Prof. Muhammad Afzal | Pharmacology | Excellence in Research   

Prof. Muhammad Afzal completed his Ph.D. in Pharmacology from Pacific Academy of Higher Education and Research University, Udaipur, in 2014. Prior to that, he earned his M. Pharm in Pharmacology from S.K. Patel College of Pharmaceutical Education & Research, Ganpat University, Mehsana, in 2009. He also holds a B. Pharm degree from HNB Garhwal University, Shrinagar, Uttarakhand, awarded in 2007. Additionally, Prof. Afzal is a registered pharmacist with the Uttar Pradesh Pharmacy Council (Reg. No. 50848). His academic journey reflects a solid foundation in pharmacology, supported by his successful completion of the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) with an overall score of 6 bands, which he undertook at the IDP Centre, Aljouf University, Sakaka, Saudi Arabia, in December 2021. This diverse educational background highlights Prof. Afzal’s comprehensive expertise in pharmaceutical sciences and his commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

Work Experience 💼:

Prof. Muhammad Afzal has extensive academic and research experience in the field of pharmacology and pharmaceutical sciences. He currently serves as a Professor and Research Coordinator at the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Batterjee Medical College, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where he contributes to both teaching and research activities. Prior to this, he worked as a Professor at the Department of Pharmacology, Himalayan Institute of Pharmacy and Research, Dehradun, where he delivered lectures on Physiology, Pathophysiology, Anatomy, and Pharmacology to postgraduate and undergraduate pharmacy students. Prof. Afzal’s professional journey also includes significant research involvement, where he has led numerous studies on drug discovery, anticancer drug development, and neuropharmacology. His research expertise extends to animal models, analytical techniques, and the establishment of the mechanism of action of drugs, making him a valuable contributor to advancing the field of pharmacological research.

Skills 🔍

Prof. Muhammad Afzal possesses a diverse set of research and technical skills that span across various domains of pharmacology and drug discovery. He is highly proficient in the use of advanced analytical instruments, such as UV spectrophotometers, semi-auto analyzers, fully automated hematology analyzers, RT-PCR, ELISA readers, and western blot analyzers. His expertise extends to the mechanism of drug action, where he has successfully established drug interactions using various experimental animal models. Prof. Afzal is also skilled in animal handling, working with species such as rats, mice, guinea pigs, and rabbits, and is well-versed in administering drugs through different routes. Furthermore, his technical competence includes the use of Langendorff’s assembly for cardiac studies and various biological assays for testing drug efficacy, such as those related to asthma, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. His ability to utilize state-of-the-art research techniques and conduct preclinical studies has made him a valuable asset in the pharmaceutical research community.

Research Interests:

Prof. Muhammad Afzal’s primary research interests lie in the fields of drug discovery and development, with a particular focus on anticancer drug discoveries, neuropharmacology, and endocrinology. He is dedicated to exploring innovative approaches in pharmacology, particularly in the development of novel therapies for cancer, neurological disorders, and endocrine-related diseases. Prof. Afzal is also deeply involved in studying the mechanisms of drug action using various animal models for diseases like diabetes, hypertension, asthma, anti-inflammatory disorders, and cardiovascular diseases. His work integrates both in vivo and computational techniques to investigate the biochemical, histopathological, and molecular interactions of therapeutic agents. Additionally, Prof. Afzal’s research focuses on understanding the pathophysiological processes underlying neurodegenerative diseases such as Huntington’s disease and diabetes, with the aim of developing targeted treatments for these complex conditions.

📚 Publications 

• Title: Ectopic Pregnancy: A Review
  • Authors: P Rana, I Kazmi, R Singh, M Afzal, FA Al-Abbasi, A Aseeri, R Singh et al.
  • Journal: Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics
  • Year: 2013
  • Citations: 233
• Title: Sedative, Antiepileptic, and Antipsychotic Effects of Viscum album L. (Loranthaceae) in Mice and Rats
  • Authors: G Gupta, I Kazmi, M Afzal, M Rahman, S Saleem, MS Ashraf, MJ Khusroo et al.
  • Journal: Journal of Ethnopharmacology
  • Year: 2012
  • Citations: 176
• Title: Classical to Current Approach for Treatment of Psoriasis: A Review
  • Authors: M Rahman, K Alam, M Zaki Ahmad, G Gupta, M Afzal, S Akhter, I Kazmi et al.
  • Journal: Endocrine, Metabolic & Immune Disorders-Drug Targets
  • Year: 2012
  • Citations: 158
• Title: Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic Potential of a Novel Steroidal Derivative from Bryophyllum pinnatum
  • Authors: M Afzal, G Gupta, I Kazmi, M Rahman, O Afzal, J Alam, KR Hakeem et al.
  • Journal: Fitoterapia
  • Year: 2012
  • Citations: 127
• Title: Advancement in Multifunctional Nanoparticles for the Effective Treatment of Cancer
  • Authors: M Rahman, MZ Ahmad, I Kazmi, S Akhter, M Afzal, G Gupta et al.
  • Journal: Expert Opinion on Drug Delivery
  • Year: 2012
  • Citations: 127

Conclusion 

Prof. Muhammad Afzal’s outstanding research in drug discovery, neuropharmacology, and endocrinology, his leadership in academic settings, and his international recognition make him an exemplary candidate for the Research for Excellence in Research award. His ability to conduct groundbreaking research while mentoring future scientists positions him as a true leader in his field.