The Pharmacology Research Laboratory at Chitkara College of Pharmacy represents a premier facility at the forefront of scientific inquiry in pharmacology. Committed to the pursuit of excellence through interdisciplinary and translational research, the laboratory offers a sophisticated and integrated platform for in-depth exploration of drug action, disease pathophysiology, and therapeutic development.
This avant-garde environment cultivates rigorous scientific investigation, encompassing a spectrum of methodologies from molecular pharmacology to whole-animal experimentation, with a clear objective of translating fundamental research into clinically relevant outcomes.
The laboratory’s robust infrastructure and expert-led programmes are meticulously designed to impart advanced competencies in experimental pharmacology to students, research fellows, and academic staff. In doing so, it firmly establishes Chitkara University as a distinguished institution for drug discovery and pharmacological innovation within India and beyond. The research center of pharmacology department focuses on:
Research Emphasis
- Interdisciplinary and translational research in pharmacology.
- Investigation of drug actions and mechanisms of disease pathophysiology.
- Development and assessment of therapeutic interventions.
- Translation of fundamental discoveries into clinically meaningful outcomes.
Experimental Capabilities
- Molecular pharmacology and cellular assays.
- Whole-animal experimentation and behavioral studies.
- In vivo disease modeling and pharmacotherapeutic evaluation.
- Real-time biochemical, neurological, and behavioral assessments.
Pharmacology Research Team:
Dr. Thakur Gurjeet Singh
In-charge – Pharmacology Research Lab
Dean, Chitkara College of Pharmacy
Chitkara University, Punjab.
Email: dean.ccp@chitkara.edu.in | gurjeet.singh@chitkara.edu.in | Mobile: +91 98159 51171
Key Research Focus Areas
At the Pharmacology Research Laboratory of Chitkara College of Pharmacy, our research is driven by a commitment to scientific excellence and translational impact. We utilize validated in vivo models and cutting-edge biochemical, behavioral, and molecular techniques to uncover disease mechanisms and develop next-generation pharmacotherapies.
Neuropharmacology
Our work in neuropharmacology addresses critical disorders of the central nervous system:
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Huntington’s Disease
- Alzheimer’s Disease
- Stress-Induced Depression (CUS models)
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Substance Use Disorder & Addiction Neurobiology
Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury
We explore therapeutic strategies to mitigate tissue damage and enhance recovery in ischemic conditions:
- Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury
- Renal Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury
- Ischemic Preconditioning & Postconditioning
- Metabolic & Inflammatory Disorders
Our lab investigates metabolic dysfunction and chronic inflammation through preclinical models:
- Obesity & Type II Diabetes Mellitus
- Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Hepatotoxicity & Liver Dysfunction Models
- Emerging Research Domains
We are at the forefront of exploring novel and cross-cutting areas in pharmacological science:
- Neuroprotection & Nerve Regeneration
- Pain & Inflammation Pathways
- CNS Drug Target Validation
- Receptor, Ion Channel, and Transporter Biology
- Mechanisms of Addiction & Withdrawal
- Systems Pharmacology & Signal Transduction
Through our comprehensive approach and expert-led programs, we aim to bridge the gap between basic research and clinical application, positioning Chitkara University as a hub for pharmacological innovation and drug discovery—both in India and on the global stage.
State-of-the-Art Pharmacology Research Laboratory
The recently expanded Pharmacology Research Laboratory at Chitkara College of Pharmacy offers a world-class environment designed to support advanced experimental pharmacology and translational research. This premier facility is dedicated to conducting animal-based research under strictly ethical and controlled conditions, enabling investigators to perform real-time behavioral, neurological, and biochemical assessments with scientific precision.
With a strong focus on innovation and hands-on training, the lab empowers researchers and students alike to explore complex disease mechanisms and develop next-generation therapeutics.
Key Research Capabilities
- Animal modeling for human diseases
- Behavioral neuroscience and pharmacological screening
- In vivo and in vitro drug testing
- Real-time data acquisition and analysis
- Ethical compliance with CCSEA guidelines
Cutting-Edge Instruments & Infrastructure
The laboratory is equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced instruments, enabling a wide spectrum of pharmacological studies:
Behavioral & Neurological Assessment Systems
- Maze Master Behavioral Video Tracking Software
- Digital Elevated Plus Maze, Morris Water Maze, Tail Suspension Test, Hole Board Test
- Digital Actophotometer for locomotor activity analysis
Surgical & Neuroscience Tools
- Stereotaxic Instrument for precise neurosurgery
- Tonometer for intraocular pressure measurement
- Surgical Table
- Isoflurane Anesthesia Chamber
- CO₂ Euthanasia Chamber
Analytical & Imaging Equipment
- Olympus Microscope with advanced imaging system
- ELISA Reader for biochemical quantification
- Gel Documentation System
- Cooling Centrifuge and Digital pH Meter
Specialized Facilities
- Non-Invasive Blood Pressure (NIBP) System
- Randall-Selitto Analgesiometer for pain sensitivity studies
- Organ Bath Assemblies for ex vivo tissue experimentation
- Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) Laboratory for handling sensitive biological samples
This dynamic infrastructure not only fosters high-impact research but also provides an ideal training ground for postgraduate students, doctoral scholars, and young investigators preparing for careers in academia, pharmaceutical R&D, and translational medicine.
Training and Collaborative Opportunities
The Pharmacology Research Laboratory at Chitkara provides hands-on training and research mentorship to postgraduate students, doctoral scholars, and young investigators. The department promotes interdisciplinary collaboration and encourages partnerships with academic institutions, industry R&D, and clinical centers to accelerate drug discovery and therapeutic advancements.
Graduates from our research programs have gone on to successful careers in academia, pharmaceutical research, biotechnology, and healthcare sectors, both in India and globally.
List of Workshops/Conferences/Seminars/Activities conducted under the Centre
- Workshop on use of various instruments for studying neuroprotective effects of drugs during IBRO Sponsored International Conference on “Uplifting The Translational Value of New Drug Molecules in Neuroscience” from16th April 2024 to 17th April 2024.
List of Research/Innovations/Research Publication
- Grewal, A., Singh, T.G. and Singh, N., 2023. Neuroprotective role of sirtuin-1 pathway in post-ischemia pharmacological treatment induced with resveratrol in cerebral-ischemia–reperfusion-injury. Journal of the Neurological Sciences, 455.
- Kaur, A., Singh, T.G., Khan, H., Kumar, M., Singh, N. and Abdel-Daim, M.M., 2022. Neuroprotective effect of piclamilast-induced post-ischemia pharmacological treatment in mice. Neurochemical research, 47(8), pp.2230-2243.
- Kaur, D., Grewal, A.K., Fouad, D., Kumar, A., Singh, V., Alexiou, A., Papadakis, M., Batiha, G.E.S., Welson, N.N. and Singh, T.G., 2025. Exploring the Neuroprotective Effects of Rufinamide in a Streptozotocin-Induced Dementia Model. Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology, 45(1), pp.1-17.
- Khan, H., Grewal, A.K. and Singh, T.G., 2022. Pharmacological postconditioning by protocatechuic acid attenuates brain injury in ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) mice model: Implications of nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor pathway. Neuroscience, 491, pp.23-31.
- Grewal, A.K., Singh, N. and Singh, T.G., 2019. Neuroprotective effect of pharmacological postconditioning on cerebral ischaemia–reperfusion-induced injury in mice. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 71(6), pp.956-970.
- Rather IA, Khan N, Kushwah AS, Surampalli G, Kumar M. Nephroprotective effects of honokiol in a high-fat diet-streptozotocin rat model of diabetic nephropathy. Life Sciences. 2023 May 1;320:121543.
- Bedi, O., Srivastava, N., Parsad, D., Hooda, T., Lather, A., Grewal, A.K., Singh, T.G., Panesar, G., Kumar, M. and Krishan, P., 2025. Protective effects of pterostilbene, purpurin, and arbutin on liver damage in diabetic and non-diabetic rodents. Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science, 15(6), pp.295-310.
- Kumar, M., Kaur, K. and Singh, T.G., 2023. Neuroprotective Effects of Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibition and Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate Activation in Mouse Model of Transient Global Cerebral Ischemia and Reperfusion. NeuroMolecular Medicine, 25(2), pp.217-229.
- Bhardwaj, S., Jindal, A., Singh, S., Kaur, R. and Kaur Grewal, A., 2025. Pharmacological Evaluation of Aescin for Neuroprotection in Intracerebroventricular Streptozotocin Model of Alzheimer’s Disease in Experimental Rats. ASSAY and Drug Development Technologies.
- Mishra, M., Thakur, G., Bassi, P., Kaur, G., Singh, T.G., Kaur, N., Wong, L.S., Reddy, S., Kuppusamy, G., Kumarasamy, V. and Gupta, G., 2025. Formulation and evaluation of repurposed ketoconazole‐loaded transferosomal gel for enhanced trichogenic effects. Clinical and Translational Discovery, 5(2), p.e70037.
- Chalotra, R., Dhanawat, M., Chauhan, S., Mujwar, S. and Gupta, S., 2024. Evaluation of Iris Kashmiriana Baker plant extracts against nociception and rheumatoid arthritis in experimental rats: A concept proof by In-silico model. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 321, p.117498.
- Rawat, A., Jhawat, V., Chauhan, S. and Dutt, R., 2024. Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Evaluation of Telmisartan-loaded Novel Curcumin-tagged Solid Nanodispersion for the Treatment of Diabetic Nephropathy in an Animal Model. Drug Delivery Letters, 14(1), pp.67-80.
- Singh, V., Shri, R., Sood, P., Singh, M., Singh, T.G., Singh, R., Kumar, A. and Ahmad, S.F., 2024. 5, 7-dihydroxy-3′, 4′, 5′-trimethoxyflavone mitigates lead induced neurotoxicity in rats via its chelating, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and monoaminergic properties. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 189, p.114747.
- Singh, V., Shri, R., Sood, P., Singh, M., Singh, T.G., Singh, R., Kaur, A., Kumar, A., Singh, T., Ahmad, S.F. and Attia, S.M., 2024. 3-hydroxy-3′, 4′, 5′-trimethoxyflavone protects rats against lead-induced neurotoxicity via chelation and modulating oxidative stress, inflammatory and monoaminergic systems. Journal of Functional Foods, 118, p.106278.
- Wani, S.N., Grewal, A.K., Khan, H. and Singh, T.G., 2024. Elucidating the molecular symphony: unweaving the transcriptional & epigenetic pathways underlying neuroplasticity in opioid dependence and withdrawal. Psychopharmacology, 241(10), pp.1955-1981.
- Saini, K., Chauhan, S., Dar, M.O., Gupta, S., Singh, I.P., Rawal, R.K. and Gupta, N., 2025. In Silico and In Vivo Evaluation of Anti‐Arthritic Effects of Bakuchiol from Psoralea corylifolia Seeds in Experimental Rat Model. Chemistry & Biodiversity, 22(1), p.e202401606.
- Sharma, O., Grewal, A.K., Khan, H. and Singh, T.G., 2024. Exploring the nexus of cGAS STING pathway in neurodegenerative terrain: A therapeutic odyssey. International Immunopharmacology, 142, p.113205.
- Priyanka, Mujwar, S., Bharti, R., Singh, T.G. and Khatri, N., 2024. 2, 2’-Bipyridine Derivatives Exert Anticancer Effects by Inducing Apoptosis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HepG2) Cells. Journal of Hepatocellular Carcinoma, pp.2181-2198.
- Gupta, R., Dhiman, S., Agrawal, C., Sharma, S. and Singh, T.G., 2024, October. Formulation and evaluation of nateglinide-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers for sustained release. In AIP Conference Proceedings (Vol. 3209, No. 1). AIP Publishing.
- Alambayan, J., Vats, M., Sood, P., Kaur, G., Khan, H. and Devi, S., 2024. Antiulcer and antioxidant activity of Acacia arabica extract in alcohol and NSAIDS-induced gastric injury in animal model. Comparative Clinical Pathology, 33(6), pp.823-835.
- Vishwas, S., Kumar, R., Awasthi, A., Corrie, L., Bashir, B., Khursheed, R., Ramanunny, A.K., Gulati, M., Singh, T.G., Gupta, G. and Dureja, H., 2024. Formulation and optimization of fisetin nanoemulsion for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease in rats: Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic assessment. Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology, 101, p.106269.
- Dhiman, M., Ghosh, S., Singh, T.G., Chauhan, S., Roy, P. and Lahiri, D., 2024. Exploring the potential of an Aloe vera and honey extract loaded bi-layered nanofibrous scaffold of PCL-Col and PCL-SBMA mimicking the skin architecture for the treatment of diabetic wounds. Journal of Materials Chemistry B, 12(40), pp.10383-10408.
- Khurana, C., Sapra, V., Silakari, P., Panesar, G., Chaudhary, M., Singh, T.G. and Bedi, O., 2024. Exploration of CHIR99021 by GSK-3β inhibition for triggering the liver regeneration process in partially hepatectomized rats. Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science, 14(8), pp.206-215.
- Singh, S. and Singh, T.G., 2023. Imatinib attenuates pentylenetetrazole kindled and pilocarpine induced recurrent spontaneous seizures in mice. Neurochemical Research, 48(2), pp.418-434.
- Kaur, N., Kishore, L., Farooq, S.A., Kajal, A., Singh, R., Agrawal, R., Mannan, A. and Singh, T.G., 2023. Cucurbita pepo seeds improve peripheral neuropathy in diabetic rats by modulating the inflammation and oxidative stress in rats. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 30(36), pp.85910-85919.
- Singh, A.P., Sharma, A.K. and Singh, T.G., 2023. BAY 11-7085 attenuates alcohol dependence induced spontaneous withdrawal syndrome in mice. Research Journal of Pharmacy and Technology, 16(5), pp.2458-2464.
- Kaur, M., Nagpal, M., Grewal, A.K., Chauhan, S., Dora, C.P. and Singh, T.G., 2023. Molecular Complex of HSIM-loaded Polymeric Nanoparticles: Potential Carriers in Osteoporosis. Current Drug Targets, 24(13), pp.1066-1078.
- Alkholifi, F.K., Devi, S., Aldawsari, M.F., Foudah, A.I., Alqarni, M.H., Salkini, M.A. and Sweilam, S.H., 2023. Effects of tiliroside and lisuride co-treatment on the PI3K/Akt signal pathway: modulating neuroinflammation and apoptosis in Parkinson’s disease. Biomedicines, 11(10), p.2735.
- Singh, V., Singh, M., Singh, T.G. and Shri, R., 2023. Natural 3-dihydroxy-3 [StQuote], 4 [StQuote], 5 [StQuote]-trimethoxyflavone attenuates lead mediated brain toxicity through antioxidant and chelating properties in mice. Journal of the Neurological Sciences, 455.
- Saklani, P., Khan, H., Gupta, S., Kaur, A. and Singh, T.G., 2022. Neuropeptides: Potential neuroprotective agents in ischemic injury. Life Sciences, 288, p.120186.
- Bhargava, S.K., Singh, T.G., Mannan, A., Singh, S., Singh, M. and Gupta, S., 2022. Pharmacological evaluation of Thuja occidentalis for the attenuation of neuropathy via AGEs and TNF-α inhibition in diabetic neuropathic rats. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 29(40), pp.60542-60557.
- Srivastava, S., Yadav, S., Singh, G. and Bajwa, S.S., 2022. Wnt/β-catenin antagonist pyrvinium rescues high dose isoproterenol induced cardiotoxicity in rats: Biochemical and immunohistological evidences. Chemico-biological interactions, 358, p.109902.
Patents
- Compound for attenuation of mecamylamine-precipitated Nicotine dependence withdrawal syndrome (463899).
- Therapeutic composition for the treatment and prevention of Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders (464399).
- Compound for attenuation of Diazepam induced withdrawal syndrome (469930).
- Compound for neuroprotective effect against MPTP-induced Parkinson’s disease (470366).
- Formulations comprising Zinc-coated nano-structured lipid carrier particles of Berberine (477724).
- Synergistic composition of scopolamine and venlafaxine for treatment of drug-resistant depression (461991).
- Sprayed nanocomposite hydrogels for chronic wounds (463201).
- A polyherbal alcohol free formulation for oral cavity (516196).
- Pharmaceutical composition comprising Ubiquitin–proteasome system inhibitor for attenuating seizure development (549432).
- Elevated shock avoidance apparatus for evaluation of anti-psychotic behaviour in rats (354976-001).
- Pulley based apparatus for induction of cerebral ischemia injury (353686-001).
- Balloon based apparatus for induction of cerebral ischemia injury (353687-001).
- Rodent tail cleaner (356401-001).
- Heating based two-way shock avoidance apparatus (354988-001).
- Sleep deprivation apparatus for small laboratory animals (354078-001).
- Rotating platforms paradoxical sleep deprivation apparatus (373135-001).
- Deeep wound tensile strength measuring apparatus (386539-001).
- Cup filling apparatus for evaluation of repetitive behaviour in autistic rats (358345-001).
For collaborations, academic partnerships, or training opportunities, contact:
Dr. Thakur Gurjeet Singh
In-charge – Pharmacology Research Lab
Dean, Chitkara College of Pharmacy
Chitkara University, Punjab.
Email: dean.ccp@chitkara.edu.in | gurjeet.singh@chitkara.edu.in | Mobile: +91 98159 51171
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