B. Pharmacy (Mysore University)
M. Pharmacy (Pharmaceutics) (BITS, Pilani)
PhD (Punjab Technical University, Kapurthala Punjab
RESEARCH, TEACHING, or OTHER INTERESTS
Pharmaceutical Science, General Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutics, Oncology, Drug Discovery
FUTURE PROJECTS
Novel Targeted delivery for Breast Cancer
Applications Invited
49
Scopus Publications
Scopus Publications
Sustainable Bacterial Cellulose-Based Biomaterials: Merging Nanotechnology and Biomedicine for Enhanced Burn Wound Therapy Lovekesh Nagpal, Saahil Arora Starch Staerke, 2026 Bacterial cellulose (BC) has emerged as a structurally advanced and multifunctional biomaterial for burn wound management owing to its nanofibrillar architecture, high purity, biocompatibility, and exceptional water‐retention capacity. This review critically examines the mechanistic role of BC in wound healing, emphasizing its extracellular matrix‐mimicking properties, inflammation modulation, exudate regulation, and capacity to support cellular adhesion, proliferation, angiogenesis, and tissue remodelling. Extensive emphasis is placed on the design and therapeutic performance of functionalized BC systems, including nanoparticle‐integrated, phytochemical‐loaded, antibiotic‐functionalized, chemically modified, and cell‐laden scaffolds. These engineered platforms enhance antimicrobial efficacy, antioxidant activity, controlled drug release, and regenerative signaling pathways, including VEGF‐mediated angiogenesis and collagen deposition. Comparative analysis further reveals important trade‐offs between antimicrobial potency, cytocompatibility, mechanical stability, and translational feasibility across different BC‐based systems. Despite promising preclinical and clinical outcomes, challenges related to cytotoxicity, reproducibility, release kinetics, large‐scale manufacturing, and regulatory standardization continue to limit clinical translation. Collectively, BC‐based biomaterials represent a promising platform for next‐generation burn wound therapies, particularly through the development of multifunctional and stimuli‐responsive systems that integrate antimicrobial, anti‐inflammatory, and regenerative functionalities within a clinically translatable framework.
Response Surface Optimized Nanoemulgel for Ocular Bimatoprost Delivery: Integrating Hyaluronic Acid and Omega-3 to Enhance Residence Time and Alleviate Side Effects in Glaucoma Monika Singh, Samrat Chauhan, Monika Monika, Rahul Pratap Singh, Saahil Arora, et al. International Journal of Drug Delivery Technology, 2026 Purpose: The objective of the present study was to conduct a pharmacological evaluation of a topical sustained release in-situ nanoemulgel (NEG) containing hyaluronic acid (HA) and omega-3 fatty acid in the mitigation of adverse drug reactions induced by antiglaucoma drugs. Method: Bimatoprost, HA, algal oil (oil phase and source of omega-3 fatty acid), tween 80 (emulsifier I), Span 80 (emulsifier II), and water (aqueous phase) were used for the formulation development, and high-pressure homogenization followed by ultrasonication method was adopted to prepare nano-emulsion. Result: Formulation optimization was done by using a response surface methodology (RSM) and evaluated for particle size, Zeta potential, polydispersity index (PDI). The optimized formulation was transformed into a gelling system using gellan gum (GG). The prepared NEG was subsequently subjected to both in vitro and in vivo evaluations. The optimized nanoemulsion was composed of 0.03% bimatoprost, 7.5% oil, 22.5% tween 80 and span 80 [Smix (4:1)], 0.18% HA, and 70% water. It exhibited a particle size of 40.67 ± 0.74 nm, a zeta potential of 36.4 ± 0.98 mV, and a PDI of 0.246 ± 0.043. NEG was prepared with 0.250% of GG. When combined with simulated tear fluid, the formulated NEG converted from a sol to a gel, confirming it’s in situ gelation capability. The optimized formulation exhibited a drug content of 98.76 ± 0.54%. In vitro release studies revealed a sustained drug release and was further confirmed to be stable, isotonic, and sterile. Pharmacodynamic evaluation demonstrated a significant reduction in intraocular pressure (IOP) with the developed NEG. Conclusion: The developed formulation mitigates common adverse effects of anti-glaucoma therapy, including dry eye and conjunctival hyperemia, through the incorporation of HA and omega-3 fatty acid.
Nanotechnology Based Topical Insulin Delivery System: Promising Role in Diabetic Wound Healing Lalit Singh, Arpita Bhakuni, Monika, Rahul Pratap Singh, Saahil Arora, Vikas Jhawat Wound Repair and Regeneration, 2025 Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder characterised by elevated blood glucose levels, leading to widespread systemic and localised complications, including weakened wound healing. Diabetic wounds, particularly diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs), are related to delayed healing, chronic inflammation, and increased risk of amputation. Key pathological factors include hyperglycemia‐induced oxidative stress, neuropathy, immune dysfunction, and impaired angiogenesis. Among various therapeutic approaches, topical insulin has emerged as a promising strategy to accelerate wound repair in diabetic patients. Insulin's ability to regulate glucose metabolism, promote angiogenesis, and stimulate cellular repair mechanisms underscores its potential role in tissue regeneration. Recent advances in nanotechnology‐based drug delivery systems (DDSs) have further improved the targeted delivery and sustained insulin release at wound sites. These nanotherapeutics enhance drug efficacy, cell specificity, and controlled release, fostering rapid and efficient tissue repair. Future research focusing on optimised formulations, personalised treatment approaches, and clinical validation could revolutionise the management of diabetic wounds, improve patient outcomes, and reduce complications associated with chronic diabetes.
In-vivo Explorations to Assess Depression Relieving Potential of Cannabidivarin in Stress Induced Depression in Mice Abhishek Sharma, Rahul Singh, Inderjeet Yadav, Rohit Dutt, Saahil Arora, Shreya Singh, Neha Rana, Neeraj Kumar Chouhan, Priya Malik Current Psychiatry Research and Reviews, 2025 Background: Cannabidivarin, a non-psychotropic phytocannabinoid, has been identified and recognized for its antioxidant and neuroprotective properties, with potential effects on central nervous system (CNS) ailments. Objective: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the antidepressant potential of cannabidivarin in both stressed and unstressed mice via the CUMS (chronic unpredictable mild stress) model through in vivo analysis. Methods: Swiss male albino mice were exposed to the CUMS protocol daily for three consecutive weeks, resulting in depression-like behavioral symptoms. Imipramine at a dose of 15 mg/kg and cannabidivarin at doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg were administered for three weeks to different groups of both stressed and unstressed mice. Results: Both imipramine (15 mg/kg) and cannabidivarin (200 mg/kg), after 21 consecutive days of administration, significantly reduced the immobility time in mice exposed to stress compared to the stressed group given saline. Neither treatment significantly affected the locomotor activity in either stressed or unstressed mice. Cannabidivarin showed antidepressant potential by reducing immobility in stressed mice, similar to imipramine, at a dose of 15 mg/kg. Additionally, both cannabidivarin (200 mg/kg) and imipramine (15 mg/kg) significantly lowered elevated plasma corticosterone, nitrite levels, and monoamine oxidase-A activity in the brains of stressed mice. Both treatments also notably reversed the chronic stress-induced decrease in catalase activity. Conclusion: In conclusion, cannabidivarin demonstrated significant antidepressant effects in mice exposed to chronic unpredictable stress using the CUMS model. These effects are likely mediated through its interaction with cannabinoid receptors, as supported by in vivo findings and the well-established role of endocannabinoid receptors in modulating responses to phytocannabinoids.
An Overview of Hypertension: Pathophysiology, Risk Factors, and Modern Management Deepshikha, Pooja Mathur, Monika, Vikas Jhawat, Saurabh Shekhar, Rohit Dutt, Vandana Garg, Saahil Arora, Sonali, Rahul Pratap Singh Current Hypertension Reviews, 2025 Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a chronic condition charac-terized by elevated arterial pressure. It occupies a unique position in population health. It is the leading cause of cardiovascular disease and the most common non-communicable condition af-fecting millions worldwide and is a major public health challenge. The etiology of hypertension involves a complex interplay of environmental and pathophysiolog-ical factors alongside genetics, diet, lifestyle, and other coexisting medical conditions. Treatment typically involves medication and lifestyle adjustments such as dietary changes, regular exercise, weight management, and stress reduction to pharmacological interventions involving drugs like diuretics, beta-blockers & ACE inhibitors to lower blood pressure. The pathogenesis of hyperten-sion is linked to endothelial dysfunction, vascular remodelling, sympathetic nervous system acti-vation, and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. Diagnosis is made by measuring blood pres-sure using a sphygmomanometer, with stages including prehypertension, stage 1 hypertension, and stage 2 hypertension. Effective management of hypertension requires lifestyle modifications such as dietary changes, regular exercise, weight control, and reduced alcohol consumption, alongside pharmacological interventions. As hypertension continues to be a leading cause of death and disa-bility globally, understanding and addressing these factors are crucial for mitigating the widespread impact of hypertension on public health.
Cannabigerol and Cannabinoid Receptors in Major Depressive Disorder: Network Pharmacology, Molecular Docking, and In-vivo Analysis Abhishek Sharma, Rahul Singh, Shivkant Sharma, Rohit Dutt, Neha Rana, Saud O. Alshammari, Qamar A. Alshammari, Abdulkarim Alshammari, Saahil Arora, Md. Azhar Iqbal, Rubina Bhutani Current Drug Discovery Technologies, 2025 Introduction: Cannabigerol (CBG), being one of the non-psychotropic phyto-cannabinoid, has been labelled and recognized to be antioxidant and neuroprotective; it may conceivably hold depression-relieving activity. Consequently, the objective of the present research procedure was to explore the depression-alleviating competence of cannabigerol in both stressed and unstressed mice using computational/in-silico modelling, followed by in-vivo analysis. Methods: Target genes for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) were identified using GeneCards and Swiss Target Prediction, with common targets screened via Venny software. STRING database anal-ysis established protein-protein interactions (PPI), identifying CNR2 (CB2 receptor) as a key target. Molecular docking of CBG with CB2 (PDB ID: 8GUR) showed strong binding, prompting in vivo evaluation. ADME profiling via Schrödinger Maestro v10.5 confirmed CBG’s high oral absorption and favorable pharmacokinetics. Male Swiss albino mice underwent chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) for three successive weeks, with CBG (10, 20, 40 mg/kg) and imipramine (15 mg/kg) administered and various behavioral and biochemical parameters being analyzed. Results: Cannabigerol demonstrated maximum oral absorption in ADME predictions using Schrö-dinger's Maestro (v10.5). Wayne diagram illustrated MDD-related targets, with CB2 (CNR2) rank-ings in top targets, based on SwissADME and Venny software analysis. Docking analysis revealed a high binding affinity (-10.53) for CB2, outperforming cannabidiol (-9.56) and comparable to Δ9-THC (-10.11). During in vivo evaluation, CBG (40 mg/kg) and Imipramine 15mg/kg significantly reduced CUMS-induced exalted plasma corticosterone, nitrite quantities, and monoamine oxidase-A action in the brain of stressed mice. Additionally, both treatments substantially reversed the unpre-dictable chronic stress-induced decline in catalase action, demonstrating CBG’s possible potential in alleviating depression-like symptoms in mice. Conclusion: Cannabigerol has shown significant depressive alleviating potential in mice exposed to chronic and unpredictable stress regimes, possibly via interaction with cannabinoid receptors as in-dicated by in-silico modelling, which has been validated by our findings of the in-vivo protocol.
Introduction to Synbiotics Komal Singh, Amanda Frank Mariki, Preet Amol Singh, Saahil Arora, Neha Bajwa Synbiotics in Human Health Biology to Drug Delivery, 2024