First-year pre-medical students at Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) presented their biology laboratory research on the antimicrobial effects of herbs, spices, and other natural substances during the annual poster presentation event.
The event marked the conclusion of two semesters of research, where students were given a choice of four different bacterial species to study. They were tasked with investigating how the bacteria responded and identifying the potential mechanisms in the extracts that inhibit bacterial growth.
A total of 53 students, organized into groups of three, collaborated on these research projects from start to finish, showcasing their skills in conducting and communicating scientific research.
Altogether, 18 posters were presented, where the students reviewed literature, formulated a question and hypothesis, conducted experiments in the laboratory, and analyzed the data. The students then wrote a short synopsis of their findings and presented it in a poster manner to their fellow students and faculty.
Some of the posters will be showcased at the Doctors of the Future Conference, a gathering of educational leaders and future medical students that is scheduled to take place on April 11-12, 2025 and organized by WCM-Q.
Dr. Kuei-Chiu Chen, professor of biology, said: “We are committed to helping students master the essential skills of research. We focus on enabling them to critically evaluate scientific literature, conduct thorough statistical analyses on their data, draw insightful conclusions, and effectively communicate their findings”.
Reema Al-Emadi, Maryam Alghanem, and Khalid Al-Thani presented a poster on the inhibitory effect of Senna alexandrina (senna leaves), Euterpe oleracea (açaí fruit), and Lepidium sativum (cress seeds) on opportunistic pathogens — Serratia marcescens and Corynebacterium amycolatum.
Reema Al-Emadi said: “There is a growing challenge of antimicrobial resistance, and there is a need for natural and sustainable alternatives to synthetic antibiotics. While plant-based antimicrobials are well-studied, the knowledge to their effectiveness against Serratia marcescens and Corynebacterium amycolatum is limited. Therefore, our study aimed to research less investigated bacterial species to reveal antimicrobial properties of senna leaves, açaí fruit, and cress seeds, and to see their potential as natural antimicrobials to reduce reliance on synthetic antibiotics and combat resistant infections effectively”. The findings highlight the antimicrobial potential of plant-based compounds and their ability to target different bacterial structures.
Nour Alqubbaj, Maryam Sohail, and Dongeun Lee presented their poster, titled ‘The Antibacterial effects of Vitex agnus-castus paste on Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aures, Serratia marcescens (red strain), and Corynebacterium amycolatum.’
Maryam Sohail said: “We used Vitex agnus-castus (chaste tree) as an antimicrobial agent against Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria strains. Traditionally, the plant has been used in many cultures to treat pre-menstrual and post-menopausal symptoms. Our results showed that vitex has much potential in the pharmaceutical industry to combat antimicrobial resistance”.
Students Aiza Tanveer Hassan, Dounia Baroudi, and Hyeonjeong Oh presented a poster on their research exploring the antibacterial properties of lime, apple, and kiwi extracts against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. They selected these bacteria because they are commonly found in the intestines, and the fruits are staples in many households. The researchers concluded that pH is not the sole factor inhibiting bacterial growth; other elements, such as flavonoids, may also play a significant role.
Other student projects also examined the antimicrobial effects of various substances, including tarragon, ashwagandha, red pepper, coriander, mustard seeds, oregano, kumquat, cumin seeds, and oils from eucalyptus and tea tree, among others.
It is important to note that these WCM-Q student projects are educational in nature, and their findings should not be interpreted as clinical trials or medical recommendations for the effectiveness of these remedies.
