Alaa T. Qumsani

@uqu.edu.sa

Department of Biology, Al-Jamoum University College, Umm Al-Qura University, 24382, Makkah, Saudia Arabia
Department of Biology, Al-Jamoum University College, Umm Al-Qura University, 24382, Makkah, Saudia Arabia

Dr. Alaa Talal Qumsani Associate Professor of Microbiology. Dr. Alaa, a specialist in Microbiology, is a dedicated professional with a passion for education and scientific research. Holding a Ph.D. in Microbiology, Dr. Alaa has pursued advanced studies at renowned universities, gaining expertise in various aspects of the life sciences.

Throughout their academic journey, Dr. Alaa has actively contributed to research in the fields of Microbiology. Their work encompasses a wide range of topics. Driven by a commitment to advancing knowledge, they have published research articles in prestigious scientific journals and authored contributions to academic books.

In addition to their research endeavors, Dr. Alaa has demonstrated proficiency in laboratory techniques and possesses technical and programming skills relevant to their scientific pursuits. Their academic and professional experience includes serving in academic positions and participating in scholarly committees.

RESEARCH, TEACHING, or OTHER INTERESTS

Microbiology (medical), Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology, Urology, Developmental Biology
24

Scopus Publications

Scopus Publications

  • Zingiber officinale extract protects against diabetic hepatopathy via gut-liver axis modulation: Enhanced efficacy with metformin in type 2 diabetic rats
    Alaa T. Qumsani
    Journal of King Saud University Science, 2026
    Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) affects over 460 million individuals worldwide, of whom approximately 70% develop diabetic hepatopathy. Emerging evidence implicates gut microbiota dysbiosis as a central contributor to hepatic complications by disrupting the gut-liver axis. This study aimed to evaluate the hepatoprotective efficacy of Zingiber officinale (ginger) extract, alone and in combination with metformin, against diabetes-induced liver injury by modulating gut microbiota. Sixty male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to six experimental groups (n = 10 per group): control, ginger monotherapy, diabetic control, diabetic with ginger treatment, diabetic with metformin treatment, and diabetic with combination therapy. T2DM was induced using a high-fat diet (HFD) followed by low-dose streptozotocin (STZ) (30 mg/kg), and treatments were administered for 14 weeks. Comprehensive evaluations included metabolic profiling, liver function tests, antioxidant enzyme assays, histopathological examinations, and 16S rRNA-based analysis of gut microbiome. Diabetic rats exhibited severe gut dysbiosis characterized by 75% depletion of firmicutes and an 8-fold increase in proteobacteria. Ginger administration significantly restored microbial diversity, normalized the firmicutes/bacteroidetes ratio (F/B ratio), and markedly increased Akkermansia muciniphila abundance (from 0.2% to 2.1%). Furthermore, ginger treatment significantly improved insulin sensitivity (50% reduction in homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR)), enhanced pancreatic β-cell function (95% recovery of HOMA-β), and normalized dyslipidemic profiles. Hepatic protection was associated with substantial restoration of antioxidant enzymes (78–85%) and attenuation of inflammatory responses. Notably, combination therapy with metformin yielded superior outcomes across all measured parameters, suggesting a synergistic interaction. These findings underscore the therapeutic potential of Z. officinale , particularly in combination with metformin, for mitigating diabetic hepatopathy by modulating the gut-liver axis, and support its translational relevance as a microbiome-targeted intervention in T2DM management.
  • A Study of Microbiological Contamination and Metal Toxicity from Artisanal Crude Oil Refining on Ecosystem Health
    Saif A. Alharthy, Hilary Uguru, Moses O. Akwenuke, Arthur E. Essaghah, Ogaga Akpomedaye, Rokayya Sami, Roqayah H. Kadi, Morooj M. Baakdah, Rowa K. Zarah, Hamida Hamdi, Abdulsalam A. Noorwali, Manal A. Almalki, Alaa T. Qumsani, Sameer H. Qari
    Polish Journal of Environmental Studies, 2026
    This research aimed to examine the environmental consequences of crude petroleum refining processes. Water and air samples, taken from locations both near and far from artisanal oil refinery areas, were analyzed following approved procedures. The results obtained revealed that the operation of artisanal oil refineries had substantial environmental impacts. It was noted that water samples from highincidence areas exhibited the highest levels of TPH (mean ~561 μg/L), potentially toxic metals, HUB (mean ~31.33 cfu/mL), and HUF (mean ~16.87 cfu/mL). However, water samples in the high-incidence area had the lowest electrical conductivity and dielectric constant values. Similarly, the highest levels of VOCs, SO₂, CH₄, NO₂, CO, and NH₃, along with the lowest O₃ values, were recorded in high-emission zones. In rainwater and surface water, potentially toxic metal concentrations followed this pattern: Zn>Cu>Ni>Pb>Cd>As and Zn>Cu>Ni>Pb>Cd>As>Hg, respectively. The TCR values indicated that the metal concentrations were within the tolerable carcinogenic risk range, while the non-carcinogenic risks were within acceptable levels (HI<1). The findings of this study emphasized the importance of fostering a cleaner environment and identifying the basic pollution caused by human activities.
  • The contribution of microorganisms to sustainable development: towards a green future through synthetic biology and systems biology
    Alaa T. Qumsani
    Journal of Umm Al Qura University for Applied Sciences, 2025
    Microorganisms, though invisible, they play a pivotal role in influencing both the global economy and societal progress., and job market. This discussion highlights their significant impact on various sectors like food, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals. These versatile microorganisms act as efficient cell factories, producing chemicals from renewable sources and aiding in waste degradation. The historical development of microbial cell factories has relied on a trial-and-error approach, following a cyclic process of design, construction, testing, and refinement. The essay delves into the critical role of microorganisms in sustainable development, highlighting their capacity for sustainable chemical production and waste degradation. The incorporation of microbial technology presents significant opportunities for advancing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. Microorganisms contribute significantly to sustainable development by influencing the economy, creating jobs, improving food and pharmaceutical production, and advancing chemical manufacturing. Their utilization brings advantages like cleaner production methods, renewable resource utilization, and healthcare contributions. Overall, microorganisms are essential players in sustainable development, offering solutions for a more environmentally friendly and economically viable future.
  • Gut Microbiome Engineering for Diabetic Kidney Disease Prevention: A Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG Intervention Study
    Alaa Talal Qumsani
    Biology, 2025
    The gut microbiota has emerged as a critical modulator in metabolic diseases, with substantial evidence supporting its role in attenuating diabetes-related nephropathy. Recent investigations demonstrate that strategic manipulation of intestinal microflora offers novel therapeutic avenues for safeguarding renal function against diabetic complications. This investigation sought to determine the nephroprotective potential of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) administration in diabetic nephropathy models. Six experimental cohorts were evaluated: control, probiotic-supplemented control, diabetic, diabetic receiving probiotic therapy, diabetic with antibiotics, and diabetic treated with both antibiotics and probiotics. Diabetic conditions were established via intraperitoneal administration of streptozotocin (50 mg/kg) following overnight fasting, according to validated protocols for experimental diabetes induction. Probiotic therapy (3 × 109 CFU/kg, bi-daily) began one month before diabetes induction and continued throughout the study duration. Glycemic indices were monitored at bi-weekly intervals, inflammatory biomarkers, renal function indices, and urinary albumin excretion. The metabolic profile was evaluated through the determination of HOMA-IR and the computation of metabolic syndrome scores. Microbiome characterization employed 16S rRNA gene sequencing alongside metagenomic shotgun sequencing for comprehensive microbial community mapping. L. rhamnosus GG supplementation substantially augmented microbiome richness and evenness metrics. Principal component analysis revealed distinct clustering of microbial populations between treatment groups. The Prevotella/Bacteroides ratio, an emerging marker of metabolic dysfunction, normalized following probiotic intervention in diabetic subjects. Results: L. rhamnosus GG administration markedly attenuated diabetic progression, achieving glycated hemoglobin reduction of 32% compared to untreated controls. Pro-inflammatory cytokine levels (IL-6, TNF-α) decreased significantly, while anti-inflammatory mediators (IL-10, TGF-β) exhibited enhanced expression. The renal morphometric analysis demonstrated preservation of glomerular architecture and reduced interstitial fibrosis. Additionally, transmission electron microscopy confirmed the maintenance of podocyte foot process integrity in probiotic-treated groups. Conclusions: The administration of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG demonstrated profound renoprotective efficacy through multifaceted mechanisms, including microbiome reconstitution, metabolic amelioration, and inflammation modulation. Therapeutic effects suggest the potential of a combined probiotic and pharmacological approach to attenuate diabetic-induced renal pathology with enhanced efficacy.
  • The Effect of Probiotics on Gut Microbiota Modulation and Its Role in Mitigating Diabetes-Induced Hepatic Damage in Wistar Rats
    Alaa Talal Qumsani
    Biology, 2025
    The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in regulating health and mitigating diabetes-induced liver injury. This study evaluated the hepatoprotective effects of Bifidobacterium bifidum supplementation, both alone and in combination with metformin, in a rat model of diabetes-induced liver dysfunction. Rats were divided into six groups: control, probiotic only, metformin only, diabetic, diabetic with probiotic supplementation, and diabetic with combined probiotic and metformin treatment. Diabetes was induced using a single streptozotocin (STZ) injection following a 12 h fast. Probiotic supplementation (1 × 109 CFU/kg daily) was initiated 2 weeks before diabetes induction and continued throughout the experiment, while metformin was administered concurrently at a therapeutic dose. Weekly assessments included fasting blood glucose, insulin levels, glycation markers, and liver function tests. Both probiotic and metformin treatments significantly improved glycemic control (p < 0.05) and reduced fasting blood glucose levels (p < 0.01), with the combined therapy demonstrating the most pronounced effects. Additionally, insulin sensitivity was enhanced (p < 0.05), antioxidant enzyme levels were restored (p < 0.01), and histopathological analyses revealed preserved liver architecture, decreased inflammation (p < 0.01), and reduced fibrosis (p < 0.05). The Comet assay confirmed a significant reduction in DNA damage (p < 0.01), indicating the protective effects of the interventions against diabetes-induced hepatic injury. These findings highlight the potential of combining Bifidobacterium bifidum supplementation with metformin as a promising probiotic-based therapeutic approach for managing diabetes-related liver complications. Future studies are warranted to confirm these results and to optimize the long-term efficacy of probiotic interventions in diabetes management.
  • Exploring the Effects of Imidacloprid on Liver Health and the Microbiome in Rats: A Comprehensive Study
    Alaa T. Qumsani
    Microorganisms, 2025
    The current study investigates the systemic effects of imidacloprid, one of the most widely used neonicotinoid insecticides, on the liver and gut microbiome of rats in detail. With consideration of recent discussions on the potential harmfulness of imidacloprid to environmental and human health, the aim was to investigate the influence of this compound in the framework of controlled exposure at different dosages, namely, IMI-5, IMI-10, and IMI-30. Histopathological examination showed that liver morphology changed significantly with the dose, including in terms of cellular disorganization and signs of stress, with an alteration in the hepatic architecture. Morphological changes were related to disturbances in the activity of liver enzymes, reflecting deteriorating liver function with increased imidacloprid exposure. In parallel with this, a deep analysis of the gut microbiome revealed dramatic changes in microbial diversity and composition. Alpha diversity, represented by the Chao1 and Shannon indices, was significantly reduced with an increased dosage of imidacloprid. Subsequent beta diversity analysis, as visualized by principal component analysis, showed distinct clustering among the microbial communities, separated well between control and imidacloprid-treated groups, especially at higher dosages. Taxonomic analysis revealed an increase in the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and a change in key phyla including Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Verrucomicrobia. A heatmap and bar charts further confirmed dose-dependent changes in microbial abundance. These changes point toward imidacloprid-induced dysbiosis, a reduction in microbial diversity, and an imbalance in the F/B ratio, usually associated with metabolic disorders. Overall, given these findings, it would seem that imidacloprid does indeed impose serious negative impacts on both liver function and gut microbiota composition and may have further impacts on health and ecological safety.
  • GENOTOXIC AND CYTOTOXIC EVALUATION OF AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF ABUTILON PANNOSUM LEAVES USING ALLIUM CEPA ASSAY AND MOLECULAR ANALYSIS IN SAUDI ARABIA
    Rayan S. Alharbi, Abdulmajeed F. Alrefaei, Kamal A. Attia, Wessam M. Filfilan, Mohamed E. Elbeeh, Alaa T. Qumsani, Amenah S. Al-Otaibi, Sameer H. Qari
    Pakistan Journal of Botany, 2025
  • Insecticidal and Antimicrobial Effect of Entomopathogenic Fungi in Stored Wheat
    Ranjeet Kumar, Punyavrat Suvimalendu Pandey, Rajeev Ranjan Thakur, Rokayya Sami, Mahmoud Helal, Helal F. Al-Harthi, Alaa T. Qumsani, Naif H. Ashri, Sameer H. Qari
    Polish Journal of Environmental Studies, 2025
    In developing countries, the loss of food grain is about 10–20% of their total yield due to poor storage infrastructure. During storage under such unproductive storage conditions, approximately 600 species of insects deteriorate the stored grains, and 100 of those species cause financial damage to the grains. In addition to directly causing weight loss through feeding damage, insects also drastically reduce nutrients, lower the proportion of seeds that germinate, lower the grade, and decrease the market value of the crop as a result of waste accumulation, webbing, and insect dead bodies. The use of antiquated and conventional chemical fumigants to control stored grain insect pests has been a prevalent practice for a long time, which results in environmental contamination, residual toxicity, and resurgence. Due to high pathogenicity and minimal human toxicity, entomopathogenic fungi may be a viable option over traditional techniques for managing stored grain insect pests and can be treated as a novel solution for protecting the stored grains. Under consideration of these facts, the goal of the current study was to examine how three distinct entomopathogenic fungi (<i>Beauveria bassiana</i>, <i>Metarhizium anisopliae</i>, and <i>Lecanicillium lecanii</i>) affected wheat grain insects (<i>Sitophilus oryzae</i>, <i>Rizopertha dominica</i>, and <i>Tribolium castaneum</i>) that were kept in storage.
  • Multiple cropping effectively increases soil bacterial diversity, community abundance and soil fertility of paddy fields
    Haiying Tang, Ying Liu, Xiaoqi Yang, Guoqin Huang, Xiaogui Liang, Adnan Noor Shah, Muhammad Nawaz, Muhammad Umair Hassan, Alaa T. Qumsani, Sameer H. Qari
    BMC Plant Biology, 2024
    Background Crop diversification is considered as an imperative approach for synchronizing the plant nutrient demands and soil nutrient availability. Taking two or more crops from the same field in one year is considered as multiple cropping. It improves the diversity and abundance of soil microbes, thereby improving the growth and yield of crops. Therefore, the present study was conducted to explore the effects of different multiple winter cropping on soil microbial communities in paddy fields. In this study, eight rice cropping patterns from two multiple cropping systems with three different winter crops, including Chinese milk vetch (CMV), rape, and wheat were selected. The effects of different multiple winter cropping on soil microbial abundance, community structure, and diversity in paddy fields were studied by 16 S rRNA high-throughput sequencing and real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results The results showed that different multiple winter cropping increased the operational taxonomic units (OTUs), species richness, and community richness index of the bacterial community in 0 ~ 20 cm soil layer. Moreover, soil physical and chemical properties of different multiple cropping patterns also affected the diversity and abundance of microbial bacterial communities. The multiple cropping increased soil potassium and nitrogen content, which significantly affected the diversity and abundance of bacterial communities, and it also increased the overall paddy yield. Moreover, different winter cropping changed the population distribution of microorganisms, and Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria, Nitrospira, and Chloroflexi were identified as the most dominant groups. Multiple winter cropping, especially rape-early rice-late rice (TR) andChinese milk vetch- early rice-late rice (TC) enhanced the abundance of Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria, and Actinobacteria and decreased the relative abundance of Verrucomicrobia and Euryarchaeota. Conclusion In conclusion, winter cropping of Chinese milk vetch and rape were beneficial to improve the soil fertility, bacteria diversity, abundance and rice yield.
  • Correction to: Unveiling the potential of Trichoderma harzianum against Heterodera cajani in pigeon pea: impact on cysts, egg and juveniles abundance (Egyptian Journal of Biological Pest Control, (2024), 34, 1, (5), 10.1186/s41938-024-00767-7)
    Amit Kumar Maurya, Harish Kumar, Vinny John, Hemlata Pant, D. K. Srivastava, Nevin Ahmed, Fadi Baakdah, Rokayya Sami, Alaa Baazeem, Abeer Elhakem, Mohammad Y. Alshahrani, Alaa T. Qumsani, Sameer H. Qari
    Egyptian Journal of Biological Pest Control, 2024
  • Unveiling the potential of Trichoderma harzianum against Heterodera cajani in pigeon pea: impact on cysts, egg and juveniles abundance
    Amit Kumar Maurya, Harish Kumar, Vinny John, Hemlata Pant, D. K. Srivastava, Nevin Ahmed, Fadi Baakdah, Rokayya Sami, Alaa Baazeem, Abeer Elhakem, Mohammad Y. Alshahrani, Alaa T. Qumsani, Sameer H. Qari
    Egyptian Journal of Biological Pest Control, 2024
  • The Effects of Bio-Fertilizer by Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria on the Growth and Productivity of Barley under Deficit of Water Irrigation Conditions
    Mashael M. Alotaibi, Alya Aljuaid, Maha Mohammed Alharbi, Alaa T. Qumsani, Fahad Mohammed Alzuaibr, Moodi S. Alsubeie, Khadiga Ahmed Ismail, Hany S. Gharib, Mamdouh M. A. Awad-Allah
    Agronomy, 2024
  • GC-MS analysis, phytochemical composition of Hertia cheirifolia L. essential oil with pharmacological assessments: antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal activities
    Wassila Benabderrahmane, Hamza Fadel, Ines Sekhara, Imad Mennai, Imed Eddine Kadi, Mahmoud Helal, Rokayya Sami, Hala M. Abo-Dief, Ruqaiah I. Bedaiwi, Mohammad A. Alanazi, Helal F. Al-Harthi, Roqayah H. Kadi, Suzan A. Abushal, Tasahil S. Albishi, Alaa T. Qumsani, Sameer H. Qari
    Rsc Advances, 2024
  • Ethnomedicinal evaluation of medicinal plants used for therapies by men and women in rural and urban communities in Makkah district
    Sameer H. Qari, Afnan Alqethami, Alaa T. Qumsani
    Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal, 2024
  • ANTIPSORIATIC POTENTIALS OF ALOE VERA GEL ON HACAT CELLS WITH STUDYING SOME PHYSICAL PARAMETERS, PHYTOCHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES AGAINST MULTIPLE MICROBIAL PATHOGENS
    Rokayya Sami
    Acta Poloniae Pharmaceutica Drug Research, 2024
  • A Comparative Analysis of MicroRNA Expression in Mild, Moderate, and Severe COVID-19: Insights from Urine, Serum, and Nasopharyngeal Samples
    Raya Soltane, Nuha Almulla, Ahlam Alasiri, Nabila F. Elashmawy, Alaa T. Qumsani, Fatimah M. Alshehrei, Doaa El-Ghareeb Keshek, Taha Alqadi, Saleh Bakheet AL-Ghamdi, Abdou Kamal Allayeh
    Biomolecules, 2023
  • Role of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria in Improving Yield, Yield Components, and Nutrients Uptake of Barley under Salinity Soil
    Abdurrahman S. Masrahi, Abdulrahman Alasmari, Mostafa G. Shahin, Alaa T. Qumsani, Hesham F. Oraby, Mamdouh M. A. Awad-Allah
    Agriculture Switzerland, 2023
  • Role of Nanocarrier Systems in Drug Delivery for Overcoming Multi-Drug Resistance in Bacteria
    Alaa Talal Qumsani
    Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences, 2023
  • Molecular Identification, Isolation, Morphologic and Serologic of Acanthamoeba sp. Throw the Ovary of Sprague-Dawley Rats
    Alaa Talal Qumsani
    Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences, 2023
  • Assessing the Synergistic Activity of Clarithromycin and Therapeutic Oils Encapsulated in Sodium Alginate Based Floating Microbeads
    Ikram Ullah Khan, Mehwish Shoukat, Muhammad Asif, Syed Haroon Khalid, Sajid Asghar, Muhammad Usman Munir, Muhammad Irfan, Akhtar Rasul, Sameer H. Qari, Alaa T. Qumsani, Mohamed M. Hassan, Maryam A. Alahdal, Muhammad Usman, Zulqurnain Khan
    Microorganisms, 2022
  • Anti-Biofilms’ Activity of Garlic and Thyme Essential Oils against Salmonella typhimurium
    Alaa Eldin M. A. Morshdy, Ahmed S. El-tahlawy, Sameer H. Qari, Alaa T. Qumsani, Daniyah Habiballah Bay, Rokayya Sami, Eman Hillal Althubaiti, Ahmed M. A. Mansour, Amani H. Aljahani, Abd El-Salam E. Hafez, Abdallah Fikry A. Mahmoud, Rasha M. El Bayomi, Mohamed A. Hussein
    Molecules, 2022
  • Using multiplexed crispr/cas9 for suppression of cotton leaf curl virus
    Barkha Binyameen, Zulqurnain Khan, Sultan Habibullah Khan, Aftab Ahmad, Nayla Munawar, Muhammad Salman Mubarik, Hasan Riaz, Zulfiqar Ali, Asif Ali Khan, Alaa T. Qusmani, Kamel A. Abd-Elsalam, Sameer H. Qari
    International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2021
  • An outlook on global regulatory landscape for genome-edited crops
    Aftab Ahmad, Nayla Munawar, Zulqurnain Khan, Alaa T. Qusmani, Sultan Habibullah Khan, Amer Jamil, Sidra Ashraf, Muhammad Zubair Ghouri, Sabin Aslam, Muhammad Salman Mubarik, Ahmad Munir, Qaiser Sultan, Kamel A. Abd-Elsalam, Sameer H. Qari
    International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2021
  • Exploration of the medicinal flora of the aljumum region in Saudi Arabia
    Sameer H. Qari, Abdulmajeed F. Alrefaei, Wessam Filfilan, Alaa Qumsani
    Applied Sciences Switzerland, 2021