Use of HARAS resulted in drop in CO levels in smokers, reveals study by Sharda University based researchers

New Delhi: In 2023, an estimated 266 million adults aged 15 years and older in India were tobacco product users. As per studies, the level of carbon monoxide (CO) in exhaled air is higher among smokers as well as the healthy population in areas with heavy traffic congestion.

In non-smokers the concentration of COHb in the blood is usually 1% whereas in smokers this percentage fluctuates between 3% and 8% and can even reach 15% in chain-smokers.

When CO attaches to the hemoglobin, it blocks the oxygen the to tissues creating numerous downstream pathological events. As a result, lower amounts of oxygen can reach the organs and muscles in the body which can cause deleterious health effects.

CO inhibits mitochondrial respiration by specifically binding to the heme a3 in the active site, a clinically proven marker of oxidative stress inflammatory diseases of the lung and prognostic marker for lung health. Cigarette smoking causes raised CO levels and induces chronic inflammation, which leads to the release of various inflammatory components, such as cytokines, IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-α, and the chemokines (CXCL1 CXCL8), which are effectively ameliorated curcumin.

Any medicinal compound, drug or nutrition supplement benefited to the body only when it is absorbable to the cells, called as bioavailability when it is water soluble and dispersible.

Using nano-technology methods, the researchers led by Cambridge educated nanoscientist turned innovator Dr Vijay Kanuru, founder of nanoved research foundation were successful in overcoming the formulation challenges that led to the development of a HARAS therapeutic nutraceutical formula. We have developed a proprietary water dispersible hydro colloid formulation, HARAS, which is 50 times more bioavailable, which means one can get health benefits smaller dosage of 10-20ml of the curcumin juice. The scientific data demonstrates the potential of HARAS also to prevent air pollution induced conditions including fatigue, inflammation, cardiac attacks and diabetes.

The HARAS nanoformulation is made up using liposomal technology principles. Liposomal nanotechnology can be applied for a wide variety of nutraceuticals molecules for lifestyle health conditions. Nanoved research foundation is pioneered in the use of nanoliposomes with bioactive molecules known for their health benefits such as curcumin, omega-3 fatty acids, targeting certain organs or tissues for the prevention of certain age-related diseases. Nutraceuticals are the formulation of nutrient molecules which helps in prevention and treatment of diseases such as prophylactic treatment management of prognostic cancers. Nutraceuticals have been used not only for nutrition but also as a support therapy for the prevention and treatment of various diseases, such as to reduce side effects of cancer chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Diverse novel nano formulation approaches tend to overcome challenges involved in formulation development of nutraceuticals.

HARAS is an extract of curcumin derived from turmeric which is available in liquid juice form and also available in the form of PROLUNG capsules.  HARAS nanocurcumin formulation was studied by a team of clinical researchers and faculty Dr Deepak Bhargava, Dr Vidya Devi Chandvarkar, Dr Mithilesh Mishra from Shard University NCR Delhi. HARAS formulation is developed by a leading nanoscientist turned innovator Dr Vijay Kanuru, Founder of Nanoved Research Foundation, Mumbai which focuses on developing clinically proven nano-medicine formulations from edible compounds. The Objective of this study was to assess Haras nutraceutic therapy for lung protection in reducing CO levels in smokers.

The study included 25 subjects of healthy volunteers who were smokers. They were given 10 ml of Haras juice in divided doses per day for 30 days. CO levels were evaluated using breath analyzer prior to drug trial and then on 15th day, and after the conclusion of the drug trial. The reduction in mean ppm CO was not statistically significant from 1st day to 15th day (P≥0.05) . The reduction in mean ppm CO was found to be statistically significant from 1st day to 30th day (P<0.001). The results showed significant decline with high statistical significance in CO levels in smokers.  The clinical study findings are published in peer reviewed journals International Journal of Chemical and Biochemical Sciences and Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology.  The study validates HARAS PROLUNG an effective supplement, can be used to detox from air pollution

The clinical studies show it protects of the lungs of smokers evidenced in reducing CO levels. Therefore, it is imperative for smokers to use the innovative formula for the protection of lungs from ill effects of cigarette smoking. Clinical evaluation of HARAS Prolung therapy in smokers revealed a considerable drop in their CO levels, improving their lung function. Functional nutritional supplement HARAS Prolung works well as a primary, adjunct and alternative therapy to lower CO levels in smokers.

Sharing his views Dr Pradyut Waghray – Pulmonologist, Apollo Hospitals-Hyderabad said, “Nano curcumin attenuated cigarette smoke induced pulmonary inflammation as seen by reduction in the BAL neutrophils and macrophages. It also attenuated cigarette smoke induced oxidative stress by suppressing the increase of total protein carbonyls in BAL fluid.”

Clinically proven therapeutic grade nutritional supplement HARAS can be a boon to the lakhs of tobacco smokers as a secondary prevention or prophylaxis by reducing their CO levels through a non-invasive technique to prevent life threatening diseases such as cancers and lung and cardiac complications. It is imperative for smokers productivity, family distress and rural health departments to incorporate this innovative prevention health measures such HARAS for marginalized population to reduce the burden on health care and public health expenditure.