cholesterol, and they were positively associated with HDL cholesterol.

The incidence of dyslipidemia is higher in the vitamin D deficiency group than in the insufficiency and sufficiency

groups. It is essential to frequently monitor lipid profiles among vitamin D-deficient individuals to avoid

subsequent disorders or damages associated with the alterations of lipid profile patterns.

Energy drinks are widely consumed by teenagers and young adults to enhance focus and energy.

However, excessive consumption may lead to negative health effects, especially when they contain

preservatives like sodium benzoate. In this study, the concentration of sodium benzoate was

determined in four imported energy drink samples available in Asb'ah markets. The analysis was

conducted using a UV spectrophotometric method, which proved to be both simple and accurate. The

concentration of sodium benzoate in the samples ranged from 1361 to 1424.55 mg/L. The results

indicated that all tested samples contained sodium benzoate levels within the upper safety limits

established by the FDA