Programme 01148 / 150 ADMITTED
MBBS
Undergraduate Core
Seats permitted150
Focusing on core concepts of pharmacology, rational prescribing, and clinical application as per the competency-based curriculum.
Department of Pharmacology
Decoding the science of drug action to drive clinical innovation. We integrate foundational biology with therapeutic application through industry-collaborative research and ethical animal studies.
The Department of Pharmacology at AVMCH is a dynamic discipline that bridges anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry with clinical therapeutics. We focus on rational prescribing, drug safety, and innovation in therapeutics. Our department is a designated Pharmacovigilance center and maintains a CCSEA-registered central animal house supporting ethical research and Phase IV clinical trials.
CCSEA Registered Animal House
Designated Pharmacovigilance Centre
Phase IV Clinical Trial Centre
Department
From molecular mechanisms to clinical cures.
We focus on the scientific study of drug actions, emphasizing rational prescribing and the ethical exploration of both natural and synthetic chemical agents.
Pharmacology is the study of how chemical agents affect biological systems, from subcellular mechanisms to systemic responses. At AVMC, we go beyond memorizing drug names; we teach the fundamental principles that enable students to apply knowledge from the molecular level to real-life clinical scenarios. Our department actively contributes to Phase IV clinical trials and post-marketing surveillance, ensuring the highest standards of drug safety.
We offer comprehensive training for 150 MBBS, 2 MD Pharmacology, and nearly 200 paramedical students annually across nursing, physiotherapy, and medical biotechnology. Our curriculum emphasizes rational therapeutics, experimental pharmacology, and drug safety. Supported by a CCSEA-registered animal house and a lush herbal garden with 50+ species, we provide an environment where ethical research and academic innovation thrive.
The department maintains a strong leadership role in institutional governance, research oversight, and quality assurance initiatives.
Our designated Pharmacovigilance centre is critical for detecting and preventing ADRs, supporting evidence-based prescribing across all clinical departments.
Research Focus
Thrust · Herbal Validation, Pharmacovigilance, Pre-clinical Trials
Outreach
Outreach · Patient Safety Awareness & Regional ADR Monitoring
Building competency in rational therapeutics.
Academic Programmes
Programme 022 / 2 ADMITTED
MD Pharmacology
Postgraduate Specialty
Seats permitted2
Advanced training in experimental pharmacology, clinical trials, and drug safety surveillance.
Programme 03200+ ENROLLED
Paramedical
Nursing · Physiotherapy · Medical Biotechnology
Learners / year200
Foundational pharmacology training for the paramedical streams — nursing, physiotherapy, and medical biotechnology.
Head of Department
Expert in Clinical Pharmacology.
Dr. K. Madhanagopal, Professor & HOD, leads the department with a focus on therapeutics and safety.
Dr. K. Madhanagopal
Professor & Head · MBBS, MD
Dr. Madhanagopal is a leading voice in clinical pharmacology and drug safety. He oversees the institutional pharmacovigilance pathways and leads research into herbal validation and MASLD. Under his leadership, the department has become a key contributor to Phase IV clinical trials and ethical animal research.
Faculty
Distinguished scholars in drug science.
7 qualified professionals committed to clinical excellence.
Research · Thrust Areas
Innovation in Safety & Therapeutics.
Herbal Validation
Two ongoing herbal validation studies — identification, standardization, and validation of medicinal plants for safety and efficacy using modern scientific tools.
Pharmacovigilance
Systematic monitoring of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) to ensure patient safety and evidence-based medicine.
Pre-Clinical Studies
Evaluation of drug safety through in-vitro and in-vivo studies, including toxicological profiling and biomarker discovery.
Research & Innovation
A robust portfolio of clinical inquiry.
The department is a hub for diverse pharmacological research, ranging from herbal muscle relaxants to AI-guided molecular docking for TB.
Research Snapshot
21 projects since 2023 5 shown below
self-funded and intramural
| # | Project | PI | Funding | Focus | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Evaluation of Skeletal Muscle Relaxant Effects of Apigenin Alone and in Combination with Baclofen in Swiss Albino Mice | Ms. Lakshna/ Dr. Vijayasanthi | Self | Undergraduate | Ongoing |
| 02 | Topical antipruritic effects of Coccinia grandis in Histamine induced scratching in Guinea pig | Mr.Dhayanithi/ Dr. Vijayasanthi | Self | Undergraduate | Ongoing |
| 03 | Evaluation of Skeletal Muscle Relaxant Property of Leaves Powder of Melissa officinalis in Swiss Albino Mice | Ms. Pratishtha Pandey/ Dr.Franc Deepika Venugopan. | Self | Undergraduate | Ongoing |
| 04 | Effect of Pantoprazole and Vonoprazan on serum calcium and renal parameters in adult albino Wistar rats | Ms. Sowmiya Devi/ Dr. Meganathan. | Self | Undergraduate | completed |
| 05 | Effect of Imeglimin in diabetic nephropathy induced by STZ in adult albino Wistar rats | Ms. Harini/ Dr.Deepakameswari | Self | Undergraduate | Completed · Not Published |
| 06 | Assessment of Medication adherence among patients with Hypertension & Diabetes mellitus in a tertiary care hospital: a cross sectional study | Shalini/ Dr.Deepakameswari | Self | Undergraduate | Ongoing |
| 07 | Drug utilization pattern among pregnant women attending clinics of a tertiary care hospital: A cross sectional study | Snehalatha K. V/ Dr.Deepakameswari | Self | Undergraduate | Ongoing |
| 08 | Preclinical screening of aqueous extract of Citrullus lanatus rind in high-fat diet induced hyperlipidemia in adult albino Wistar rats | Dr. Kalavakunta Sravani/ Dr. K. Madhanagopal | Self | Postgraduate | Ongoing |
| 09 | Comparative study on the effectiveness of Imeglimin, Saroglitazar and Empagliflozin in high-fat diet induced MASLD in adult albino Wistar rats | Dr. J. Banupriya/ Dr. Meganathan | Self | Postgraduate | Ongoing |
| 10 | Multi-omics Identification of Ferroptosis- Related Diagnostics biomarker in Atrial Fibrillation | Nandini Yadav/ Dr. Sivaraj Rengaraj | Self | Undergraduate | Ongoing |
| 11 | Integrated Machine Learning Analysis identifies molecular bridges between Osteoarthritis & Metabolic syndrome | Palash Sharma/ Dr. Sivaraj Rengaraj | Self | Undergraduate | Ongoing |
| 12 | Identifying diagnostic mi RNA biomarkers in triple negative Breast cancer using bioinformatics approaches | Aadhira Muthukumaran/ Dr. Sivaraj Rengaraj | Self | Undergraduate | Ongoing |
| 13 | Chronic opioid (morphine and methadone) exposure and alterations in emotional regulations & social behaviors: a systematic review & meta analysis | Ved Sanjay Malviya/ Dr. Sivaraj Rengaraj | Self | Undergraduate | Ongoing |
| 14 | AI- guided modeling & molecular docking of micronutrient- responsive targets in Tuberculosis | Dr. Dhivya S. R/ Dr. Sivaraj Rengaraj | Self | Postgraduate | Ongoing |
| 15 | Exploring micronutrient- responsive targets in tuberculosis: AI integrated modeling &Molecular docking | Dr. Dhivya Rajasekaran/ Dr. Sivaraj Rengaraj | Self | Postgraduate | Completed · Not published |
| 16 | AI driven pharmacogenomic modeling of gene- micronutrient interactions in Pulmonary TB patients | Dr. Dhivya Rajasekaran/Dr. Sivaraj Rengaraj | Self | Postgraduate | Completed · Not published |
| 17 | Comparative study on the potentiation of antidepressants activity by caffeine & nicotine in combination with standard antidepressants in mice model | Sahil Nazir Khan/ Dr. Narayanasamy | intramural | Undergraduate | Ongoing |
| 18 | Analysis of drug expiry and wastage trends in the hospital pharmacy. A 3yr retrospective review | Dr. Ramprabu/ Dr. Sivaraj Rengaraj | Self | Postgraduate | Ongoing |
| 19 | Retrospective study of prescribing trends of proton pump inhibitors in the outpatient pharmacy | Dr. Ramprabu/ Dr. Sivaraj Rengaraj | Self | Postgraduate | Ongoing |
| 20 | A cross sectional KAP study of antimicrobial stewardship among 2nd year to final year mbbs students and intern in teaching hospital in pudhucerry | Dr. Ramprabu / Dr. Sivaraj Rengaraj | Self | Postgraduate | Ongoing |
| 21 | Pattern of antibiotic prescription for lower respiratory tract infection in a tertiary care hospital in comparison with standard treatment ICMR Guidelines | Dr. Ramprabu / Dr. Sivaraj Rengaraj | Self | Postgraduate | Ongoing |
Publications
Leading research in global journals.
Sub-acute toxicological assessment of ethanolic extract of Achyranthes aspera L. in Wistar rats
Journal of Pharmaceutical Negative Results · 2022 · 590–8
Madhanagopal K, Deepa Kameswari KP, Meganathan M, Balamurugan K
Zingiberene attenuates high fat diet-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease through suppression of lipogenesis and oxidative stress in rats
Comparative Clinical Pathology · 2022 · 31(2):201–9
Sivaraj R, Jaikumar S, Sengottuvelu S
Morphometric assessment of the external anatomy of fourth ventricle and dorsal brainstem in South Indian population
International Journal of Health Sciences · 2022 · 6(S6):9609–9614
Umarani S, Arjun R, Kumar S, Sivaraj R
Study of variations of anterior cerebral artery in human cadavers of South Indian population
NeuroQuantology · 2022 · 20(8):9054–55
Umarani S, Arjun R, Shishir Kumar, Sivaraj R, Sanjay Kumar Revankar, Reddy Spoorti Channa, Aparna, Chetana YK
Zingiberene protects from isoproterenol-induced cardiotoxicity via attenuation of hyperlipidemia and oxidative stress in rats
Revista Brasileira de Farmacognosia · 2022 · 32(1):74–80
Asokan BR, Jaikumar S, Sengottuvelu S
Responsible research in planning for animal experiments - a mini review
International Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation · 2022 · 12(4):400–402
Leena Rajathy Port Louis, Prithiviraj Nagarajan, Asokan Balakrishnan Ramajayam
Biochemical estimation of the effects of aged garlic extract against streptozocin-nicotinamide on liver hepatocyte cells and kidney cells in rats
Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research · 2023 · 14(7):1125–1133
Sivaraj R, Shajahan A, Arbind Kumar Choudhary, Aishwarya Umashankar, Sanathanan, Abirami R
The study on demographic factors and VKORC1 -1630 G>A gene polymorphism using PCR-RFLP in the South Indian population
Biological Forum - An International Journal · 2023 · 15(3)
Bala Tripura Sundari Ankani R
Pharmacogenomics of warfarin: recent advances
European Chemical Bulletin · 2023 · 12(3):2539–2551
Balatripurasundari, Sivaraj R, Harivadan Lukka Sunilkumar Pandey
Effect of Azadirachta indica against sodium benzoate induced hepatorenal toxicity in Wistar rats - an experimental interventional study
Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research · 2023 · 17(4):FC12–FC16
Kameswari D, Ezhil V, Perumal V, Manju M, Meganathan M, Madhanagopal K
A study from South India on the genetic and non-genetic variables that influence an individual's warfarin dose requirement
European Chemical Bulletin · 2023 · 12(6):2462–2473
Bala Tripura Sundari, Sivaraj R, Sudar Codi R, Somasundaram G, Indla Ravi
Blood collection guidelines and collection techniques in small laboratory animals - a systematic review
International Journal of Life Science and Pharma Research · 2023 · 13(2)
Leena Rajathy Port Louis, Prithiviraj Nagarajan, Asokan Balakrishnan Ramajayam
Beta-glucan protects against isoproterenol-induced cardiac remodeling by regulating the ACE-AT1R axis and attenuates cardiac inflammation and apoptosis
Open Access Archive · 2023 · 7833
Roy A, Neelakantappa VM, Ganesan J, Asokan BR
Green synthesized silver nanoparticles using Anoectochilus elatus leaf extract: characterization and evaluation of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic and antimicrobial activities
Journal of Composites Science · 2023
Venkataesan Kumari, Bhuvaneshwari et al.
Analysis of the prevalence and pattern of polypharmacy among elderly patients in the General Medicine and Orthopaedic departments of a tertiary care hospital in Puducherry
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Job stress, anxiety, depression and coping among professionals and non-professionals during the COVID second wave in a tertiary care hospital
Global Journal of Health Sciences and Research · 2023 · 1:1–6
Kulothungan V, Sivakumar P, Selvaraj A, Dhamodharan A, Vijayan SM
Molecular docking analysis of flavonoids with AChE and BACE-1
Bioinformation · 2024 · 20(2):103–109
Viswanathan S, Arumugam T, Subramanian K, Sivaraj R, Ramesh V, Vasanthi AHR
Hydroxycitric acid and capsaicin combination alleviates obesity-induced testicular apoptosis, oxidative stress and inflammation
Systems Biology in Reproductive Medicine · 2024 · 70(1):20–37
Uddandrao VVS, Eraniappan S, Balakrishnan Ramajayam A, Singaravel S, Roy A, Parim BN, Ponnusamy C, Ganapathy S, Ponnusamy P, Sasikumar V
In vitro mechanistic study on antiradical and hepatoprotective activity of Ruta graveolens leaf extract
African Journal of Biological Sciences · 2024 · 6:1126–1136
Joshi D, Asokan B, Singh S, Krishna V, Kadam S, Rihana S, Begum T, Abhang V, Kumar D
Prediction of warfarin dosage based on genotype VKORC1 -1639 G>A (rs9923231) in South Indian populations
International Journal of Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance · 2024 · 15(2):611–615
Bala A, Sivaraj R
Warfarin dose maintenance associated with CYP2C9*2 (rs1799853) and CYP2C9*3 (rs1057910) gene polymorphism in North Coastal Andhra Pradesh
The Open Biochemistry Journal · 2024 · 1:1–7
Rengaraj, Sivaraj R
From network pharmacology to molecular docking analysis of sterubin targets for Alzheimer's disease
Bioinformation · 2024 · 20(4):327–336
Viswanathan S, Arumugam T, Sivaraj R, Subhashri Rajendran S, Ramesh V, Subramanian K, Vasanthi AHR
An in-silico approach - molecular docking analysis of flavonoids against GSK-3β and TNF-α targets in Alzheimer's disease
Journal of Receptors and Signal Transduction Research · 2024
Viswanathan S, Sivaraj R, Vasanthi AHR, Subramanian K, Ramesh V
Development and evaluation of granisetron transdermal patches for supportive therapy of chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting
Bulletin of Pure and Applied Sciences - Zoology · 2024
Ravikumar BS, Asokan BR, Viswanadh K, Hasmi W, Khatoon Y et al.
Innovative extraction methods and solvent optimization for Paederia foetida: in vitro analysis of antioxidant and neuroprotective properties
Bulletin of Pure and Applied Sciences - Zoology · 2024
Tripathi G, Komal Kriti, Kavitha S, Asokan BR, Pankaj MP et al.
The DPP-IV inhibition, glucose uptake and nephroprotective potential of an herbal remedy of Balbisia pedunculata and Allium sativum
African Journal of Biological Sciences · 2024 · 6(6):5430–5441
Asokan BR, Parida NR, Singh VP, Divya M, Dwivedi SK, Tiwari N, Singh AP, Tripathi G
Beneficial effect of genistein in paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain in albino Wistar rats
International Journal of Pharmaceutical and Clinical Research · 2024 · 16(9):818–22
Deepa Kameswari, Nitya S, Meenakshi R
A comparative evaluation and pharmacological assessment of Abelmoschus manihot leaves extract: in vitro antidiabetic and neuroprotective activities and their effects on glucose uptake and DPP-4 inhibition
The Bioscan · 2024 · 19(Suppl 2):428–435
Ramenani Hari Babu, Maneesha Bhardwaj, Asokan BR, Deblina Sardar, Teja Sruthi PVR, Aniruddha Mukherjee, Vema Kiran
Pharmacological evaluation of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential of Cuscuta reflexa methanol extract: role in inhibition of cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase
South Eastern European Journal of Public Health · 2024 · 1555–1564
Sharma H, Asokan B, Imam S, Begum T, Jaiswal P, Babu RH, Bhadkar TK
Formulation and evaluation of diclofenac sodium injection
Cuestiones de Fisioterapia · 2024 · 53(3):5002–5009
Madhanagopal K, Balamurugan K
Study of knowledge, attitude and practices of self-medication among medical and nursing students in a medical college, Puducherry
International Journal of Pharma and Bio Sciences · 2025 · 16(1):53–62
Kar S, Narayanasamy S, Singh V, Sharma A, Vijayasanthi T, Asokan BR et al.
Impact of CYP2C9 and VKORC1 genetic variants on warfarin therapy optimization in South Indian population with venous thromboembolism
Journal of Population Therapeutics and Clinical Pharmacology · 2025 · 32(9)
Sundari ABT, Syamala D, Sivaraj R, Somasundaram G, Sudar Codi R
Formulation and evaluation of moxifloxacin hydrochloride ophthalmic solution USP
Journal of Dalian University of Technology · 2025 · 32(3):61
Balamurugan K, Deepakameswari P
Evaluation of the wound healing effect of topical and oral Trigonella foenum-graecum seed oil on burn wound in an animal model
National Board of Examinations Journal of Medical Sciences · 2026 · 4(2):125–37
Anandh VT, Narayanasamy S, Rajathy L
Genistein influences behavioral and neuroendocrine responses in an antibiotic-induced physiological stress model
International Journal of Drug Delivery Technology · 2026 · 16(52s):761–768
Velmurugan S, Perumal DK, Pugazhendhi S, Jayakrishnan M, Mani M, Kannaiyan M, Louis LR
Philosophy
Pharmacology · AVMCH
“Beyond memorization: Understanding principles from molecular mechanisms to patient-care context.
Department of Pharmacology, AVMCH & Hospital
Awards & Recognitions
Excellence in Pharmacology.
Guest Speaker "Effective study strategies for smarter learning "
Dr. T. Vijayasanthi
SMVMCH · 01. 12.2025
Organized V Connect ALUMNI MEET -2025 as President
Dr.S. Narayanasamy
Alumni Association, AVMCH · 05.12.2025
Resource Person “Medical Education Technology for PG Students”
Dr.P.Deepakameswari
MEU, AVMCH · 08.2.2025
Panelist "Strategic Approaches for Selecting OAD in T2DM" online Programme named DIA Logue
Dr.M.Meganathan
Microlabs · 19.12.2025
Speaker -Patient Awareness Video on Lipitension management
Dr. K. Madhanagopal
Microlabs · 5.12.2025
R a p p o r t e u r - SOUTH ZONAL IAVP CONFERENCE-2025
Dr. Leena Rajathy Portlouis
Rajiv Gandhi institute of veterinary education and Research, Puducherry, India · 2025
Resource Person - Gurudakshatha
Dr. P. Deepakameswari
MEU, AVMCH · 2025
Certificate of Excellence in Reviewing
Dr.P. Deepakameswari
Journal of Pharmaceutical Research International · 2025
Speaker -Role of Bisoprolol across CV Continuum - New dimensions 2025
Dr.K.Madhanagopal
MERCKS · 2025
PRIDE OF INTERNATIONAL AWARD FOR PHARMA COLLEGE -Certificate of Excellence
Dr.R.Sivaraj
GENESIS ULTIMA - DUBAI LAE · 2025
International Excellence Research in Clinical Pharma College-Certificate of Excellence
Dr.R.Sivaraj
MAHEZ foundation · 2025
Resource Person - Research Methodology Workshop on Protocol Writing
Dr.Leena Rajathy
AVMCH · 2025
Events Organised
Active Knowledge Exchange.
08
Apr 2026
Lab animal handling techniques
Workshop · presentation/
Department of pharmacology & Central animal house.
28
Jan 2026
Pharmacovigilance Week awareness program
Awareness Programme cum Short film & Poster competition · 150 UG students have attended and actively participated in the competition.
Dr. Madhanagopal, Dr. Deepakameswari
10
Sep 2024
Pharmacovigilance Week awareness program
Awareness Programme cum Short film & Poster competition · 150 UG students have attended and actively participated
Dr. Meganathan
31
Aug 2024
Pharmacovigilance & Materiovigilance
Guest lecture
Dr. Meganathan
19
Jun 2024
Orientation Program on Animal Handling Techniques
Orientation programme · 150 UG students have attended and trained for animal handling and various equipments
Dr.M.Meganathan ,Dr.R.Sivaraj,Dr.B.R.Asokan,Dr.K.Madhanagopal,Dr.Deepakameswari,Dr.S.Narayanasamy,Dr.Franc Deepika Venigopan,Dr.Leena Rajathy
19
Feb 2024
Field Visit- IGMC & Goodman Pharma Company
Electives · 150 UG students have been taught about ADR monitoring centre & about pharmacovigilance
Dr Meganathan HOD, Dr Madhanagopal Dr Deepa kameswari
Infrastructure
Specialized Research Facilities.
Central Animal House
CCSEA Registered · 3,643 sq ft
The department's principal research facility: quarantine, experimental and necropsy rooms under strict environmental control, a Zebrafish unit, and behavioural testing equipment, with every study cleared by the Institutional Animal Ethics Committee.
Herbal Garden
50+ Medicinal Varieties
Pharma Museum
30+ Crude Drug Specimens
ADR Centre
Pharmacovigilance Monitoring
Central Animal House
Ethical & Scientific Excellence.
Animal Facility
3643 Sq. Ft.
Fully equipped with quarantine, experimental, and necropsy rooms, maintained under strict environmental controls.
IAEC Board
Governed
All research is approved by the Institutional Animal Ethics Committee, ensuring humane and prudent use of animals.
Zebrafish Lab
In-vivo
Specialized housing for Zebrafish research, supporting embryos and adult studies.
Modern Instruments
Equipped
Equipped with Analgesiometers, Forced swim test apparatus, and Tail suspension apparatus.
Get in Touch
Pharmacology & Safety Hub.
For industry collaborations, research inquiries, or admissions, contact the HOD office.
HOD:Dr. K. Madhanagopal
Email:pharmacology@avmc.edu.in
IAEC:iaec@avmc.edu.in
Location:2nd Floor, College Block, AVMCH