Dr. K. Nandakumar is Professor & Head of Pharmacology at MCOPS, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, where he leads teaching and research spanning preclinical pharmacology, metabolic and neuro-pharmacology, and translational models.

His scholarly footprint includes a verified Google Scholar profile under “Nandakumar Krishnadas” associated with MCOPS/MAHE, reflecting a sustained publication record and citation impact.

At MCOPS, he mentors MPharm and doctoral scholars, delivers core pharmacology courses, and oversees departmental initiatives.

His recent co-authored work includes evidence syntheses in hepatoprotection and related pharmacology (2025), demonstrating active contributions to preclinical meta-analysis and methodology, alongside earlier clinical/preclinical investigations from the MAHE ecosystem.

He, is regularly invited for talks and academic events- as resource person, guest of honour, evaluator for research sessions and advocate for simulation-based learning in pharmacology.

Research and Scholarly Influence

With more than 160 Scopus-indexed publications, Dr. K. Nandakumar’s work spans preclinical pharmacology, metabolic and neuropharmacology, toxicology, and translational drug research. His studies bridge traditional medicine and modern pharmacological science, advancing understanding of phytoconstituents and molecular mechanisms that underpin therapeutic efficacy.

His cumulative research impact, reflected through Scopus, Google Scholar, and ResearchGate, demonstrates consistent contributions to high-quality peer-reviewed literature and collaborative outputs involving national research centers and industry partners.

Notable Scientific Contribution – The “Sambar Paper”

Among Dr. Nandakumar’s widely cited works, the study popularly known as the “Sambar paper” stands out for its innovative evaluation of the chemopreventive potential of Indian dietary spices. The work explored the protective effect of a traditional South Indian spice blend (“sambar”) against colon cancer, offering experimental evidence that common kitchen ingredients may modulate carcinogenesis pathways.

This publication captured national and international media attention for connecting culinary tradition with cancer prevention science, and it inspired several research groups to explore Indian spices and their bioactive phytochemicals as promising candidates in nutraceutical and cancer chemoprevention research.

Leadership and Educational Outreach

Conceptualized and leads the Center for Animal Research, Ethics, and Training (CARET) at MAHE, pioneering structured education in laboratory-animal ethics and translational skills.

Conducted numerous hands-on workshops on behavioral testing, cardiovascular research, and ethical experimentation.

Serves as mentor and examiner for MPharm and PhD scholars across India, promoting ethical, reproducible, and innovative preclinical research.

Frequent invited speaker at ICMR-DHR and DST-sponsored national workshops, contributing to capacity-building in experimental design and regulatory compliance.

Academic and Public Engagement

The “Sambar paper” and related spice-pharmacology research have been featured in science news portals, institutional outreach, and social-media discussions, amplifying public awareness of Indian ethnopharmacology.

Dr. Nandakumar actively translates complex pharmacological concepts into accessible learning experiences using simulation tools such as MyCAL and ExPharm, integrating them into MCOPS curricula.

He continues to champion the integration of traditional knowledge systems and molecular pharmacology, bridging cultural heritage with contemporary science.

Dr. K. Nandakumar’s research lies at the interface of pharmacology, toxicology, and translational therapeutics, with a focus on elucidating molecular mechanisms of disease and identifying novel pharmacological interventions. His interests encompass both drug discovery and mechanistic pharmacology, bridging traditional and modern systems of medicine.

Core Research Domains

Neuropharmacology and Chemotherapy-Induced Cognitive Dysfunction (“Chemobrain”)
Investigating neuronal, synaptic, and molecular mechanisms underlying chemotherapy-induced cognitive deficits; exploring neuroprotective strategies using phytomolecules and synthetic agents.

Metabolic and Liver Disorders (NAFLD/MASLD/NASH)
Identifying and validating molecular targets in metabolic steatohepatitis using network pharmacology, drug repurposing, and in vivo validation; focusing on periostin signaling, adenosine receptor modulation, and oxidative stress pathways.

Phytopharmacology and Nutraceuticals
Evaluating bioactive compounds from Indian medicinal plants and functional foods, including the landmark “Sambar study” demonstrating the chemopreventive potential of traditional Indian spices against colon cancer, which has inspired a new line of research in spice-based therapeutics.

Cardiometabolic and Mitochondrial Pharmacology
Studying mitochondrial biogenesis, ATP redistribution, and calcium signaling in models of muscular dystrophy, diabetes, and cardiac toxicity, aiming to discover protective mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets.

Toxicology and Regulatory Pharmacology
Expertise in OECD-guided preclinical toxicity testing, ethical animal experimentation, and translational toxicology, with an emphasis on establishing scientifically and ethically sound experimental designs.

Translational Pharmacology and Experimental Design
Designing ethically optimized preclinical-to-clinical bridging models using adaptive, factorial, and crossover study designs; advocating reproducible and reductionist animal use strategies under CCSEA and international frameworks (ARRIVE etc).

Academic & Administrative Positions

Professor and Head, Department of Pharmacology
Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences (MCOPS), Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE)
(2019 – Present)

Leading the Department of Pharmacology with strategic emphasis on curricular innovation, research excellence, and ethical experimentation.

Coordinating teaching, research, and training activities for BPharm, MPharm, PharmD, and PhD programs.

Supervising funded projects under DST-SERB, DBT, and institutional research schemes in neuropharmacology, metabolic disorders, and translational therapeutics.

Spearheaded the creation of the Center for Animal Research, Ethics, and Training (CARET) to promote capacity building in animal welfare and experimental design.

Mentoring postgraduate and doctoral students; over 20 PhD and MPharm theses supervised.

Actively engaged in QCI-PCI, NAAC, and NIRF activities at the institutional level to enhance academic quality and national visibility.

Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacology
Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MAHE
(2010 – 2019)

Conducted advanced research in chemotherapy-induced cognitive dysfunction, metabolic syndrome, and herbal drug interactions.

Introduced simulation-based practical learning tools (MyCAL, ExPharm) to strengthen conceptual understanding of drug action.

Coordinated national workshops and faculty development programs focusing on animal ethics, behavioral pharmacology, and regulatory compliance.

Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacology
Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MAHE
(2008 – 2010)

Developed and taught core pharmacology modules at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

Established foundational preclinical models for metabolic and neurobehavioral studies in the department.

Initiated early collaborations with national research centers and pharmaceutical industries for preclinical evaluation.



Research & Leadership Highlights

Principal Investigator, DST-SERB funded project on Sesamol in Statin-Induced Diabetes.

Co-Investigator, collaborative projects with IICT Hyderabad and Central University of Sikkim on drug repurposing, phytomolecules, and anticancer pharmacology.

Reviewer & Editorial Board Member for journals in pharmacology and toxicology.

Resource Person & Speaker at ICMR-DHR, DBT, and PCI-sponsored workshops.

Awards and recognition:

National / External Recognitions

🏆 DST-SERB Research Grant Awardee, Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), Department of Science & Technology, Government of India
For the project “Evaluation of Sesamol in Statin-Induced Diabetes: Mechanistic Insights into Glucose Dysregulation” — demonstrating excellence in translational pharmacology and preclinical drug discovery.

🏅 Best Poster Award, Society of Pharmacology (SFEC) Annual Convention 2022
For innovative presentation of preclinical data linking phytoconstituents to neuroprotection and metabolic regulation.


🎓 Invited Resource Person & Guest of Honour, ICMR-DHR National Workshop on Integrative AI-driven Pharmacoinformatics and Biostatistical Approaches in Preclinical Research (JSS Ooty, 2025)
Delivered the keynote address on “Design of Animal Experiments and Ethical Compliance in Translational Research.”

🌿 Research Visibility Recognition, MAHE–Elsevier Scopus Author Profile (2024)
For achieving over 160 Scopus-indexed publications and contributing significantly to the field of preclinical pharmacology.


🎤 Guest Speaker & Panelist, National Workshops on Ethical Animal Research