We present new data on the distribution, reproductive strategies, karyology, and taxonomic status of populations of freshwater planarians from Yemen. Nine populations were sampled and significant differences in their reproductive strategies and karyology are reported. The present study presents the first fully documented record of a naturally sexual, diploid (2n = 18) population of a Dugesia species in the eastern part of the Afrotropical region. Morphological characters combined with karyological data suggest that these Dugesia populations from Yemen represent a new species, which is herein described as Dugesia arabica Harrath and Sluys, sp. nov. This new species is mainly distinguishable from other Dugesia species that are distributed exclusively in the Mediterranean basin and in the eastern part of the Afrotropical region by the presence of the following features: well-developed and cone-shaped penis papilla, housing an ejaculatory duct that runs ventrally and has a subterminal and ventral opening; a considerably expanded and folded section of the bursal canal at the level of the oviducal openings; absence of a layer of longitudinal muscles on the copulatory bursa and the bursal canal. Specimens from two populations from Yemen were infested with a gregarine Protozoon.

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Previous studies have brought to light the toxic effect of cerium chloride (CeCl) but very little is known about the oxidative brain injury caused by this metal. Medical plants have a well-recognized role in the management of damage caused by pollutants such as CeCl. Syzygium aromaticum, a potent natural source of bioactive compounds and rich in secondary metabolites, has a broad range of biological functions. The aim of this study is to investigate the capacity of Syzygium aromaticum ethanol extract (ESA) to improve the adverse effects of CeCl in the brain tissue. Adult mice were exposed to CeCl (20 mg/kg body weight [BW]), with or without ESA, for 60 days. We investigate mice's behavior, damages of cholinergic system and oxidative stress parameters in mice brain. In the present study, in vitro test confirmed that ESA has antioxidant capacity attributed to the presence of flavonoids, polyphenols, and tannins contents. In vivo study showed that CeCl caused brain injuries manifested in memory impairment, increase in acetylcholinesterase activity, oxidative stress biomarkers (lipid, proteins, enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant systems), and histopathological alteration in brain tissue. Addition of ESA repaired memory impairment, decreased acetylcholinesterase activity, restored oxidative state, and prevented histopathological alteration. In conclusion, the experimental results showed the protective effects of ethanol extract of Syzygium aromaticum against cerium-induced brain damage.