Niyaz Ahmad - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Niyaz Ahmad

Quality Control of Cellular Protein in Neurodegenerative Disorders, 2020

Cellular chaperones are essential players to this protein quality control network that functions ... more Cellular chaperones are essential players to this protein quality control network that functions to prevent protein misfolding, refold misfolded proteins, or degrade them, thereby maintaining neuronal proteostasis. Moreover, overexpression of cellular chaperones is considered to inhibit protein aggregation and apoptosis in various experimental models of neurodegeneration. Alterations or downregulation of chaperone machinery by age-related decline, molecular crowding, or genetic mutations are regarded as key pathological hallmarks of neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Huntington's disease (HD), and Prion diseases. Therefore, chaperones may serve as potential therapeutic targets in these diseases. This chapter presents a generalized view of misfolding and aggregation of proteins in neurodegeneration and then critically analyses some of the known cellular chaperones and their role in seve...

Phytotherapy Research, 2020

Pistacia chinensis subsp. integerrima (J. L. Stewart ex Brandis) Rech. F. is a valuable medicinal... more Pistacia chinensis subsp. integerrima (J. L. Stewart ex Brandis) Rech. F. is a valuable medicinal plant used in south Asian communities for the treatment of asthma, diarrhea, diabetes, liver diseases, fever, pain and inflammation. This review critically evaluates the available information on P. integerrima's ethnobotany, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology. Electronic databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, Springer Link, and so forth, books and theses were used to find relevant information about P. integerrima using keywords such as "Pistacia integerrima," "P. integerrima," "Ethnopharmacology," "Phytochemistry," "Traditional uses". A number of in vitro and in vivo pharmacological activities have been reported; however, the most promising and attractive activity observed was its role in Alzheimer, diabetes, convulsions, cancer, asthma, diabetes, diarrhea and as an immunomodulatory, analgesic and antiinflammatory. In addition, Pistagremic acid exerted anti-Alzheimer's activity based on a hitherto unknown mechanism through interference with the amyloidogenic pathway. Most of the pharmacological activities were linked with traditional uses. A range of compounds have been reported from P. integerrima extracts including triterpenes, volatile oils, flavonoids, fatty acids, phenolic, phytosterols, tannins and oligosaccharides as well as unknown triterpenes and flavonoids. Pistagremic acid, a novel triterpene, was attributed to most of the activities. in vivo toxicological studies in animal suggested a toxic dose of 1,500 mg kg −1 , for its methanolic extract. All reported pharmacological activities were carried out in vitro and a gap in research, that is, preclinical and clinical investigation exists. Its outstanding activity as an antiglycating agent is the most promising and a so far unique activity and needs further evaluation. In-depth research and clinical trials on human subjects in order to investigate P. integerrima pharmacological activity, clinical efficacy and safety are crucial next steps.

Biomedical Chromatography, 2020

This article has been accepted for publication and undergone full peer review but has not been th... more This article has been accepted for publication and undergone full peer review but has not been through the copyediting, typesetting, pagination and proofreading process which may lead to differences between this version and the Version of Record. Please cite this article as

BMC Chemistry, 2020

To formulate a nanoformulation (PLGA-NPs) and to improve brain bioavailability for thymoquinone (... more To formulate a nanoformulation (PLGA-NPs) and to improve brain bioavailability for thymoquinone (THQ) through intranasal (i.n.) drug delivery, using a newly UHPLC-PDA developed the method and validated. Five different THQ-PLGA-NPs (THQ-N1 to THQ-N5) were prepared by emulsion solvent evaporation method. A new UHPLC method developed and validated for biodistribution studies in the rat’s brain, lungs and plasma. Optimized-THQ-N1-NPs showed a particle size of 97.36 ± 2.01 nm with a low PDI value of 0.263 ± 0.004, ZP of − 17.98 ± 1.09, EE of 82.49 ± 2.38% and DL of 5.09 ± 0.13%. THQ-N1-NPs showed sustained release pattern via in vitro release profile. A bioanalytical method was developed by UHPLC-PDA and validated for the evaluation of pharmacokinetics parameters, biodistribution studies, brain drug-targeting potential (89.89 ± 9.38%), and brain-targeting efficiency (8075.00 ± 113.05%) studies through intranasal administration which showed an improved THQ-brain- bioavailability, compared...

Bioscience Biotechnology Research Communications, 2018

Atropa belladonna (AB), commonly known as deadly nightshade is a poisonous plant which contains s... more Atropa belladonna (AB), commonly known as deadly nightshade is a poisonous plant which contains several alkaloids such as atropine and scopolamine etc. Any deliberate as well as unintentional ingestion of AB fruits, roots or leaves may result toxicity. Aim of the study: This study aims to present the clinical uses of atropine alongwith the adverse effects and toxicity associated with the use of atropine in the form of conventional or as herbal medication. A retrospective (2003-2017) literature was searched in various databases such as web of science, PubMed, google scholar, Scopus, E-Resource Portal of Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University etc. using the keywords i.e. AB, clinical uses of AB, adverse effects and cases reported with AB. Ten (10) cases met the eligibility criteria where the toxicity was mostly associated with the use of AB fruit, tablets and AB contaminated drinks. Major symptoms observed in these cases were related to Anticholinergic syndrome (ACS); tachycardia, dilated pupils, confusion, fl ushed dry skin, hallucinations and seizures in some cases alongwith a toxic megacolon. Furthermore, the treatment protocol used widely for ACS consisted of; gastric lavage and the use of Physostigmine as an antidote (antagonizes the central as well as peripheral toxicity of atropine). AB fruit revealed a vital role as anticholinergic drug, mydriatic agent and as an antidote for OP poisoning, however, its use deprived of medical supervision or in a large quantity, it may cause severe toxicity.

Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal, 2019

Background: Parsley (Petroselinum crispum L) (PAR) is used widely as an antioxidant, antihyperlip... more Background: Parsley (Petroselinum crispum L) (PAR) is used widely as an antioxidant, antihyperlipidemic, diuretic, and medication to reduce hypertension. At the same time, conventional drugs such as Simvastatin (SV) are also used to manage hyperlipidemia in hypertensive patients. However, no studies have reported any interactions for the concomitant use of PAR and SV. Objectives: The study aimed to evaluate the enzyme-inducing or inhibiting role of PAR for SV at the level of cytochrome P-450 metabolic enzyme. Methods: This is an open-label (unblinded) study conducted with 24 healthy albino rats (4X6 = 24), at Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Saudi Arabia, in the year 2018 with protocol approval No. IRB-2018-145-Pharm and approval date 18/04/2018. The animals were administered with a loading single oral dose of SV (80 mg), Clarithromycin (CLAR; 80 mg), Carbamazepine (CBZ; 80 mg), and PAR, i.e., dried herb powder (200 mg), in order to achieve a steady state concentration in the blood. Blood samples were collected at specified time points including pre-dose (0.0) and after-treatment, i.e., 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, and 3 hours, and centrifuged. The plasma was extracted to analyze for SV by LC-MS using a previously developed method. Results: The analysis of pharmacokinetic parameters revealed enhanced Cmax (mean plasma maximum concentration) and AUC0-∞ (area under the concentration-time curve) as 2 and 2.2 folds, respectively, for SV+PAR (P < 0.01) as compared to SV alone. A decrease in CL/F (total-body clearance of drug from the plasma) for SV (P < 0.01) and an increased t1/2 (mean half-life) from 3.20 to 6.12 hours for SV co-administered with PAR were observed. Conclusions: Parsley combined with Simvastatin increased the Cmax and AUCs for Simvastatin as 2 and 2.5 folds; thereby, the moderating enzyme-inhibiting role of Parsley for CYP 3A enzyme may be proposed. Hence, caution is required when administering Parsley with Simvastatin for any therapeutic purpose.

Oriental Journal of Chemistry, 2018

Solanum nigrum Linn. (Family: solanaceae), has medicinal values, commonly exploited for its activ... more Solanum nigrum Linn. (Family: solanaceae), has medicinal values, commonly exploited for its active constituents which are of high pharmaceutical importance. The plant contains different type of natural compounds, and one of most important glycoalkaloid in S. nigrum is solasodine. Nodal segment of S. nigrum was cultured on MS media added with several concentrations of 2, 4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2, 4- D) (0.5ppm –2ppm) for callus induction and development. For shoot induction, MS medium complemented with different dilutions of 6- benzyl adenine (6- BA) (0.5ppm–2ppm) was used. A novel, rapid, and simple high performance thin layer chromatographic method for quantitative estimation of triterpenoid glycoalkaloid. Solasodine was spotted on silica gel 60F254 TLC plate using chloroform: methanol (8.75: 1.25; v/v) as mobile phase. Anisaldehyde-sulfuric acid in methanol used as derivatizing reagent and quantified by densitometric study at 366 nm. This scheme was found to give a sharp a...

JPMA. The Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association, 2018

To document the knowledge and attitudes of women towards breast cancer, breast screening and earl... more To document the knowledge and attitudes of women towards breast cancer, breast screening and early detection techniques. This cross-sectional survey was conducted from December 2015 to May 2016 in Karachi and Islamabad, Pakistan, and comprised women aged above 18 years. The survey used breast cancer inventory as a research instrument after piloting and validation. SPSS 20 was used for data analysis. Of the 1,304 respondents, 948(72.7%) were single, 1,082(83%) belonged to the 18-30 age group, 800(61.3%) had Urdu-speaking ethnicity and 794(60.9%) were educated. The prevalence of breast cancer in family was 226(17.33%). Besides, 446(34.2%) had low knowledge regarding the subject, 646(49.5%) appeared welcoming to the idea of breast screening, 1,008(77.3%) indicated their discomfort in discussing the topic, whereas 1,080(82.8%)preferred a female physician. There was a dearth of knowledge regarding breast cancer among the participants..

International Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation, 2017

Introduction: Pakistan spends 0.7% of its gross domestic product on health. The public sector hea... more Introduction: Pakistan spends 0.7% of its gross domestic product on health. The public sector health-care system provides services to 22% of population thus paving the way for a dominant private sector. Patients in Pakistan mostly pay their medical expenses directly, and 64% of the health expenditures are borne by the household. Expenditure on medicine constitutes 43% of the total household expenditure. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted in Karachi, Pakistan, for a month. It was aimed at gathering response from different pharmacies to understand the brand versus generic dispensing trend of ciprofloxacin 500 mg, levofloxacin 500 mg, and moxifloxacin 400 mg oral dosage forms. The study employed convenience sampling and used a survey checklist. The data gathered was entered in SPSS version 22. Results: The mean price per tablet for ciprofloxacin brand and generic was reported at Pakistani Rupees (PKR) 48.44 and PKR 26.85, respectively. The trend for dispensing ciprofloxacin highlighted a split in the market between brand (51%) and generic (49%). For levofloxacin brand and generic, the price per tablet was reported at PKR 36.50 and PKR 36.15 respectively, and despite same price, the market was dominated by generic levofloxacin (92%). Due to a price difference between brand and generic moxifloxacin, i.e., PKR 129.44 and PKR 71.91, respectively, the market was mostly occupied by the generic form (75%). Conclusion: Pricing mechanism must be revisited, and the authorities should take stern actions against any illegitimate price hike. The surging burden of drug expenditure on poorer sections of the society must be addressed by the government on an urgent basis.

International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Research, 2017

A series of 2, 5-disubstituted - 1, 3, 4 oxadiazoles (4a-o) were synthesized on refluxing hydrazi... more A series of 2, 5-disubstituted - 1, 3, 4 oxadiazoles (4a-o) were synthesized on refluxing hydrazine carbothioamides with iodine and potassium iodide in ethanolic sodium hydroxide solution starting from methyl-3-amino-4-hydroxy benzoate via synthesis of an intermediate methyl-2-substitutedaryl-1, 3-benzoxazole-5-carboxylates and 2-substitutedaryl-1, 3-benzoxazole-5-carbohydrazides. The newly synthesized compounds were characterized on the basis of spectral (FT-IR, 1H-NMR, MS) and elemental analysis. All these compounds were screened for anticonvulsant activity using Maximal Electroshock (MES) and subcutaneous pentylenetetrazole (scPTZ) method. Anticonvulsant activity was shown by majority of the synthesized compounds when given i.p. to mice. Among the tested compounds 4e, 4j and 4o were considered to have potent anticonvulsant activity comparable to that of standard drugs Phenytoin and Carbamazepine. Compounds 4e, 4g, 4h, 4i, 4k and 4m passed the rota rod test successfully without an...

Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie, Jan 14, 2017

Ziziphus oxyphylla (ZO) is distributed mainly in tropic and warm temperate regions in the world. ... more Ziziphus oxyphylla (ZO) is distributed mainly in tropic and warm temperate regions in the world. Pakistan owns six (06) indigenous species of genus Ziziphus out of which ZO is widely used for traditional treatment of different ailments such as diabetes, jaundice and liver diseases. The present review aims to provide in-depth and comprehensive literature overview, regarding botanical, chemical and biological characteristics of the plant alongwith phytochemical isolation and mechanistic studies to support its folklore and traditional uses. The literature search and relevant information were collected through authentic resources using data bases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and Science Direct, peer reviewed articles, books and thesis. The phytochemical characterization as well as color tests confirmed the presence of diverse chemical groups presents in the plant such as alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolic compounds and tannins. In-vivo and in-vitro pharmacological...

EXCLI journal, 2016

Rutin (RT), an antioxidant drug, has been utilized to treat cerebral ischemia hence a sensitive q... more Rutin (RT), an antioxidant drug, has been utilized to treat cerebral ischemia hence a sensitive quantification method for estimation of RT in brain homogenate is necessary to develop. This study aims to prepare RT loaded Chitosan Nanoparticles (RT-CS-NPs) develop and validate ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-synapt mass spectrometric method Synapt Mass Spectrometry (Synapt MS) (UHPLC/ESI-QTOF-MS/MS) for quantification of RT in brain homogenate from Wistar rat. The process of chromatographic separation was carried out on Waters ACQUITY UPLC™ with the components of separation in detail as; column: BEH C-18 with dimension as 2.1 mm×100 mm and particle size 1.7 µm, mobile phase: acetonitrile (85 % v/v/v): 2 mM ammonium formate (15 % v/v/v): formic acid (0.1 % v/v/v) and flow rate: 0.25 mL/min. Liquid-liquid extraction method (LLE), in mixture, i.e. ethyl acetate:acetonitrile, was considered to optimize the recovery of analyte from the brain homogenate...

Diseases, 2016

There is a general hesitation in participation among Pakistani women when it comes to giving thei... more There is a general hesitation in participation among Pakistani women when it comes to giving their responses in surveys related to breast cancer which may be due to the associated stigma and conservatism in society. We felt that no research instrument was able to extract information from the respondents to the extent it was needed for the successful execution of our study. The need to develop a research instrument tailored for Pakistani women was based upon the fact that most Pakistani women come from a conservative background and sometimes view this topic as provocative and believe discussing publicly about it as inappropriate. Existing research instruments exhibited a number of weaknesses during literature review. Therefore, using them may not be able to extract information concretely. A research instrument was, thus, developed exclusively. It was coined as, "breast cancer inventory (BCI)" by a panel of experts for executing a study aimed at documenting awareness, knowledge, and attitudes of Pakistani women regarding breast cancer and early detection techniques. The study is still in the data collection phase. The statistical analysis involved the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) measure and Bartlett's test for sampling adequacy. In addition, reliability analysis and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) were, also employed. This concept paper focuses on the development, piloting and validation of the BCI. It is the first research instrument which has high acceptability among Pakistani women and is able to extract adequate information from the respondents without causing embarrassment or unease.

Artificial Cells, Nanomedicine, and Biotechnology, 2016

Antioxidants, with reported neuroprotective activity, encounter free radical induced neural damag... more Antioxidants, with reported neuroprotective activity, encounter free radical induced neural damage leading to reduced risk of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury. Safranal, an antioxidant drug with potential role in the amelioration of cerebral ischemia, endures low solubility and poor absorption property thus resulting a low serum and tissue bioavailability. This research aims to prepare nanoemulsion with the concept; to increase the bioavailability in order to reduce oxidative stress-induced brain injury as well as to evaluate the brain-drug targeting following non-invasive nasal route administration in middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) animal model. Titration method was used to prepare safranal mucoadhesive nanoemulsion (SMNE) followed by further characterization, i.e. entrapment efficiency, particles size, and zeta potential study. Optimized SMNE showed; mean globule size of 89.64 nm (±9.12), zeta potential-11.39 mV (±1.32), drug content 98.47% (±1.01), and viscosity of 124 cp (±14). Rats were subjected to 2 h of MCAO, successively followed by a 22 h reperfusion, after which the grip strength, locomotor activity, and biochemical studies, i.e. glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione peroxidase, lipid peroxidation, catalase, and superoxide dismutase were studied as assessment tool for effective treatment in brain. SMNE administered i.n. (intranasal) in MCAO induced cerebral ischemia rats exhibited significant improvement in neurobehavioral (locomotor and grip strength) and antioxidant activity as well as histopathological studies. The toxicity studies performed at the end revealed safe nature of developed SMNE.

Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, 2016

To search for the most active antimicrobial and antioxidant sub-fractions related to traditional ... more To search for the most active antimicrobial and antioxidant sub-fractions related to traditional use of Ziziphus oxyphylla (Z. oxyphylla) and Cedrela serrata (C. serrata) in Pakistan against infectious and liver diseases. Methods: Factions of different polarity were tested in vitro for their antiprotozoal, antimalarial, antibacterial and antifungal activity against different pathogens. Cytotoxicity on MRC-5 cell lines (human lung fibroblasts) as well as, in vitro radical scavenging activity was evaluated using the 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical assay. Results: The highest antiprotozoal activity was observed for the CHCl 3 fractions of Z. oxyphylla roots and leaves, and C. serrata bark. The CHCl 3 and EtOAc fractions of Z. oxyphylla roots, the CHCl 3 fraction of Z. oxyphylla leaves, the EtOAc and the residual MeOH: H 2 O fraction of C. serrata bark showed antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. The same residual MeOH: H 2 O fraction of C. serrata bark was active against Candida albicans. The highest antioxidant activity was observed for the more hydrophilic EtOAc fractions of Z. oxyphylla leaves, C. serrata bark and leaves, and the residual MeOH: H 2 O fraction of C. serrata bark. Conclusions: This study supports at least in part the traditional uses of these plants for antimicrobial purposes and against liver diseases.

Antioxidants, 2016

Ziziphus oxyphylla and Cedrela Serrata plants have a folkloric use in Pakistan for treatments of ... more Ziziphus oxyphylla and Cedrela Serrata plants have a folkloric use in Pakistan for treatments of different ailments, i.e., Jaundice, Hepatitis, Diabetes, and antimicrobial. Until now, none of the research studies have reported any phytochemical work on leaves of these two plants. This study aimed to isolate and perform phytochemical analysis in order to search for the constituent having the active role in treatment of the aforementioned ailments. A bioassay-guided fractionation and isolation procedure was used to isolate the concerned phytochemicals present in leaf extracts of Z. oxyphylla and C. serrata. The process involved the hyphenated techniques, i.e., Flash Chromatography, Semi-Preparative HPLC/DAD, UPLC/MS, and NMR in order to isolate and elucidate the structure of the phytochemicals. Seven compounds (1-7) were isolated and identified as flavonoids, more in particular glycosides of quercetin and kaempferol. They showed DPPH scavenging activity, compound 3 (isoquercitrin) being the most active one with an IC50 of 10.8 µg/mL (positive control quercetin; IC50 3.6 µg/mL). The superoxide-radical scavenging and total antioxidant (ABTS) assays indicated IC50 values ranging from 200 to 910 µg/mL and 170 to 320 µg/mL, respectively (positive control quercetin: 374 and 180 µg/mL, respectively). Furthermore, these compounds had low IC50 values for inhibition of protein glycation (AGEs inhibition), ranging from 530 to 818 µg/mL, comparable to aminoguanidine (510 µg/mL) used as a positive control. This study resulted in the identification of seven flavonoid glycosides for the first time from the leaves of Z. oxyphylla and C. serrata with antioxidative and antiglycating activities.

International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2016

Stroke is an important cause of deaths worldwide, result in an irreversible deterioration of the ... more Stroke is an important cause of deaths worldwide, result in an irreversible deterioration of the central nervous system. Finally, production of more free radicals, Therefore, Thymoquinone is having antioxidant property and reported to have a potential role in the amelioration of cerebral ischemia but due to low solubility and poor absorption; they exhibit low serum and tissue levels. Present work aims to prepare nanoemulsions in order enhance the bioavailability of drug and hence evaluate the drug targeting in brain via non-invasive nasal route administration. Thymoquinone Mucoadhesive Nanoemulsion (TMNE) was prepared by ionic gelation method; characterized for particles size, entrapment efficiency, zeta potential, and ex vivo permeation study. Optimized TMNE ended up with a mean globule size 94.8±6.61nm; zeta potential -13.5 ±1.01mV; drug content 99.86 ±0.35% and viscosity 110±12 cp. Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography-Photodiode Array (UPLC-PDA) based bioanalytical method was developed and validated for pharmacokinetics, biodistribution, brain-targeting efficiency (628.5786 ±44.79%) and brain drug-targeting potential (89.97 ±2.94%) studies via post intranasal administration which revealed enhanced bioavailability of TQ in brain as compared to intravenous administration. Improved neurobehavioural activity (locomotor and grip strength) was observed in middle cerebral artery occlusion induced cerebral ischemic rats after i.n. administration of TMNE.

Drug delivery, Jan 19, 2014

Stroke is a one of the leading causes of disease and deaths worldwide, which causes irreversible ... more Stroke is a one of the leading causes of disease and deaths worldwide, which causes irreversible deterioration of the central nervous system. Curcuminoids are reported to have a potential role in the amelioration of cerebral ischemia but they exhibit low serum and tissue levels due to low solubility and poor absorption. Curcumin (CUR), demethoxycurcumin (DMC) and bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC)-loaded PNIPAM nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared by free radical polymerization and characterized for particles size, entrapment efficiency, zeta potential, in vitro release and ex vivo permeation study. Optimized CUR, DMC and BDMC-loaded NPs had the mean size of 92.46 ± 2.8, 91.23 ± 4.2 and 94.28 ± 1.91 nm; zeta potential of -16.2 ± 1.42, -15.6 ± 1.33 and -16.6 ± 1.21 mV; loading capacity of 39.31 ± 3.7, 38.91 ± 3.6 and 40.61 ± 3.6% and entrapment efficiency of 84.63 ± 4.2, 84.71 ± 3.99 and 85.73 ± 4.31%, respectively. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization quadrupole tim...

Analytical Letters, 2014

ABSTRACT A rapid and sensitive ultra-high performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrome... more ABSTRACT A rapid and sensitive ultra-high performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method was developed and validated for the determination of 6-, 8-, and 10-gingerol in the rhizomes of Zingiber officinale Rosc. The chromatographic separation was achieved isocratically on a C18 (2.1 mm × 100 mm; 1.7 µm) column using acetonitrile:water (90:10 v/v) at a flow rate of 0.25 mL/min. Mass spectrometric transitions for 6-gingerol, 8-gingerol, and 10-gingerol occurred at m/z 277.2467/177.1470, 305.3196/177.1617, and 333.3614/177.1666, respectively. The analysis time was 3.0 min and the elution of 6-, 8-, and 10- gingerol occurred at 1.27, 1.51, and 1.80 min. The linear dynamic range was established over the concentration range of 2 and 1000 ng/mL for the analytes. The limits of detection and quantitation for 6-gingerol, 8-gingerol, and 10-gingerol were 0.921, 0.856, and 1.069 ng/mL, and 2.951, 2.727, and 3.013 ng/mL, respectively. The relative standard deviation and accuracy were found to be satisfactory. The results showed significant variation (0.176%–0.290% w/w) in gingerols among twelve accessions and that the Patna and Lucknow varieties contained the highest concentrations and were concluded to be superior. These results may be used to devise strategies for cultivating this plant for large scale production.

Bioanalysis, 2011

Supervisor’s supporting comments Niyaz Ahmad is sincere, hard working and a meticulous person and... more Supervisor’s supporting comments Niyaz Ahmad is sincere, hard working and a meticulous person and has displayed tremendous research acumen. He has worked on the development and validation of bioanalytical methodology of various drugs using LC–MS/MS and in the process gained a great deal of research experience in bioanalytical method development, validation and analysis of unknown human volunteer blood samples on LC–MS/MS and their use in bioequivalence studies (AUC, Cmax, Tmax, etc.). In my opinion, Niyaz Ahmad is a suitable candidate for the award of ‘Bioanalysis Young Investigator’, and hence I would like to nominate him for the same.