Ammara Asif | Pharmacology | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Ammara Asif | Pharmacology | Best Researcher Award

Phd Student at The Islamia University Bahawalpur, Pakistan

Ms. Ammara Asif is a licensed Pharmacist with a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm-D) degree and a strong specialization in Pharmacology. Currently pursuing her PhD in Pharmacology at The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, she is recognized for her keen interest in research, particularly in medicinal plant pharmacology, nephroprotective, hepatoprotective, and cardioprotective studies. Her academic journey has been enriched by an IRSIP-funded international research opportunity at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark, reflecting her global exposure and research adaptability. Ammara is also an effective communicator, fluent in multiple languages including English, Urdu, and Punjabi, and possesses practical experience in both academic and clinical settings. With a solid track record of peer-reviewed publications and hands-on research training, she has consistently demonstrated a commitment to advancing pharmaceutical sciences. She aspires to contribute further to academia through research, mentorship, and community engagement while promoting evidence-based pharmacological practices in healthcare.

Professional Profile 

Education

Ms. Ammara Asif holds a robust academic background in pharmaceutical sciences. She began her academic journey by earning a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm-D) degree from the University of Sargodha in 2013 with a CGPA of 3.03. She then pursued an M.Phil. in Pharmacology from Government College University, Faisalabad, graduating in 2017 with an excellent CGPA of 3.77 (94.25%). Currently, she is enrolled in a Ph.D. in Pharmacology (2018–2025) at The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, where she maintains a CGPA of 3.60. Her academic training also includes a prestigious IRSIP (HEC Pakistan) research scholarship, through which she conducted research as a PhD guest scholar at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark, in 2022. This academic trajectory reflects her strong theoretical foundation, practical training, and international research exposure, all of which contribute to her competence as a future educator and researcher in pharmacology.

Professional Experience

Ms. Ammara Asif’s professional experience bridges both academic and clinical spheres. She began with a key internship at The Children Hospital and Institute of Child Health, Lahore, where she worked as a trainee pharmacist. During this time, she gained hands-on knowledge in hospital and clinical pharmacy through training in OPD pharmacy, skin pharmacy, and the TPN (Total Parenteral Nutrition) section. Additionally, her participation in community outreach through a medical camp focused on public awareness about blood pressure, blood glucose, and dengue prevention showcases her engagement with public health. While she is currently focused on her doctoral research, her previous exposure to practical pharmacy applications, combined with her academic excellence, positions her well for future roles in both academia and pharmaceutical research. She is also committed to mentoring and collaborative academic work, laying the foundation for her contributions as a potential faculty member in pharmacological sciences.

Research Interests

Ms. Ammara Asif’s research interests lie primarily in the fields of general pharmacology and medicinal chemistry, with a focused inclination toward natural product pharmacology and therapeutic drug evaluation. She has extensively studied the hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, antioxidant, and cardioprotective effects of various medicinal plant extracts, reflecting her passion for ethnopharmacology and phytomedicine. Her doctoral research includes studies on bioactive compounds from plants such as Artocarpus lakoocha and Parkia speciosa, aimed at exploring their therapeutic mechanisms in disease models. She also investigates the molecular pharmacodynamics and toxicological profiles of herbal substances, contributing to the growing body of evidence in natural medicine development. Ammara’s interest in integrative medicine and plant-based therapeutics underscores her commitment to discovering cost-effective and biocompatible alternatives to synthetic drugs, which is especially relevant in developing countries. Her research reflects a blend of modern pharmacological evaluation and traditional medicinal wisdom.

Research Skills

Ms. Ammara Asif has developed an array of advanced research skills throughout her academic career. She is proficient in experimental pharmacology techniques, including in vivo disease modeling, drug administration protocols, and biochemical marker assessments for evaluating organ protection. She possesses expertise in phytochemical screening, antioxidant assays, and histopathological examination. In addition to wet lab competencies, she is highly skilled in using scientific tools such as GraphPad Prism for statistical data analysis and EndNote for literature management. Her ability to critically interpret scientific data is evident through her peer-reviewed publications. She is also proficient in preparing manuscripts, scientific abstracts, and conference presentations. Ammara’s training in international research environments like the University of Copenhagen has sharpened her skills in research design, data integrity, and academic collaboration. Her technical capabilities, combined with a solid foundation in pharmacological sciences, make her a competent and versatile researcher in both academic and applied research settings.

Awards and Honors

Ms. Ammara Asif has earned notable academic honors that highlight her commitment and excellence in research. Chief among these is the International Research Support Initiative Program (IRSIP) scholarship awarded by HEC Pakistan, which enabled her to serve as a PhD guest researcher at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark in 2022. This prestigious award reflects her academic merit and international research aptitude. Additionally, she has received a distinction certificate for her involvement in community health through participation in a medical awareness camp, emphasizing her dedication to applying pharmaceutical knowledge for public benefit. Her high academic performance in M.Phil. (CGPA 3.77) and consistent publication record also reflect her strong scholarly potential. While still in the early stages of her professional journey, Ammara’s accolades mark her as a promising researcher with significant future contributions anticipated in the fields of pharmacology and medicinal chemistry.

Conclusion

Dr. Ammara Asif is a promising and rising researcher in the field of pharmacology, particularly in medicinal plant research and phytotherapy. Her international research exposure, interdisciplinary work, and publication record showcase strong potential for the Best Researcher Award. However, to be fully competitive, especially at the national/international level, she could enhance her candidacy with a higher volume of publications, more visible research impact metrics, and leadership or innovation-driven outputs.

Publications Top Noted

  • Saleem, M., Asif, A., Akhtar, M.F., Saleem, A. (2018) – Hepatoprotective potential and chemical characterization of Artocarpus lakoocha fruit extract – Cited by: 28

  • Tratrat, C., Ali, L., Asif, A., Khan, S., Haroun, M., Sewell, R.D.E. (2025) – Hepatoprotective activity of Artocarpus lakoocha leaf extract against paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity

  • Hussein, I., Ahmad, F.D., Asif, A., Khan, S., Chohan, M.S., Sewell, R.D.E. (2025) – The potential mitigating activity of Cassia absus seed extract on carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury

  • Asif, A., Ahmad, F.-u.-D., Mirza, O.A., Yan, R., Sewell, R.D.E. (2024) – Protective Effect of the Exogenous Hydrogen Sulfide Donor, Parkia speciosa Hassk. against Hypertensive Nephropathy

  • Asif, A., Ahmad, F.D., Mothana, R.A., Al‐Yousef, H.M., Sewell, R.D.E. (2025) – The Polysulfide Containing Medicinal Plant Parkia speciosa Hassk. has Both Antioxidant and Cardioprotective Activity

Pradeep Kumar Samal | Ethnomedicine | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Samal | Ethnomedicine | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor at Guru Ghasidas University Department of Pharmacy, India

Dr. Pradeep Kumar Samal is an accomplished academician and researcher in the field of pharmacology, currently serving as an Associate Professor in the Department of Pharmacy at Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya (A Central University), Chhattisgarh, India. With over two decades of undergraduate and postgraduate teaching experience, he has made substantial contributions to the fields of hepatoprotection, neuroprotection, nephroprotection, and metabolic disorders. Dr. Samal has published more than 50 peer-reviewed research articles in reputed national and international journals, authored 12 academic books, contributed 14 book chapters, and holds 3 patents, including one international. His multidisciplinary approach integrates pharmacology, phytotherapy, nanotechnology, and AI-based healthcare solutions. Dr. Samal is also a passionate mentor, having guided over 53 M. Pharm and 3 Ph.D. students. His dedication to both academic development and practical innovation reflects a strong commitment to enhancing public health through scientific excellence and evidence-based drug development.

Education

Dr. Pradeep Kumar Samal’s academic journey began with a Bachelor of Pharmacy (B. Pharm) degree from Utkal University, Odisha, in 1995, followed by a Master of Pharmacy (M. Pharm) from the same university in 2001, both with first-class honors. His academic interests and research ambitions led him to pursue a Ph.D. in Pharmacy at Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya, Chhattisgarh, which he successfully completed in 2012. His doctoral work focused on experimental pharmacology, particularly the hepatoprotective properties of traditional medicinal plants. This educational foundation provided him with strong expertise in pharmacological research methodologies, drug screening, toxicological assessments, and bioactive compound evaluations. Throughout his academic training, Dr. Samal has shown a strong commitment to blending traditional knowledge systems with modern pharmacotherapeutics, a philosophy that continues to guide his teaching and research endeavors. His diverse education has positioned him to contribute to the interdisciplinary progress of pharmacological science and pharmaceutical education.

Professional Experience

Dr. Samal brings over 23 years of undergraduate teaching and 17 years of postgraduate teaching and research supervision in pharmacy education. Currently, he serves as an Associate Professor at Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya, where he has played a pivotal role in curriculum design, teaching pharmacology, and guiding students in advanced research projects. His professional responsibilities include conducting lectures, laboratory instruction, supervising dissertations, and evaluating research protocols. He has mentored 53 M. Pharm students and 3 Ph.D. scholars to completion, reflecting his commitment to academic mentorship and capacity building. Dr. Samal is actively involved in organizing and participating in seminars, conferences, and faculty development programs. Additionally, he has served as a reviewer, invited speaker, and session chair at national forums. His professional experience not only reflects academic dedication but also emphasizes research-led teaching, interdisciplinary engagement, and a practical focus on innovations in drug delivery, chronic disease management, and clinical pharmacology.

Research Interest

Dr. Samal’s research interests lie primarily in experimental pharmacology, with a special focus on hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and anti-hyperlipidemic agents derived from medicinal plants and natural products. He is particularly interested in studying the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of phytochemicals and their integration into modern therapeutic strategies. His work also extends into nanostructured drug delivery systems, AI-based diagnostic tools, and the development of novel pharmacotherapeutic agents for metabolic and neurodegenerative disorders. By combining ethnomedicine with modern pharmacology, Dr. Samal aims to bridge traditional and contemporary approaches to healthcare. His studies include both in vivo and in vitro screening models, mechanism-based pharmacological evaluations, and safety profiling. His research also engages with emerging concerns like drug toxicity, oxidative stress, and inflammation, positioning him as a multidimensional pharmacology researcher who seeks to discover, validate, and optimize novel bioactive molecules for therapeutic use.

Research Skills

Dr. Samal possesses a comprehensive set of research skills in the field of pharmacology and pharmaceutical sciences. He is proficient in designing and conducting preclinical studies, including models of hepatic, renal, and neural toxicity or protection in animal systems. He has expertise in histopathological analysis, biochemical parameter evaluation, ELISA, behavioral pharmacology, and molecular assays. His skillset extends to formulation and characterization of novel drug delivery systems such as nanoparticles, microspheres, and transdermal patches. Dr. Samal is adept at patent writing, manuscript development, and grant proposal preparation, having published in high-impact journals and secured UGC-funded projects. He also has experience in analytical techniques like HPLC, UV-Vis spectrophotometry, and in pharmacokinetic modeling. His technical proficiency is matched by his ability to mentor students and collaborate across disciplines. He ensures rigorous scientific standards and ethical practices in all research undertakings, making him a skilled and trusted pharmacological investigator.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Pradeep Kumar Samal has been recognized for his academic excellence, research innovation, and service to the pharmaceutical sciences. Among his key honors are three patents, including an international patent for a “Smart transdermal patch for monitoring type 2 diabetes” and two national patents on AI-based diagnostic devices. He has served as an invited speaker at national-level seminars and has chaired sessions at academic conferences. His contributions have also been acknowledged through book publication contracts with respected publishers such as Bentham Science and Apple Academic Press. In addition, he has played key roles in faculty development and pharmacy education, for which he has received institutional recognition. Though not exhaustively listed, his career reflects steady growth, high-impact publication, and leadership in research-led innovation. His patents and prolific publication record suggest not only scientific merit but also practical impact, positioning him as a deserving candidate for national or international awards in pharmacy and biomedical research.

Conclusion

Dr. Pradeep Kumar Samal clearly demonstrates a robust academic and research portfolio, with sustained output in pharmacological sciences, innovation through patents, and contributions to education and mentorship. While there is room to grow in international funding and doctoral supervision, his cumulative achievements strongly support his candidacy for the Best Researcher Award.

Publications Top Noted

  • Title: Standardization strategies for herbal drugs – An overview
    Authors: NR Ekka, KP Namdeo, PK Samal
    Year: 2008
    Citations: 123

  • Title: RECENT ADVANCES IN MICROSPHERES MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY
    Authors: KP Meena, JS Dangi, PK Samal, KP Namdeo
    Year: 2011
    Citations: 51

  • Title: Isolation, preliminary characterization and hepatoprotective activity of polysaccharides from Tamarindus indica L.
    Authors: PK Samal, JS Dangi
    Year: 2014
    Citations: 44

  • Title: ANTIDIABETIC AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF STROBILANTHES ASPERRIMUS IN RATS
    Authors: PK Samal
    Year: 2013
    Citations: 16

  • Title: Traditional medicinal plants used by the tribes and rural people of Bilaspur District, Chhattisgarh (India)
    Authors: NR Beck, P Samal
    Year: 2012
    Citations: 16

  • Title: Antioxidant activity of Strobilanthes asperrimus in albino rats
    Authors: PK Samal
    Year: 2013
    Citations: 14

  • Title: Hepatoprotective Activity of Butea monosperma bark on Liver Damage Caused by Paracetamol in Rats
    Authors: PK Samal, JS Dangi, KP Meena, NR Beck, G Maheshwari, A Patel
    Year: 2011
    Citations: 14

  • Title: Hepatoprotective activity of Gloriosa superba on liver damage caused by CCl4 in rats
    Authors: PK Samal
    Year: 2013
    Citations: 11

  • Title: HPTLC analysis of berberine in Argemone mexicana, L
    Authors: PK Samal
    Year: 2013
    Citations: 11

  • Title: Hepatoprotective activity of Ardisia solanacea in CCl4 induced Hepatoxic albino rats
    Authors: PK Samal
    Year: 2013
    Citations: 11

  • Title: Standardization strategies for herbal drugs
    Authors: EN Rose, KP Nmedo, PK Samal
    Year: 2008
    Citations: 10

  • Title: Investigation of Antioxidant Activity of Hibiscus vitifolius leaves
    Authors: PK Samal
    Year: 2013
    Citations: 8

  • Title: Investigation of Antiepileptic Activity of Hibiscus vitifolius leaves
    Authors: PK Samal
    Year: 2013
    Citations: 7

  • Title: Hepatoprotective activity of Tamarindus indica on liver damage caused by thioacetamide
    Authors: PK Samal
    Year: 2013
    Citations: 6

  • Title: Assessment of Hypolipidemic Effect of Ardisia solanacea in high fat diet induced rats
    Authors: PK Samal
    Year: 2013
    Citations: 6

  • Title: Nanoparticles Technology and Recent Advances in Novel Drug Delivery Systems
    Authors: KP Meena, JS Dangi, PK Samal, M Kumar
    Year: 2011
    Citations: 6

  • Title: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD): Exploring systemic impacts and innovative therapies
    Authors: Pradeep Samal, Akanksha Jain, Rohitas Deshmukh, Trilochan Satapathy
    Year: 2025
    Citations: 5* (early citation count)

  • Title: Evaluation of synergistic analgesic activity of berberine and asiatic acid in mice
    Authors: D Verma, PK Samal
    Year: 2020
    Citations: 5

  • Title: Hepatoprotective activity of Ardisia solanacea in CCl4 induced hepatoxic albino rats
    Authors: PK Samal
    Year: 2013
    Citations: 5

  • Title: Assessment of Hepatoprotective Activity of Strobilanthes asperrimus in Thioacetamide Induced Hepatoxic Rats
    Authors: PK Samal
    Year: 2013
    Citations: 4