K. M. Hafizur Rahman

Bio: K. M. Hafizur Rahman is an academic researcher from International Islamic University, Islamabad. The author has contributed to research in topics: Mean arterial pressure & Andrographis. The author has an hindex of 2, co-authored 3 publications receiving 161 citations. Previous affiliations of K. M. Hafizur Rahman include International Islamic University Malaysia.

Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Wall. ex Nees: a review of ethnobotany, phytochemistry, and pharmacology.

Abstract: As aboriginal sources of medications, medicinal plants are used from the ancient times. Andrographis paniculata is one of the highly used potential medicinal plants in the world. This plant is traditionally used for the treatment of common cold, diarrhoea, fever due to several infective cause, jaundice, as a health tonic for the liver and cardiovascular health, and as an antioxidant. It is also used to improve sexual dysfunctions and serve as a contraceptive. All parts of this plant are used to extract the active phytochemicals, but the compositions of phytoconstituents widely differ from one part to another and with place, season, and time of harvest. Our extensive data mining of the phytoconstituents revealed more than 55 ent-labdane diterpenoids, 30 flavonoids, 8 quinic acids, 4 xanthones, and 5 rare noriridoids. In this review, we selected only those compounds that pharmacology has already reported. Finally we focused on around 46 compounds for further discussion. We also discussed ethnobotany of this plant briefly. Recommendations addressing extraction process, tissue culture, and adventitious rooting techniques and propagation under abiotic stress conditions for improvement of phytoconstituents are discussed concisely in this paper. Further study areas on pharmacology are also proposed where needed.

Effectiveness of Carvedilol versus Indapamide in Uncontrolled Diabetic Hypertensive Patients being Treated with Olmesartan and Amlodipine

Abstract: Hypertension is the commonest preventable cause of death among the diabetic patient. Current guidelines recommend using combination drug therapy in case of uncontrolled hypertension in diabetic patient. Even though, duel combinations are sometimes insufficient to achieve target blood pressure. Objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Indapamide and Carvedilol as third drug in controlling hypertension in diabetic patients. This prospective comparative study was conducted in 32 well controlled diabetic patient with uncontrolled hypertension those who taking Olmesartan (20 mg/day) and Amlodipine (5 mg/day). Addition of both the drugs showed significant reduction of all the blood pressure parameters at the end of six weeks therapy without any major adverse effects. Systolic blood pressure decreased from 169.71±9.26 to 119.41±12.48 in Indapamide group (p<0.001) and 167.67±12.94 to 122.67±18.79 in Carvedilol group (p<0.001). Diastolic blood pressure decreased from 98.23±7.06 to 76.76±8.65 in Indapamide group (p<0.001) and 94.67±11.41 to 79.33±10.83 in Carvedilol group (p<0.001). Mean arterial pressure also reduced from 122.06±5.35 to 90.98±8.72 in Indapamide group (p<0.001) and 119.00±10.61 to 93.78±12.51 in Carvedilol group (p<0.001). Only ten patients suffered from mild adverse effects, such as epigastric discomfort, nausea, light headedness and drowsiness; which did not required stopping the therapy. Both the drugs are found to be equally effective as well as safe as third drug along with Olmesartan and Amlodipine in controlling hypertension in well controlled diabetic patients. Medicine Today 2018 Vol.30(1): 5-10

Andrographolide, a Natural Antioxidant: An Update.

Abstract: Traditionally, Andrographis paniculata has been used as an herbal remedy for lung infection treatments. Its leaves contain a diterpenoid labdane called andrographolide responsible for a wide range of biological activities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties. This manuscript is a brief review of the antioxidant mechanisms and the regulation of the Nrf2 (nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2) signaling pathway by andrographolide.

Colorectal Cancer: A Review of Carcinogenesis, Global Epidemiology, Current Challenges, Risk Factors, Preventive and Treatment Strategies

Abstract: Simple Summary The high lethality of colorectal cancer (CRC) is anticipated to continue in the following decades. Early-stage CRC is entirely treatable with surgery and adjuvant therapy (chemotherapy/radiotherapy). However, recurrence is common, and cancer drug resistance increases the chances of treatment failure. At the same time, there are many risk factors leading to high prevalence among both genders. Despite significant improvements in treating other cancers, CRC management is not yet at a satisfactory level. In this comprehensive review, we discussed the development of CRC and its associated risk factors, preventive and treatment strategies and proposed some recommendations. Furthermore, besides chemotherapy and targeted therapy, we discussed natural products as therapeutics for CRC. Abstract Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most deadly cancer. Global incidence and mortality are likely to be increased in the coming decades. Although the deaths associated with CRC are very high in high-income countries, the incidence and fatalities related to CRC are growing in developing countries too. CRC detected early is entirely curable by surgery and subsequent medications. However, the recurrence rate is high, and cancer drug resistance increases the treatment failure rate. Access to early diagnosis and treatment of CRC for survival is somewhat possible in developed countries. However, these facilities are rarely available in developing countries. Highlighting the current status of CRC, its development, risk factors, and management is crucial in creating public awareness. Therefore, in this review, we have comprehensively discussed the current global epidemiology, drug resistance, challenges, risk factors, and preventive and treatment strategies of CRC. Additionally, there is a brief discussion on the CRC development pathways and recommendations for preventing and treating CRC.

Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Activity of Andrographis paniculata Extract and Its Major Component Andrographolide in Human Lung Epithelial Cells and Cytotoxicity Evaluation in Major Organ Cell Representatives.

Abstract: The coronaviruses disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by a novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has become a major health problem, affecting more than 50 million people with over one million deaths globally. Effective antivirals are still lacking. Here, we optimized a high-content imaging platform and the plaque assay for viral output study using the legitimate model of human lung epithelial cells, Calu-3, to determine the anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity of Andrographis paniculata extract and its major component, andrographolide. SARS-CoV-2 at 25TCID50 was able to reach the maximal infectivity of 95% in Calu-3 cells. Postinfection treatment of A. paniculata and andrographolide in SARS-CoV-2-infected Calu-3 cells significantly inhibited the production of infectious virions with an IC50 of 0.036 μg/mL and 0.034 μM, respectively, as determined by the plaque assay. The cytotoxicity profile developed over the cell line representatives of major organs, including liver (HepG2 and imHC), kidney (HK-2), intestine (Caco-2), lung (Calu-3), and brain (SH-SY5Y), showed a CC50 of >100 μg/mL for A. paniculata extract and 13.2-81.5 μM for andrographolide, respectively, corresponding to a selectivity index of over 380. In conclusion, this study provided experimental evidence in favor of A. paniculata and andrographolide for further development as a monotherapy or in combination with other effective drugs against SARS-CoV-2 infection.