The scientific achievements of the College of Pharmacy at the University of Nineveh continue to advance, as Dr. Baraa Basil Ramadan, a faculty member at the College, has been awarded a Ph.D. in Life Sciences from the College of Education for Pure Sciences, University of Mosul, following the successful defense of her doctoral dissertation entitled:
“An Experimental Study to Evaluate the Efficacy of Essential Oils and Omani Frankincense Tree Resin (Boswellia sacra) Against the Parasite Causing Cystic Echinococcosis in Mice,” held on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Omani frankincense extracts and essential oils in combating Echinococcus granulosus, the causative parasite of cystic echinococcosis, through in vitro and in vivo experiments, with comparisons made against albendazole and control groups.
The findings demonstrated a high level of efficacy of the plant-derived extracts. In vitro, the protoscolicidal activity reached 100% at certain concentrations and exposure durations. Furthermore, selected treatments, particularly the ethanolic extract and crude frankincense resin, contributed to reductions exceeding 97% in the number, weight, and diameter of hydatid cysts in experimentally infected mice after six months.
The study also demonstrated that the extracts contributed to enhancing the immune response and reducing hepatosplenomegaly. Histopathological examinations further revealed a marked reduction in inflammatory changes, necrosis, and fibrosis.
The dissertation was conducted under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Louay Jameel Rashan of Dhofar University and the Research Center in the Sultanate of Oman, and Prof. Dr. Asmaa Abdulaziz Ali of the University of Mosul, College of Education for Pure Sciences.
On this occasion, the Deanship of the College of Pharmacy at the University of Nineveh, together with its academic and administrative staff, extends its warmest congratulations and sincere wishes to Dr. Baraa Basil Ramadan on this distinguished academic achievement, wishing her continued success and excellence, as well as further contributions and accomplishments in support of the scientific mission of the College of Pharmacy and the University of Nineveh.
