1
University of Sharjah
College of Pharmacy
[Graduation Project]
Deciphering the Anti-Bacterial, Anti-Inflammatory, and Anti-Cancer effects of Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA)
Submitted by:
Nora Abueida U18101148 Zaina Sahall
U18100598
Farah Mohamed Abdelgalil U18103295
Supervised by:
Dr. Ghalia Khoder
Associate Professor
College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah Spring of 2022- 2022
6 ABSTRACT
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is one of the polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) that are part of Omega-3 fatty acids. DHA is either synthesized from alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) in our bodies or ingested through food or supplements. Several health benefits have been attributed to DHA such as its ability to reduce blood-pressure and prevent cardiac arrythmias. DHA plays a crucial role in neurological disorders, low levels of DHA have been linked to Alzheimer’s disease, anxiety disorder, and Major Depressive Disorder. As the health of the brain and the health of the heart are connected, if DHA was directed as a treatment additive for the health of the heart and preventing cardiovascular risks, it also decreases neurological risks. Of DHA’s mechanisms of action, it acts on the phospholipids of the cell membrane, affecting the signaling pathway in the body, giving us its anti-bacterial activity. In this review paper, we will be deciphering the anti- bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer effects of DHA. This paper highlights the
emerging studies done on DHA as an alternative treatment, adjunctive therapy and/or overall supplement due to the many health benefits found. The papers reviewed have used several methodologies to conclude their findings such as in-vivo tests, in-vitro tests, and counting CFUs. DHA has successful bactericidal activity on bacteria such as H. pylori, S. aureus, and E.
coli. DHA’s anti- inflammatory properties have worked on Diabetes Mellitus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and Periodontitis. Regarding cancer, DHA has prophylactic properties against certain cancers and anti-cancer activity on lung cancer, colorectal cancer, and breast cancer.
