The Department of Biology Discusses a Master’s Thesis on the Evaluation of the Inhibitory Effect of Volatile Oils and Plant Extracts on the Life of the Visceral Leishmania Parasite

Discussion of a Master’s Thesis

The Department of Biology discussed the master’s thesis for the student (Hala Talib Abd Ali) for her thesis entitled (Evaluation of the inhibitory effect of volatile oils and plant extracts on the life of the Leishmania Donovan parasite), under the supervision of (Prof. Hanan Zuwer Mikhlif), the second supervisor (Prof. Dr. Yarub Mudar Al-Qazwini). The aim of the study was:
1- Knowing the extent of infection of this type of parasite in the holy city of Karbala.
2- Finding an effective treatment extracted from natural sources against the visceral leishmaniasis parasite.
3- Knowing the effective concentrations of volatile oils and plant extract of sage in inhibiting the growth and vitality of the Peomastigots of Leishmania parasite L.donovani ex vitro.
4- Measuring the sensitivity of the visceral parasite to the extracts of the marjoram plant and its crude oil with their different concentrations.
5- Comparing the inhibitory ratios of extracts of the two plants, and determining the highest inhibitory concentration for the growth of the parasitic flagella for each drug substance under study.
As for the main conclusions:
1- The possibility of using the plant extracts under study, especially volatile oils, as an alternative treatment for visceral leishmaniasis.
2- The crude volatile oils showed in vitro effective activity in combating visceral leishmaniasis.
3- By examining the cytotoxicity of the parasitic frontal flagella under the influence of treatment with plant extracts and crude oils of sage and marjoram, it was found that the two plants have inhibitory activity against the growth of parasitic cells in varying proportions.
4- Sagebrush plant in general has the highest ability to inhibit the cellular growth of the promastigotes outside the body of the organism in vitro.
After extensive scientific discussion and listening to the student’s defense of her thesis, her research method, and her use of sources and references, the thesis was approved with honors. Congratulations to the student, her supervisors, the College of Education for Pure Sciences, and the University of Karbala for this achievement, and God Almighty grants success and payment.