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Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a life threating disease and a major public health problem caused by the larval stage of the tapeworm named Echinococcus granulosus. Cystic echinococcus is transmitted from animals to human (zoonotic disease). In endemic areas, the incidence rate reaches over 50 per 100,000 person/year and prevalence may be as high as 5-10%. It is found in most countries worldwide, but it is not an epidemic disease. Current treatment involves surgical removal of the cysts, percutaneous drainage, or chemotherapy with anthelmintic drugs like albendazole. While albendazole is effective in treating (CE) in both humans and animals, though, it has drawbacks, including poor absorption, vertigo, liver enzymes elevations plus the risk of recurrence. Recently, there was a high tendency among researchers to evaluate and present herbal plants as an alternative option due to being easily available, inexpensive, cheap and with low side effects. Therefore, the current project aims to explore the scoliocidal potential of Boswellia sacra extracts, and essential oils on Echinococcus granulosus both in vitro and in vivo. Protoscolices were collected from hydatid cysts obtained from infected sheep livers. Many polar and non-polar solvents were used to obtain a wide range of extracts from B. sacra gum resin. Extracts were prepared and applied at various concentrations (e.g. 30, 3, 0.3 µg/ml) for different exposure times (2-60 minutes). The mortality rates were assessed using 0.1% eosin staining by light microscopy. The results so far obtained indicate that all extracts used in the current study displayed promising significant scoliocidal effects against E. granulosus in vitro speaking. However, the standardized B. sacra gum resin extract showed the highest scoliocidal activity in vitro, achieving 100% mortality at 3µg/ml after 10 minutes of exposure compared to both negative and treated positive control with albendazole. These results are promising, however, additional in vivo studies are in progress to confirm such activity.

Frankincense, the aromatic resin obtained from Boswellia species, has been traditionally valued for its medicinal and antimicrobial properties. A standardized extract of Boswellia sacra (Omani frankincense) was evaluated for its antimicrobial and antifungal properties. The chemical composition of the powder was analyzed using HPLC/MS, revealing a rich profile of bioactive triterpenoids including boswellic acids (AKBA, KBA, α-BA, β-BA, α-ABA, and β-ABA) and lupeolic acids (LA and ALA). Among these, β-ABA (86 µg/mg) and AKBA (50 µg/mg) were the most abundant. Antibacterial activity was assessed using minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays, showing moderate inhibition of Escherichia coli (MIC: 512 mg/mL) and Staphylococcus aureus (MIC: 1024 mg/mL). Antifungal testing revealed stronger effects, with 38% inhibition of Fusarium sp. at 0.25 mg/mL after 5 days of incubation. However, the inhibition of Alternaria alternata at 0.5 mg/mL was 45%. These results support the potential of this standardized extract as a natural antimicrobial and antifungal agent and underscore the value of Omani frankincense in traditional and modern therapeutics.

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a severe zoonotic disease that poses a significant threat to humans and animals, slow animal husbandry, caused by larval stages of Echinococcus granulosus. Canines are the definitive host, while humans are the accidental host. E. granulosus infections often remain asymptomatic for years before the cysts grow large enough to cause symptoms. Hepatic and pulmonary signs and symptoms are the most common clinical manifestations. Approximately 4 million people are infected with hepatic hydatid disease globally, and an additional 60 million are at risk of infection. The liver is the most involved organ, although it may affect other organs. The diagnosis of cystic echinococcosis relies on immunodiagnostic methods alongside radiological methods in combination with clinical findings. Albendazole and Mebendazoles are the drugs for choice in treating small cysts and preventing recurrence after surgery. In general, herbal extracts from different plants have gained attention in recent years for the prevention and treatment of a variety of chronic conditions due to their multi-targeted characteristics. Nerium oleander has a wide range of potential activities including anticancer, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. B. sacra gum resin possesses a wide range of potential activities such as anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-asthmatic, analgesic, immunomodulatory. Given the side effects of the medications used and the risks of surgical procedures, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of combining extracts of N. oleander leaves and selected B. sacra gum resin extracts. The samples were exposed for different time periods (5-20-35-50) minutes using different concentrations (30µg/ml-3µg/ml-0.3µg/ml) for each exposure period. The combination of the extracts had a clear effect on the percentage of killing protoscoleces in vitro. The percentage of killing protoscoleces increased with increasing concentration and exposure period of the extracts in vitro, the highest percentage of killing was recorded in the N. oleander extract, reaching 70% at a concentration of 30mg/ml for a 50-minute exposure period. After combining the extracts, the highest percentage of killing was recorded, reaching 64% at a concentration of 30mg/ml for a 50-minute exposure period. The highest percentage of killing was recorded for the B. sacra extracts reaching 58% at a concentration of 30mg/ml for a 50-minute exposure period. The current results in vitro are interesting and encouraging, indicating some synergistic effect between these extracts, however, additional animal studies are required to further validate the synergistic effect of B. sacra and Nerium oleander leaves.

This study explores the significance of the gum-arabic tree (Acacia senegal), locally known as “Tur” (/θur/) in Dhofar, the only region in the Arabian Peninsula where it naturally grows. Its gum, called “Malukh” (/məlɔx/), holds exceptional medicinal and nutritional value. Traditionally, both the bark and gum have been used to treat wounds, infections, respiratory and digestive disorders, joint pain, kidney failure, and eye diseases. It is also valued for enhancing immunity, fertility, and overall vitality. Secondary products such as camel milk and honey derived from trees’ nectar further contribute to its health benefits. The dark red gum considered the highest quality, is rich in carbohydrates, dietary fiber, and essential minerals like calcium and magnesium. Its solubility, lack of taste or color, and low caloric content make it suitable for therapeutic use, weight management, and cholesterol reduction. Furthermore, it plays a role in skincare, cosmetic products, and pharmaceutical formulations. Despite its proven properties, its use remains largely confined to older generations. This study highlights the urgent need to scientifically document, preserve, and promote this underutilized national resource, recognizing its potential in both medical applications and sustainable economic development.

Gangrene is a serious condition, which is characterised by tissue death. It results from restricted blood flow and anoxic conditions and is frequently caused by atherosclerosis, tissue damage, diabetes mellitus and some pathogen infections. Gas gangrene (clostridial myonecrosis), a common class of gangrene, results from bacterial (particularly Clostridium perfringens) infections following tissue injury. Woodfordia uniflora is used in traditional Arabian healing systems to treat gangrene ulcers and skin sores. However, despite its well-documented uses, W. uniflora has not yet been rigorously tested against bacterial causes of gangrene ulcers and skin sores. Additionally, W. uniflora extracts are yet to be tested for therapeutic potential against other aspects of ulcer/wound healing, including inflammation and tissue regeneration. Solvent extracts prepared from W. uniflora leaves were tested against C. perfringens as well as a panel of epidermal bacteria. Antimicrobial activity was quantified by MIC determination. The anti-inflammatory activity of the extracts was evaluated using COX-2 and PGE2 ELISA assays. Toxicity was evaluated using ALA and HDF cell viability bioassays. The methanolic, ethanolic and aqueous extracts displayed noteworthy inhibitory activity (≤875µg/mL) against C. perfringens. The ethanol extract was particularly good, with an MIC of 250µg/mL. The extracts also had noteworthy inhibitory activity against several antibiotic-resistant epidermal bacteria, including MRSA (MICs 250-650µg/mL). Additionally, the W. uniflora extracts (1.25mg/mL) significantly inhibited COX-2 activity and PGE2 secretion. The ethanol extract was particularly promising, decreasing COX-2 enzymatic activity and PGE2 secretion by approximately 60% and 73% respectively. All W. uniflora extracts were non-toxic in the ALA and HDF cell viability assays, indicating their safety for therapeutic use. Taken together, these results indicate that W. uniflora extracts have therapeutic potential in the treatment of gas gangrene by inhibiting C. perfringens (and several skin bacteria), as well as inhibiting COX-2 mediated inflammation. Further studies are required to determine whether the extracts also affect extracellular matrix formation and tissue remodeling, and to identify the extract components responsible for those activities.

This presentation highlights the innovative integration of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) aromatherapy into chronic disease management, centered on Oman’s unique medicinal resource—frankincense (Boswellia sacra). We explore the systematic development of its compound formulations and multidimensional therapeutic applications. Guided by the TCM theory of “meridian attribution based on fragrance and flavor properties, we synergize modern extraction techniques (e.g., supercritical CO₂ extraction) with advanced formulation technologies (nano-carriers, targeted delivery systems) to develop a synergistic frankincense-myrrh compound system. This approach effectively enhances the bioavailability and stability of bioactive components. Industrial-scale production of aromatherapy transdermal patches and aerosol formulations has demonstrated preliminary success in community-based health interventions, particularly in regulating emotional states and improving sleep quality among hypertensive patients. Furthermore, this speech proposes a China-Oman collaborative initiative to advance the sustainable utilization of frankincense resources and facilitate the joint establishment of international quality standards. By integrating the TCM philosophy of “preventive treatment of disease” with Omani traditional therapies, we aim to build an interdisciplinary cooperation network. This framework seeks to address global health challenges in aging societies through culturally informed, evidence-based innovations.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Due to the high prevalence of cancer, researchers for the past decades have made considerable efforts for its management and treatment. Medicinal plants have always been exploited to discover novel anticancer agents. Oman's huge biodiversity has created a rich source of traditional medicine. OBJECTIVE: The current survey has aimed to document the traditionally used medicinal plants of Oman and their therapeutic role in the treatment of cancer. MATERIAL METHOD: This study comprises of literature-based survey through different databases, including Google, Scopus, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Science Direct, Springer Link, BioMed Central and PubMed. RESULTS: The current review revealed a total of 57 plant species that belong to 35 families that are used in the treatment of cancer in Oman. Most documented plants belong to Solanaceae (6 sp.), Apocyanaceae (5 sp.) and Lamiaceae (4 sp.). The literature reveals that the residents of the area mostly use leaves (38.5%) and prepare their recipes in the form of decoction (40.3%). Moreover, herbs are the most dominant life form (43.85%). Among all forms of cancer in Oman, breast (47%), wound (26), and lung cancer (0.5%) were found dominantly. A literature study confirmed that the medicinal plants used for cancer in Oman are rich in phytochemicals such as quercetin, allicin, coumarin, alliin, kaempferol, solamargine, rutin, lupeol, ursolic acid and luteolin that have shown significant biological activities including anti-cancer potential. It reflects the efficacy of these plants to be used as a medicine in clinical trials. Among all, Boswellia sacra Flueck. is of key importance due to the presence Boswellic acid being used for the treatment of different types of cancer. CONCLUSION: The residents of Oman have great knowledge about the traditional use of medicinal plants for the treatment of various diseases like cancer. The therapeutic potential and physiological efficacy of Omani medicinal plants should be further explored at a molecular level via in vivo and in vitro experiments.

Medieval times as Zafar. Placed in a strategic position for its geographical location, climate, availability of water and abundance of fodder, its long history dates back to the Bronze Age. The settlement reached its peak in Mediaeval times when it was a (a hub?) of international trade along the Indian Ocean. Many commodities were exported from the region or passed through the port. Among them a number of regional products such as: myrrh, dragon’s blood, aloe and madder, the most important being, however, frankincense and Arabian horses. Frankincense trade in Mediaeval times is barely studied despite its importance and great incomes generated by this trade during the period. The paper will present a general overview of the site of Al Baleed and its importance in the trade of frankincense, mainly in relation with the Far-eastern market with an overview of the coveted treasures from the region of Dhofar.

A lush vegetation develops around the numerous wadi estuaries interrupting the Dhofari coast in Southern Oman. Many estuaries still house mangroves of Avicennia marina (Forssk.) Vierh., a very fragile ecosystem that is currently under threat in this area. A rather rich flora, strongly affected by the influence of the monsoon, grows in other estuaries. This study concerns the flora and vegetation of these peculiar habitats with special focus on the plants growing on the different substrates. To gain insights into the pollen diffusion and representation of these plants in the current pollen rain, we analyzed surface soil samples. By evaluating their pollen amounts, we related the modern pollen rain to the abundance/coverage of the plant species typical of the different environments. Rather than a punctual indication of the plants growing at a short distance, our pollen records offer a general picture of the flora and vegetation of the area. This information is crucial for the correct interpretation of pollen records from ancient soils, and underlines the utility of pollen analysis for the reconstruction of the vegetation history.

Two species are newly reported for the Arabian Peninsula and eight new records for the Sultanate of Oman. Brief comments are provided on the phytogeography and ecology of these species. Most new records have been made from the botanically very poorly known or unexplored mountainous areas of northern Oman, including Musandam and poorly collected areas in Dhofar. These additional records raise the total number of known taxa in the national flora of Oman to 1417.