The College of Pharmacy at the University of Basrah organized a specialized scientific course titled "Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Techniques for Testing Natural Products," focusing on the vital roles of natural compounds in combating free radicals and addressing antibiotic resistance.
The course consisted of two comprehensive lectures. The first lecture, delivered by Assistant Professor Dr. Saba Ali Mohammed, explained how antioxidants act as an invisible shield, protecting the body from harmful molecules known as free radicals. She detailed how these radicals damage cells and contribute to chronic conditions, illustrating that antioxidants act as a robust line of defense by neutralizing them and protecting cells and tissues from their destructive impacts.
Dr. Saba emphasized the natural presence of antioxidants in a variety of foods, ranging from dark cranberries and carrots to leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. She noted that incorporating these antioxidant-rich foods into our diet can play a key role in preventing chronic diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders.
The second lecture, presented by Assistant Professor Yassar Abdulhussain, explored the types of natural extracts isolated from plants that serve as viable alternatives to traditional antibiotics, especially in light of the rising bacterial resistance to conventional treatments. The lecture detailed the prominent methods used to assess the antimicrobial efficacy of these natural plant extracts, carefully delineating the specific strengths and weaknesses associated with each testing method.
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