Offering a promising preventive measure against smoke-related diseases, Indian researchers have announced successful clinical trials of HARAS, a curcumin-based nutraceutical in protecting smokers' lungs by significantly reducing carbon monoxide (CO) levels.
The clinical study findings are published in peer reviewed journals International Journal of Chemical and Biochemical Sciences and Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology.
This breakthrough formulation utilizes curcumin, a compound derived from turmeric and has been developed by Cambridge-educated nanoscientist Dr. Vijay Kanuru, Founder of Nanoved Research Foundation through innovative nanotechnology.
Clinical trials, conducted by Sharda University's 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.
Dr. 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."
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
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. Kanuru said, "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."