Dhofar University Strengthens International Research Collaboration through PhD Supervision at the University of Mosul

In a significant academic achievement that underscores Dhofar University’s expanding role in scientific research and international collaboration, Professor Loay Jamil Rashan of the University’s Research Centre has co supervised a PhD thesis in the Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Education for Pure Sciences, University of Mosul, alongside Prof. Dr. Asma Abdulaziz Ali.

The thesis, submitted by researcher Baraa Basil Ramadan, was entitled: “An Experimental Study to Evaluate the Efficacy of Essential Oils and Gum from the Omani Frankincense Tree (Boswellia sacra) against the Parasite Causing Cysticercosis in Mice.”

The study investigated the potential of Omani frankincense extracts in combating cysticercosis through laboratory and animal experiments, comparing their effects with pharmacological treatments and control groups. Results revealed promising outcomes: certain extracts achieved kill rates of up to 100% in vitro under specific conditions, while treatment in mice led to a marked reduction in the number, weight, and diameter of cysticercus cysts. Additional findings indicate enhanced immune response and reduced tissue damage in the liver and spleen.

This research highlights the scientific value of Omani frankincense as a natural resource and opens new avenues for future studies in medical and biological applications. Dhofar University’s involvement exemplifies its commitment to empowering researchers, fostering academic exchange, and building bridges of collaboration with regional and international institutions.

The study also aligned with seven of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, reflecting the broader developmental and humanitarian dimensions of scientific inquiry. The thesis was successfully defended on Wednesday, 2 September 2026, earning praise for the researcher’s efforts and the guidance provided by her supervisors.