A Master's thesis at the College of Pharmacy, University of Basrah, by researcher Aqeel Talib Qanbar, investigated the synergistic effects of various antioxidants, specifically Vitamin E and Hovenia dulcis (Raisin Tree) extract, when combined with Azole antifungals (Ketoconazole). The study targeted highly pathogenic, drug-resistant strains of Candida albicans, yielding breakthrough scientific results.

The scientific findings demonstrated that low concentrations of Vitamin E in synergy with Ketoconazole produced the highest inhibition zones, whereas Hovenia dulcis exhibited dose-dependent effectiveness. Most notably, the experimental animal groups achieved full recovery within 15 days of the synergistic treatment, surpassing the control groups receiving conventional antifungal therapy alone.