New Delhi, May 30, 2024 – Sharda University, in collaboration with Nanoved Research Foundation, has announced successful clinical trials of HARAS, a nanotechnology-based nutraceutical designed to protect smokers’ lungs by significantly reducing carbon monoxide (CO) levels. This breakthrough formulation utilizes curcumin, a compound derived from turmeric, and offers a promising preventive measure against smoking-related diseases. The announcement coincides with World No Tobacco Day, underscoring the urgent need for effective interventions in smoking cessation and lung health protection.
Cigarette smoking remains a leading cause of lung cancer and other chronic diseases, with statistics showing it accounts for 90% of lung cancer cases in men and 70-80% in women. Smokers are 15 to 30 times more likely to develop lung cancer or succumb to it compared to non-smokers. In light of this, Dr. Vijay Kanuru, Founder of Nanoved Research Foundation, have developed HARAS—a curcumin-based nutraceutical that boasts enhanced bioavailability through innovative nanotechnology.
Clinical trials, conducted by Sharda University’s esteemed researchers including Dr. Deepak Bhargava, Dr. Vidya Devi Chandvarkar, and Dr. Mithilesh Mishra, involved 25 healthy smoker volunteers who were administered 10 ml of HARAS juice daily for 30 days. CO levels were meticulously monitored using a breath analyzer at the beginning, mid-point, and conclusion of the trial. Results revealed a statistically significant reduction in CO levels by the 30th day (P<0.001), underscoring HARAS’s effectiveness in detoxifying smokers’ lungs. The clinical study findings are published in peer reviewed journals International Journal of Chemical and Biochemical Sciences and Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology.
Dr. Deepak Bhargava, Professor and Head of the Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology at Sharda University, emphasized the clinical importance of these findings: “Our clinical studies demonstrate that HARAS provides substantial lung protection for smokers by significantly reducing carbon monoxide levels. This nutraceutical stands as a crucial tool in combating the adverse health effects of smoking.”
Dr. Mithilesh Mishra, Associate Professor at Sharda University, noted the clinical benefits: “In our extended study with 100 smoker patients, HARAS showed no side effects while significantly reducing CO levels, confirming its safety and efficacy.”
Dr. Vijay Kanuru, the innovator behind HARAS and a Cambridge-educated nanoscientist, elaborated on the breakthrough: “By utilizing liposomal nanotechnology, we have vastly improved the bioavailability of curcumin, allowing even small doses to offer significant health benefits. HARAS is not only beneficial for smokers but also provides protection against conditions induced by air pollution, such as fatigue, inflammation, and cardiovascular issues.”
Dr. Pradyut Waghray a leading pulmonologist at Apollo Hospitals Hyderabad, added: “HARAS’s capacity to mitigate cigarette smoke-induced pulmonary inflammation and oxidative stress marks it as a vital preventive measure for millions of smokers.”
HARAS operates by leveraging curcumin’s potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Curcumin effectively reduces inflammatory signals and oxidative stress caused by cigarette smoke, thereby protecting lung tissues. The proprietary nanoformulation ensures that curcumin is efficiently absorbed by the body, maximizing its therapeutic effects.
The development and successful validation of HARAS signify a major advancement in preventive healthcare. By significantly reducing CO levels in smokers, HARAS can help mitigate the risks of lung cancer and other smoking-related diseases. This nutraceutical offers a non-invasive, safe, and effective approach to improving lung health and reducing healthcare burdens. HARAS is particularly beneficial for marginalized populations, providing an accessible solution to combat the detrimental health effects of smoking and air pollution. Announcing these findings on World No Tobacco Day underscores the urgent need for innovative solutions to address global tobacco-related health challenges.
