PhD in Pharmaceutics from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences
RESEARCH, TEACHING, or OTHER INTERESTS
Pharmaceutical Science, Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutics, Multidisciplinary, Drug Discovery
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Scopus Publications
Scopus Publications
Unraveling Vitiligo: A Multifactorial, Autoimmune Disease – An Insight into its Pathophysiology and Power of Herbal Healing Nikita, Pravin Kumar, Mahendra Singh Ashawat, Vinay Pandit Current Drug Discovery Technologies, 2026 Vitiligo, also known as leukoderma, is a chronic autoimmune skin disorder characterized by the progressive loss of melanocytes, leading to depigmented patches on the skin. While it is not life-threatening, the visible nature of the condition can significantly impact a patient’s psychological and emotional well-being. This review aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of vitiligo, including its clinical presentation, pathogenesis, diagnostic methods, and current therapeutic options. Although various synthetic treatments are available, ranging from corticosteroids to phototherapy, their long-term effectiveness is often limited, and adverse effects are more common. As a result, there is a growing interest in natural and plant-based therapies that may offer safer and more sustainable alternatives. This review has highlighted the use of herbal bioactives and traditional medicines for vitiligo management, drawing upon the data sourced from PubMed, Google Scholar, Springer, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases. Key search terms for this review included vitiligo, herbal therapies, traditional medicine, animal models, Shwitra, and Baras. The review has also explored findings from animal models and clinical trials, contributing to our understanding of disease mechanisms and therapeutic efficacy. By integrating traditional knowledge with modern research, there is emerging potential for plant-derived compounds to serve as complementary or alternative options in vitiligo treatment. In conclusion, advancing our understanding of vitiligo’s underlying mechanisms and embracing safer, evidence-based herbal therapies may pave the way toward more effective and holistic patient care.
Formulation and Evaluation of Lungs-Specific Doxorubicin-Loaded Chitosan-PLGA-Alginate Polymeric Nanoparticles Shalu Shukla, Vinay Pandit Current Nanomedicine, 2025 Background: An antibiotic called doxorubicin is produced by the Streptomyces peuce-tius bacterium, which is a member of the anthracycline drug class and is used in chemotherapy. Usually, doxorubicin is employed to cure solid tumors in children and adult patients. The physical and biological stability of the medicine can be increased by encasing it in nanoparticles, which increases the active pharmaceutical ingredient's bioavailability. Objective: This study aimed to create lungs targeting doxorubicin-loaded biodegradable polymer-ic nanoparticulate system by utilizing an appropriate method and conducting its evaluation. Methods: The polymeric nanoparticles using biodegradable polymers were prepared by the emul-sion polymerization method. Franz- diffusion cells were utilized to conduct in-vitro drug diffu-sion investigations. Results: Based on the outcomes of the experiments carried out for the research, polymeric nano-particles of doxorubicin were prepared utilizing different concentrations of chitosan, Sodium al-ginate, and PLGA. The visual appearance of doxorubicin polymeric nanoparticles shows homo-geneous dispersion with no phase separation form. The percentage yield, % entrapment efficien-cy, and drug content obtained for the final formulation were 93.43 ± 1.776, 87.31 ± 1.075, and 91.98 ± 0.493, respectively. A size dimension of 174.51 nm with a PDI of 0.242 and zeta poten-tial value of -36.1 mV of prepared nanoparticles demonstrate the stability of the formulation. The presentation of the PNPs of the optimized formulation having 310mg Tween 80 showed in vitro diffusion of 98.93% ± 0.296 % and an increased flux rate. Based on the determination coeffi-cients, the Higuchi model (K0 = 20.43 and R2= 0.982) was determined to have the best fit for the release data. Conclusion: Based on the trials conducted during the investigation, it was determined that the emulsion polymerization technique was best for the fabrication of the polymeric nanoparticles by utilizing different concentrations of chitosan, Sodium alginate, and PLGA. The formulation F6 containing 310mg Tween 80 suggested improved in vitro diffusion following the Higuchi model throughout all formulations. The findings suggest that a sustained process was responsible for the drug's release from the doxorubicin polymeric nanoparticles.
Bioelectronic Medicines-A Novel Approach of Therapeutics in Current Epoch Ajay Kumar, Mahendra Singh Ashawat, Vinay Pandit, Pravin Kumar Current Pharmaceutical Design, 2025 Background: Bioelectronic medicines aim to diagnose and treat a wide range of illnesses and ailments, including cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, diabetes, asthma, paralysis, blindness, bleeding, ischemia, organ transplantation, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative diseases. The focus of bioelectronic medicine is on electrical signaling of the nervous system. Understanding the nervous system's regulatory roles and developing technologies that record, activate, or inhibit neural signaling to influence particular biological pathways. Objective: Bioelectronic medicine is an emerging therapeutic option with the interconnection between molecular medicine, neuroscience, and bioengineering. The creation of nerve stimulating devices that communicate with both the central and peripheral nervous systems has the potential to completely transform how we treat disorders. Although early clinical applications have been largely effective across entire nerves, the ultimate goal is to create implantable, miniature closed-loop systems that can precisely identify and modulate individual nerve fibers to treat a wide range of disorders. Methodology: The data bases such as PubMed, and Clinicaltrial.gov.in were searched for scientific research, review and clinical trials on bioelectronic medicine. Conclusion: The field of bioelectronic medicine is trending at present. In recent years, researchers have extended the field’s applications, undertaken promising clinical trials, and begun delivering therapies to patients, thus creating the groundwork for significant future advancements. Countries and organizations must collaborate across industries and regions to establish an atmosphere and guidelines that foster the advancement of the field and the fulfillment of its prospective advantages.
Gold Nanoparticle-Based Drug Delivery System for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Bacterial Meningitis Darsh Gautam, Vinay Pandit, Sanjay Kumar, Poonam Talwan, Tarun Sharma Current Drug Delivery, 2025 Managing bacterial pathogens in the central nervous system is an immense issue for researchers all around the globe. The problem of these infections remains throughout the population, regardless of the discovery of several possible medicines. The major obstacle to drug delivery is the BBB, but only a few medicines that fulfill demanding requirements can penetrate it. Considering inadequate antibiotic alternatives and the increasing development of resistance, it is more important than ever to find new approaches to address this worldwide problem. Medical nanotechnology has evolved as a cutting-edge and effective means of treating many of the most difficult CNS illnesses, including bacterial meningitis. Various metallic nanoparticles, such as gold, silver, and titanium oxide, have shown bactericidal potential. Gold nanoparticles have gotten a great deal of interest due to their excellent biocompatibility, simplicity of surface modification, and optical qualities. The current study described AuNP-based detection and therapy options against meningitis-- causing bacteria, including bacterial pathogens' mechanisms for crossing BBB and AuNPs' mode of Action against those bacteria. The current study looked into green synthesized bactericidal gold nanoparticles-based therapy techniques for diagnosing and intervening in bacterial meningitis. Nevertheless, more research is needed before these laboratory findings can be translated into therapeutic trials. Nonetheless, we can confidently assert that the knowledge acquired and addressed in this study will benefit neuro-nanotechnology researchers.
Trojan Microparticles : A Composite Nanoparticle Delivery System Shalu Shukla, Vinay Pandit Current Drug Therapy, 2024 In recent years, microparticulate systems have drawn growing attention as a viable strategy for delivering cells, proteins, and medications to target areas. The Nanoparticles-in-Microparticles System (NiMS) is a drug delivery method that combines nano- and microparticles to deliver medications or genes to particular bodily regions with precision. A promising method for achieving dual or multiple functions inside a formulation is the development of nanoparticle-in-microparticle systems (NiMS). NiMS comprises a microparticle (M.P.) matrix and one or more nanoparticles (N.P.s). The N.P.s can be designed to provide specific functionality, such as targeted drug delivery or imaging, while the M.P. matrix can be tailored to provide sustained release or protect the N.P.s from degradation. NiMS offer several advantages over traditional formulations, including the ability to control release profiles and achieve site-specific delivery. By combining different types of N.P.s and M.P.s, it is possible to create formulations that release drugs at different rates or with different kinetics, allowing for tailored treatment regimens. Additionally, by lowering off-target effects and boosting efficacy, the site-specific targeting offered by NiMS can enhance the therapeutic index of medications. Microparticles are small, micron-sized particles that can be loaded with therapeutic agents and designed to deliver them to specific tissues in the body. The pharmaceutical sector is developing microparticulate delivery systems for oral, pulmonary, and cutaneous administration. For instance, a promising strategy for treating respiratory conditions, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is the development of inhalable microparticles (COPD). Moreover, the use of microparticles for topical drug delivery is being studied, where they can be formulated into creams, gels, or patches for treating skin disorders. The composition of microparticles is crucial for successful tissue regeneration because the particles must be biocompatible and able to interact with the cells in the targeted tissue. In addition, the size and shape of the particles can affect their behavior and how they interact with cells. Chemical and biological sensors and devices, optical detectors, electronic components, and nanoscale production depend on nanostructures because they offer unique properties, such as increased surface area and enhanced reactivity, which can be exploited to create more efficient and effective devices.
Formulation and Evaluation of Niosomal Loaded Transdermal Patches for the Treatment of Osteoarthritis Kajal, Dev Raj Sharma, Vinay Pandit, Mahendra Ashawat Drug Delivery Letters, 2024 Introduction: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease resulting from the breakdown of joint cartilage and underlying bone. The most common symptoms of osteoarthritis are joint pain and stiffness. The major hurdle in its treatment is that the oral administration of NSAIDs (Lornoxicam) causes side effects like GI side effects, cardiovascular problems, liver is-sues, or renal problems. Thus, there is a need to develop a Transdermal drug delivery system for the transport of drugs, which reduces side effects and has several benefits over oral delivery, and a Novel drug delivery system to enhance the permeation of drugs and give relief from symptoms of OA. Objectives: This work deals with the formulation and evaluation of niosomal-loaded Transdermal Patches for the treatment of Osteoarthritis. Method: The Niosomes were prepared using the thin film hydration method, and Niosomal-loaded Transdermal patches were prepared using the Solvent Casting method. The preliminary evaluation and characterization studies were conducted to find the optimized formulation. The in-vitro release and ex-vivo permeation studies were investigated. Stability studies were also assessed. Result: The prepared Niosomes suspension (F2) was found to have particle size 320.2 nm, Zeta potential 23.9 mV, and Drug entrapment 79 ± 0.32%. The in-vitro drug release studies of opti-mized formulation show 96.44 ± 0.34 % drug release for 24 hours. Then, the optimized Niosome formulation (F2) was loaded into the transdermal patches. The in-vitro permeation studies of Nio-somal-loaded transdermal patch F1 (NLXTP) were performed, which showed a higher permeabil-ity than plain drug-loaded transdermal patch. F1 (NLXTP) followed Zero order release kinetic model, which shows a non-fickian controlled release diffusion mechanism. The ex-vivo drug re-lease studies of optimized formulation F1 (NLXTP) show 2.79 ± 0.76 (μg/ml) drug permeated for 8 hours with a flux value of 0.35 ± 0.55, and the percentage of drug retention was found to be 5.67%. The stability studies showed that patches were stable over 90 days in different atmospher-ic conditions. Conclusion: The Lornoxicam-loaded Niosomal transdermal patch was found to be a promising nano-drug-delivery alternative that showed better entrapment and release with a permeation pro-file for the daily management of osteoarthritis.
A Review on General Concept and Preparation Methods together with Characterization Techniques of Silver Nanoparticles Sweta Sweta, Archana Chaudhary, Tarun Kumar, Aman Kumar, Vinay Pandit, M. S. Ashawat Research Journal of Pharmacy and Technology, 2023 Silver and its compounds have been used for thousands of years as antibacterial and medicinal agents. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) subsequently received much attention due to their unusual physical, chemical, and biological properties, which are mainly caused by AgNP size, structure, composition, luster, and structure compared to their bulk species. When free radicals interact with bacteria, they can cause damage to the cell membrane, enabling it to penetrate and eventually lead to cell death. Compared to other salts, silver nanoparticles have excellent antibacterial activity due to their large surface area, allowing for high interaction with bacteria. There are many techniques for producing silver nanoparticles, including physical, chemical, and biological processes.Physical and chemical processes for making silver nanoparticles are expensive and complicated, whereas biological approaches are easier and safer to implement. In the biological and environmental areas, metal nanoparticles with controlled particle size and surface chemistry have a broad spectrum of applications. Nanomaterials must becharacterized in addition to the manufacturing procedures to explore differences in activity based on morphological distinctions. AgNPs are widely used as antibacterial agents in the field of health, food storage, textiles, and various environmental applications.So, in this systematic review, we examined silver nanoparticle preparation methods, characterization, applications, and fundamental concepts of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs).
Silymarin: A Phytoconstituent with Significant Therapeutic Potential-A Narrative Review Pravin Kumar, Sahil Sharma, Mahendra Singh Ashawat, Vinay Pandit, Chandrapal Singh Verma, Dinesh Kumar Sharma Current Drug Therapy, 2023 Silymarin, is a phytoactive constituent isolated from the fruits and seeds of Silybum marianum L Gaetn.), also called milk thistle belonging to the family of Asteracease. The phytoactive has been used to treat several physiological disorders. The objective of this manuscript was to review the therapeutic prospective of silymarin due to its ability to treat several physiological disorders. The databases such as Pubmed, Elsevier, and Google Scholar were reviewed for the investigations or reviews published related to the title. The discussion is focused on the immunomodulatory, chemopreventive, and anti-inflammatory mechanisms of silymarin in various metabolic and dermatological disorders. In addition, the review discusses the different therapeutic potentials of silymarin such as the management of the liver disorder, skin carcinogenesis, cardiovascular disorders, diabetes mellitus, neurodegenerative disorders, and several dermatological disorders such as melasma, anti-aging, acne, rosacea, atopic dermatitis, and psoriasis. Silymarin is safe even with a dose higher than the therapeutic dose. Silymarin had good potential for the safe and effective treatment of numerous metabolic and dermatological disorders.
Recent Trends in Nanocarriers for the Management of Atopic Dermatitis Pravin Kumar, Mahendra Singh Ashawat, Vinay Pandit, Chandra Pal Singh Verma, Amar Deep Ankalgi, Manish Kumar Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, 2023 Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a pruritic inflammatory skin condition with increasing global prevalence, almost affecting 15% to 30% of children and 5% of adults. AD results due to a complex interaction between the impaired skin barrier function, allergens, and immunological cells. Topical corticosteroids or calcineurin inhibitors in the form of creams or ointments are the mainstay of therapy, but they have low skin penetration and skin barrier repair efficiency. Objective: The above limitations of conventional dosage forms have motivated the development of nanoformulations of drugs for improved penetration and deposition in the skin for better management of AD. Methods: Databases, such as Pubmed, Elsevier, and Google Scholar, were reviewed for the investigations or reviews published related to the title. Results: The present review discusses the advantages of nanoformulations for the management of AD. Further, it also discusses the various types of topically investigated nanoformulations, i.e., polymeric nanoparticles, inorganic nanoparticles, solid lipid nanoparticles, liposomes, ethosomes, transfersomes, cubosomes, and nanoemulsion for the management of atopic dermatitis. In addition, it also discusses advancements in nanoformulations, such as nanofibres, nanosponges, micelles, and nanoformulations embedded textiles development for the management of AD. Conclusion: The nanoformulations of drugs can be a better alternative for the topical management of AD with enhanced skin penetration and deposition of drugs with reduced systemic side effects and better patient compliance.
Topical methotrexate cubosomes in treatment of rheumatoid arthritis: Ex-vivo and in-vivo studies Karishma Kapoor, Vinay Pandit, Upendra Nagaich Research Journal of Pharmacy and Technology, 2021 Late investigation of complex and shifted parts of rheumatoid joint pain (RA) is prompting the advancement of the more viable focuses for pharmaceutical methodology than it was previously. Current treatment for RA much of the time incorporates the utilization of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, notwithstanding the extreme antagonistic effects. Local application and consolidation of the medications in cubosomes based formulations may diminish those reactions and improve the efficacy of medications by decreasing the accessibility of them in systemic dissemination and expanding deposition and retention time at the inflammed sites. MTX cubosomes were formulated using Monoolein and Poloxamer-407 and water. The ex vivo skin saturation study was done with the assistance of rat abdominal skin using vertical Franz dispersion cell using PBS and samples were withdrawn and analyzed at defined intervals. In-vivo studies were performed on Female Wistar rats using Bovine type II collagen (CII; Chondrex, Redmond, WA, USA) arrangement in 0.1N acetic acid was emulsified with Freund's adjuvant and the emulsion was imfused subcutaneously at the bottom of the tail. Ex vivo skin permeation using rat abdominal study, primary stage which was quick showed MTX penetration at the first 2h pursued by more slow medication infiltration during the following examined hours. Histopathological studies showed correlated results upon evaluation. Inflammed paw thickness was measured each and there was a considerable decrease in the paw size after the rats were treated with this novel delivery system.: The relative bioavailability of both the formulation was found to be 202.38% and 192.54% respectively, therefore the system was found to be more reliable and non-invasive for topical delivery.
Retrospective prescription-based survey in type 2 diabetes in an indian tertiary care hospital International Journal of Research in Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2011
