Plant-derived bioactive compounds play a crucial role in managing metabolic syndrome (MetS) components such as hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, and atherogenic dyslipidemia. The present study investigates the glucose and lipid lowering potential of a novel compound mixture composed of garcinol, piperine, butyl oleate, pipnoohine, and bismurrayanimbine (molar ratio of 9:33:1:4:1) and its effects on insulin resistance and atherogenic indices in streptozotocin induced (60 mgkg-1, ip) diabetic rats. The oral administration of the compound mixture at low (10 mgkg-1), therapeutic (25 mgkg-1), and high (50 mgkg-1) doses resulted in dose-dependent improvement in oral glucose tolerance with an increase of 6%, 9%, and 12%, respectively. There was a corresponding elevation in serum insulin (4%, 66%, 66%) and C-peptide (18%, 152%, 153%), along with reduction in serum fasting glucose (8%, 29%, 30%) and percentage of HbA1C (18%, 27%, 31%) compared to diabetic untreated rats (p < 0.05). Histopathological assessment of H and E-stained sections of the pancreatic tissue confirmed islet cell restoration. At the therapeutic dose, the mixture reduced homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and increased homeostatic model assessment of β-cell functions (HOMA-β), aligning with pancreatic functions. Furthermore, all doses improved the antioxidant status and reversed atherogenic dyslipidemia in diabetic rats. Biochemical analysis revealed significant improvement in hepatic hexokinase activity at 25 and 50 mgkg-1 doses (p < 0.05). Overall, the compound mixture showed promising results as an adjunct therapy for managing hyperglycemia and atherogenic dyslipidemia associated with MetS, highlighting its potential to be developed as a therapeutic agent.

The growing environmental concerns are surrounded by conventional plastic waste and demand the search for sustainable and biodegradable alternatives for food packaging. This study investigates the fabrication and biodegradability performance of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-based films reinforced with cellulose nanofiber (CNF) extracted from natural biomass (rice straw and water hyacinth/ Eichhornia crassipes), focusing on their application in fresh produce packaging. PVA is a water-soluble, biodegradable synthetic polymer known for its excellent film-forming abilities, while CNF offers high mechanical strength and biocompatibility. The composite films were fabricated through a solution casting method with varying PVA concentrations (0.4%, 0.6%, 1%). Pure CNF film, pure PVA film, and low-density polyethylene (LDPE) films were used as controlled samples during the experiment. The composite film fabrication enhanced the mechanical properties, barrier performance, and thermal stability, making the films more suitable for packaging applications. Biodegradability was assessed under soil burial over 13 days, and the water solubility determination method. Results exhibited a significant degradation, with the decreasing concentrations of PVA showing faster disintegration owing to the hydrophilic nature of the composite matrix (CNF concentration remained constant) compared to control samples. Significant differences (p < 0.05) in transparency, film thickness, and grams per square meter (GSM) value, tensile strength, elongation at break, water absorption ability, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and bending rigidity of the samples were obtained. Overall, the CNF/PVA composite films demonstrated promising biodegradability and performance characteristics, indicating their potency as eco-sound alternatives to petroleum-based plastics in fresh-produce packaging. Further, this study underscores the viability of integrating biopolymers and natural nanofillers in sustainable packaging solutions, achieving economic pros.

Devising a natural and an effective repellent system is the challenge that needs to be addressed to meet the current demand among the people, despite the progress made in the mosquito control. The effort towards this goal should constitute; natural repellent, biodegradability, higher repellent loading, sustained release of the repellent. In this work, natural, biodegradable, eco-friendly and long-lasting mosquito repellent has been prepared with higher loading of citronella oil (1 %) in Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) nanofibers. Uniaxial (CP-U) and coaxial (CP-C) nanofiber-composites were electrospun using non-toxic, biodegradable PVA at 10 % w/w and citronella oil. It was found that maintaining the outer:inner flow rate ratio at 5:2 in coaxial process is imperative to produce good fibers. Average fiber diameter of CP-U fibers was 138.5 +/- 62.5 nm and for CP-C fibers it was 367.3 +/- 160.1 nm. TEM analysis confirmed the core-shell structure formed in CP-C fibers by coaxial electrospinning. FTIR analysis indicated CEO incorporation in both composites and thermal analyses showed mass losses corresponding to CEO decomposition, with CP-U fibers exhibiting better thermal stability due to stronger interactions between the oil and polymer. Encapsulation efficiency and loading capacity were 20.19 % +/- 0.34 and 1.83 % +/- 0.03 for CP-U, and 50.25 % +/- 0.32 and 14.85 % +/- 0.09 for CP-C, respectively. Further, release patterns and release kinetics were studied. CP-C fibers can effectively release 94.14 % of the encapsulated oil providing an extended protection window compared to matrix encapsulation (68.75 %) after 168 hours. Release kinetics followed the Korsmeyer-Peppas model, with CP-U exhibiting Fickian diffusion (n < 0.5) and CP-C showing non-Fickian diffusion (0.5

BACKGROUND:Phytopathogenic fungi pose a severe threat to global agriculture, and the emergence of drug-resistant strains underscores the urgent need for novel fungicides. Tavaborole (AN2690), a clinically approved benzoxaborole antifungal, suppresses fungal growth by selectively targeting leucyl-tRNA synthetase (LeuRS) through covalent binding-a unique mode of action. In this study, we designed and synthesized a series of novel tavaborole derivatives featuring substituted aniline moieties. Our rational design strategy aimed to preserve the boron-dependent LeuRS inhibition while optimizing binding affinity and broadening the antifungal spectrum through strategic aniline modifications. RESULTS:A series of aniline-modified tavaborole derivatives were synthesized and evaluated against six kinds of common agricultural pathogens such as Botrytis cinerea and Gibberella zeae. A series of designed compounds demonstrated remarkably potent antifungal activity, and this is highlighted by compound 5e, surpassing Osthole and Flutriafol in bioassays in vitro. In vivo, 5e reduced rice sheath blight by 62.3%. Molecular docking studies further confirmed strong binding affinity between the active derivatives and LeuRS, validating the design strategy. CONCLUSION:This study establishes substituted aniline-tavaborole hybrids as highly promising candidates for next-generation agricultural fungicides. The unique LeuRS inhibition mechanism of the designed molecules presents an innovative and effective strategy to counter fungal pathogens, demonstrating substantial potential for crop protection. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.

Disrupted folate metabolism related to high synthetic folic acid (FA) intake is a matter of contention. FA and its metabolites play a critical role in DNA synthesis and methylation, and inadequate or imbalanced folate status is strongly associated with neural tube defects and other adverse health outcomes. We determined different folate forms using the LC/MS-MS method in maternal blood, cord blood, and breast milk of women (n = 50) following the National Iron-Folic Acid (FA) Supplementation Program. High concentrations of 5-formyltetrahydrofolate (5-formyl-THF) (range: 40.9-222.7 nmol/L) were observed throughout pregnancy, in cord serum, and breast milk. Levels of 5-formyl-THF rapidly increased (mean difference: 181.6 nmol/L) after 4-6 weeks of supplementation with 1 mg of FA/day and subsequently decreased (mean difference: 139.8 nmol/L) upon continuous supplementation at 400 μg of FA/day. The rapid increase in 5-formyl-THF following supplementation was higher (p < 0.001) in women with methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphism. 5-methyl-THF (range: 11.4-56.8 nmol/L) and FA (range: 26.8-39.6 nmol/L) were detected only in breast milk. MTHFR 677CT/TT genotypes were associated with lower 5-methyl-THF (p < 0.001) and higher (p < 0.001) 5-formyl-THF in breast milk. At baseline, 48% had low (<340 nmol/L) RBC folate, but the concentrations continuously increased (p < 0.001) across pregnancy despite the different FA doses. The unusual observation of high 5-formyl-THF, the futile folate form, and its modulation with FA dose and genetic polymorphism merit further investigation to elucidate the population dynamics and possible physiological/clinical significance while questioning the utility of RBC folate as a biomarker of usable folate forms.

The increasing interest in bioactive compounds necessitates a thorough understanding of their in vivo safety profiles before they are developed as therapeutic drug leads. The present study aimed to evaluate acute and sub-acute toxicological effects of a compound mixture composed of garcinol, piperine, butyl oleate, pipnoohine, and bismurrayanimbine, combined in a molar mass ratio of 9:33:1:4:1 at the doses of 10 mg kg-1, 25 mg kg-1, and 50 mg kg-1 in healthy Wistar rats, following Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development guidelines. A single oral dose of the compound mixture (10 mg kg-1, 25 mg kg-1, and 50 mg kg-1) was administered, and the rats were closely observed over a subsequent 14-day period. Further, the compound mixture was administered orally at the same three doses to Wistar rats continuously for 28 days. The compound mixture at the three doses did not produce mortality or abnormal behavioral changes throughout the 14 days. No significant alterations in hematological parameters or biochemical markers such as alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and creatinine (p > 0.05) were observed. Histopathological analysis revealed no treatment-related changes in the hematoxylin and eosin-stained sections of the liver, kidney, heart, spleen, stomach, small intestine, and lung tissues. In conclusion, the oral administration of compound mixture at 10 mg kg-1, 25 mg kg-1, and 50 mg kg-1 for 28 days was found to be safe in healthy Wistar rats via biochemical (liver enzymes, kidney function tests), hematological (full blood count analysis), and histological assessments of hematoxylin and eosin-stained tissue sections.

Sri Lanka is a biodiversity hotspot with a rich history of embodying traditional medical practices in its cultural values. Despite this, the nation still stands behind in the global nutraceutical industry due to inadequate research-based evidence for the safety and efficacy of these compounds. This paper discusses the importance of supporting industry advancement while acknowledging existing barriers, promoting basic research needs, developing new research strategies, and fostering regional cooperation in science in light of the Sri Lankan BICOST IX technical report and an overview of the literature. Phytochemically monitored plant cultivation systems, postharvest technologies, globally accepted research practices to ensure safety and efficacy, human resource capacity development, and modernising laboratories with cutting-edge technologies are strongly recommended for policy-level recognition. In general, formal science brokering can effectively communicate these recommendations at the decision-making level, which is currently lacking in the system.

Background: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) can appear due to the absence of insulin (DM1- type 1) or poor response of cells to insulin (DM2-type 2). Even though DM1 cannot be controlled using general treatments, DM2 can be easily controlled or prevented using pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, or dietary practices. Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) is one such natural remedy that has been consumed against elevated blood glucose levels in the past. Cinnamon and different types of cinnamon extracts have been scientifically tested for their activities on the inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes that are responsible for carbohydrate metabolism and are effective in blood glucose regulation. However, the combined effect of aqueous and ethanol extracts of cinnamon bark on blood glucose regulation is still lacking. In this study, Water Extract of Cinnamon (CWE), Ethanol Extracts of Cinnamon (hot ethanol extract of cinnamon-CHEE, cold ethanol extract of cinnamon-CEE, and 50% ethanol extract of cinnamon- CEE-50) were studied for their sugar-controlling properties. Objectives: This study was performed to identify the efficacy of different cinnamon extracts on the inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes, followed by animal studies to confirm the use of the extracts in nutraceutical formulations. Methods: Water and ethanol-based extraction method was used to prepare cinnamon extracts. These extracts have been scientifically tested for their activities on the inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes. Molecular docking studies were used to identify the binding of the active molecules to the substrate binding sites of α-amylase and α-glucosidase. In-vivo time dependence postprandial blood glucose regulation studies have been performed with healthy Wistar male rats. Results: Yields of the CHEE, CEE, and CWE were 14±2%, 12±2%, and 8±1% respectively. According to the LCMS data, the major component in the CEE was cinnamaldehyde. Both CWE and CEE were subjected to the Total Polyphenol assay (TPC) and Total Flavonoids (TFC) assays. The TPC of CWE and CEE were 117±1 mg (Gal)/g and 170±10 mg (Gal)/g, while the TFC of CWE and CEE were 359±1 mg (Qc)/g and 254±4 mg (Qc)/g, respectively. In the α-amylase inhibition assay, Acarbose; a known α-amylase inhibitor, and CEE showed IC50 values of 65.4 ppm and 2.6 ppm, while CWE failed to show inhibition against α-amylase. In the α-glucosidase inhibition assay, Acarbose; a known α-amylase inhibitor, CEE, and CWE showed IC50 values of 312 ppm, 4.5 ppm, and 1.3 ppm, respectively. In-vivo time dependence postprandial blood glucose regulation studies that have been performed with healthy Wistar male rats showed a lowering of blood glucose concentrations by 22%, 11%, and 10% of glucose at 30 min, 60 min, and 90 min compared to the control group. Conclusion: The CEE contains polyphenols and flavonoids and is effective in inhibiting both α- amylase and α-glucosidase. The CWE also contains polyphenols and a comparatively higher level of flavonoids and is effective in inhibiting α-glucosidase while not affecting α-amylase inhibition. Overall, the IC50 data, TPC data, and TFC data proposed that the inhibition of carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzymes by polyphenols may depend on the polarity of particular polyphenols. Based on the rat trials, it can be concluded that the 1:1 combination of CWE and CEE may be useful in formulating postprandial blood glucose level-regulating nutraceuticals.

Novel alginate nanocarriers for dual iron and folate delivery: a pH-responsive system for enhanced oral bioavailability in anaemia.

Urea is the most extensively used nitrogen fertilizer throughout the world in commercial agriculture due to its higher nitrogen content, easy application, and market availability. However, the Nutrient Utilization Efficiency (NUE) of urea stands around 30%, as a result of its easy and premature loss to the environment through leaching and atmospheric oxidation. Apart from the economic repercussions, urea leachates contribute to global warming, water pollution, and adverse health effects on both humans and animals in the long term. On the other hand, the Haber-Bosch process, used for commercial production of urea, is highly energy-intensive and no longer sustainable. Meanwhile, the need for higher agricultural crop yields is rising at a staggering rate with the increasing global population. However, to date no other nitrogen sources have proven to be effective in terms of satisfying global demand. Therefore, it is important to explore alternative approaches to improving the delivery efficiency of urea by manipulating the release of nitrogen to match the plant demand. Nanodelivery has emerged as a suitable template to overcome the inherent issues with urea. Engineered nanomaterials have been studied as carriers for the slow and precise delivery of nitrogen to crops to increase NUE while lowering detrimental environmental impacts. A comprehensive review of different types of nanocarriers such as nanoparticles, layered-nanostructures, and nanotubes that have been employed to develop urea-based slow-release nanofertilizers along with their structure-property relationships and mechanisms of action are presented in this chapter. Further, existing challenges in developing urea-based nanofertilizers, toxicology aspects of nanofertilizers, and prospects of these nanoinnovations in reducing the inherent drawbacks of chemical nitrogen fertilizer are elaborated.

The theory of slow release and controlled release has the versatility of applications in pharmaceuticals, fertilizers, and agrochemicals. In controlled-release and slow-release administration, inorganic and organic materials and polymers that are both degradable and nondegradable have numerous uses. Research on release kinetics reveals how material systems work. Release kinetics can be determined using statistical methods, model-based methods (curve fitting techniques), and model-independent techniques. Curve-fitting techniques have been applied to describe drug-releasing behaviors in pharmaceuticals. This review describes curve-fitting methods used by researchers to analyze the nutrient release profile using different models, such as zero-order, first-order, Higuchi, Korsmeyer-Peppas, Hixson-Crowell root law, Ritger-Peppas, Peppas-Sahlin, and Weibull models. These drug-release models have successfully explained the release behavior of controlled-release and slow-release fertilizers and agrochemicals. Fertilizer type, rate of application, application time frame, and application location are all crucial factors in nutrient management. The known transport and release mechanisms support increasing profitability and adhere to nutrient best management practices. Hence, in this study, we will review existing controlled- and slow-release fertilizer systems in detail that are explained using the aforementioned modeling approaches (empirical and mechanistic) to discuss recent developments and applications of controlled- and slow-release fertilizer systems.

Aims: The present study examines the atomic-scale structures of Graphene Oxide (GO) and Reduced Graphene Oxide (RGO). Background: Electron microscopic studies on Sri Lankan vein graphite are considerably less; hence, this study focuses on the atomic-scale study of Sri Lankan vein graphite, using advanced electron microscopic techniques. Objective: The purpose of this research is to utilize the data obtained to explore the multidisciplinary characteristics of graphene to the maximum prospectively. Method: We report an atomic-scale study on Sri Lankan vein graphite (purest) derivatives using advanced electron microscopic techniques, including High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscope (HRTEM), Scanning Transmission Electron Microscope (STEM), and Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy (EELS). The present study examines the atomic-scale structures of Graphene Oxide (GO) and Reduced Graphene Oxide (RGO). Result: The results obtained exhibited an inter-atomic layer distance of 3.54 Å for RGO. The EELS study performed with the electron dose optimization for GO and RGO distinguished the differences in the C K edge with the oxygen functionalities. The XPS study confirmed the changes in oxygen functionalities obtained with EELS. Conclusion: The advanced electron microscopic techniques and other molecular spectroscopic analysis techniques allowed us to obtain a comprehensive study on Sri Lankan vein graphene-based structural and chemical features on an atomic scale.

The deficiency of nutrients during the early plant growth stages diminishes plant development, leading ultimately to lower crop yields. In this context, nanotechnology has been used to develop advanced seed coatings with sustainable and precise release properties to deliver supplements to the plant effectively. Zinc-doped hydroxyapatite-urea nanoparticles were synthesized and incorporated into a seed coating. This system enhanced plant growth, yield and root-shoot nutrient content in Zea mays seeds. The nanohybrid is futuristic as a macro- micro plant nutrient delivery agent and opens up new opportunities to explore the suitability of metal-doped hydroxyapatite nanoparticles in agriculture.

Datura metel L (thorn's apple) is a popular plant belonging to the family Solanaceae, growing all around the year in humid and warm climates. The importance of D. metel as a medicinal marvel is due to secondary metabolites within various parts of the plant, which serve different therapeutic functions. The whole plant is considered a narcotic, anodyne, and antispasmodic, while the leaves, bark, and seeds are also separately used in extractions. The biological potency of the plant has been used in traditional medicine for over a century. Currently, plant parts are used as a rich source in pharmaceutical manufacturing of secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids, steroids, tannins, and withanaloids. D. metel has proven advanced functions of antiviral effects, antibacterial and antifungal effects, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective effect, anticancer, and to treat chronic cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and neurological ailments. This is the first report on transcriptome assembly for this plant. The raw RNA sequencing data for leaf, salicylic-induced leaf, and flower are available at the NCBI Sequence Read Archive (SRA) under the Bioproject access PRJNA838784. The raw RNA sequencing data that is currently accessible can be utilized to conduct differential gene expression investigations pertaining to various secondary metabolite pathways and diverse tissues, as well as for the research of gene expression related to stress induced by salicylic acid in leaf tissues of the plant. Gene functions can be evaluated and mostly utilized for gene clustering data analysis, gene characterizations, and the identification of genes involved in linked biological pathways in plant studies.

Beclomethasone dipropionate (1) is a synthetic corticosteroid with anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, and anti-allergy properties. It is widely used to treat asthma, allergic rhinitis, and dermatoses. However, existing synthetic routes to this active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) contain steps resulting in low and/or inconsistent yields, and use obsolete reagents. Such inconsistencies coupled with a lack of reliable experimental data makes laboratory-scale and large-scale synthesis of this API difficult and time-consuming. In this paper, we report a practical and scalable approach to synthesize 1 from the readily available steroidal intermediate, 16β-methyl epoxide (3, DB-11). A gram-scale to kilogram-scale synthesis of 1 was achieved with 82% yield, using a cost-effective and scalable methodology. Selective propionylation of the hydroxyl groups at C17 and C21 demonstrate the fact that this approach can be conveniently implemented in fine chemical industries.

Polyherbal preparations have gained much attention as a potential source for discovering new drug therapeutics for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. The present investigation aims to determine in vitro and in vivo antidiabetic activity and the antioxidant potential of hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of a polyherbal mixture prepared from equal amounts of garlic cloves (Allium sativum L.), curry leaves (Murraya koenigii L. Sprengel), black pepper seeds (Piper nigrum L.) and rath goraka fruits (Garcinia quaesita Pierre). The standardization and in vitro antioxidant activity and antidiabetic activities were determined using standard methods. The in vivo acute antihyperglycemic activity of the hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts was determined using an oral glucose tolerance test in streptozotocin-induced diabetic Wistar rats. Highest significant in vitro antioxidant capacity in terms of DPPH free radical scavenging (24.71 +/- 0.01 ppm, p = 0.02) and reducing antioxidant power of ferric ion (23.29 +/- 0.78 mol/dm3, p = 0.01) and in vitro antidiabetic properties in terms of alpha-amylase (25.74 +/- 0.60 ppm, p = 0.01) and alpha-glucosidase (22.37 +/- 0.06 ppm, p = 0.02) inhibition activities were observed in the hexane extract when compared with the respective standard compounds, ascorbic for antioxidant (DPPH 6.78 +/- 0.03 ppm; FRAP 25.02 +/- 0.21 mol/dm3) and acarbose for antidiabetic activity (alpha-amylase 5.68 +/- 0.35 ppm; alpha-glucosidase 17.11 +/- 0.62 ppm). In the glucose tolerance test, a significant improvement of glucose tolerance was found in the hexane (17.38%) and ethyl acetate (15.81%) extracts-treated groups at the therapeutic dose against the diabetic control group (p < 0.05). The results obtained from the present evaluation showed that the hexane and ethyl acetate extracts of the polyherbal mixture could be considered as a potential source for developing antidiabetic agents targeting the management of diabetes mellitus.

The scarcity of novel drugs has prompted scientific research to re-evaluate natural products as drug lead compounds with high chemical and biological potential. Among the many phytochemicals, alkaloids are an important group of natural products consisting of an extensive list of bioactivities such as antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antihypertensive, antiulcer, diuretic and analgesic. The alkaloid mixture from the bark of Holarrhena mitis, which is an endemic plant to Sri Lanka, consists of 11 known compounds. This alkaloid mixture was assessed for its antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activities and brine shrimp lethality. Significant antifungal activity against standard strains of five Candida sp. mainly against C. krusei and C. glabrata, with inhibition diameter of 21 mm was identified. In addition, it showed moderate antibacterial activity (MIC 6.7±0.1 mg mL-1) against both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, and AChE inhibitory activity (IC50 value of 58±0.5 μg mL-1) and non-toxicity to brine shrimp lethality assay (LC50 value of 1410.11±2.05 mg L-1). However, the alkaloid mixture did not exhibit potential antioxidant activity (IC50 399±1.3 mg L-1). These empirical results suggest that alkaloids isolated from this plant could be good potential candidates for further development of new antifungal and antibacterial lead compounds, and AChE inhibitors.

6 beta-Hydroxy betunolic acid (1), has been identified as a novel, effective natural antibiotic lead compound, and hence, thirteen semisynthetic derivatives of 1 were synthesized including twelve novel compounds. Their structure-activity relationship was evaluated against sixteen pathogenic bacterial strains. Results revealed that the presence of a carboxylic acid group at C17 and unsaturation at C20eC29 are essential for the antibacterial activity of 6b-Hydroxy betunolic acid. Further, increased antibacterial activity was observed for 6 beta-hydroxy betunolic acid with acetyl modification at C3 against S. aureus and MRSA 114, however, none of the analogues including 6 beta-hydroxy betunolic acid showed antibacterial activity against the Gram-negative bacterial strains tested. (c) 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Abstract In a time where global agricultural stability is facing unprecedented challenges due to growing population, climate change, and emerging pandemics, the development of advanced organic-inorganic functional nanohybrids as advanced fertilizers could contribute significantly to meeting these challenges. They hold the potential of reducing overall fertilizer used per kilogram of produce while simultaneously increasing the yield per hectare. Even though there are many reports of recent nanofertilizer innovations, work on overcoming constraints of large-scale economic manufacture and sustainability has been limited. Herein, we report advanced urea-hydroxyapatite nanohybrids with a rare hydroxyapatite morphology as a more economical, scalable, biocompatible, and sustainable next-generation nitrogen fertilizer compared to the previously reported. A full life cycle assessment including components from synthesis, structure-property relationships, nutrient release behavior, bioefficacy, biocompatibility, and industrial scaling-up are included in this study. Coral-shaped urea-hydroxyapatite nanohybrids were synthesized via an energy-efficient, greener, one-pot bottom-up mechanochemical approach leading to a nitrogen loading up to ~ 43 %. Intermolecular interactions between the hydroxyapatite nanocorals and urea molecules have afforded slow and precise nitrogen release properties to these nanohybrids resulting in the cessation of immature loss of urea to the environment. The improved nitrogen utilization efficiency of the nanohybrids was demonstrated by the ~69 % increase in crop yields and improved plant growth of rice compared to standard nitrogen application in pot trials. Urea-hydroxyapatite nano-corals have significant potential in enhancing sustainable agriculture by acting as an efficient, economical, slow-release nitrogen fertilizer leading to the fulfillment of multiple United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

A new dimeric carbazole alkaloid, 3,3 ',5,5 ',8-pentamethyl-3,3 '-bis(4-methylpent-3-en-1-yl)-3,3 ',11,11 '-tetrahy-dro-10,10 '-bipyrano[3,2-a]carbazole, was isolated from the hexane extract of leaves of Murraya koenigii (L.) Sprengel. (Family: Rutaceae). The structure was elucidated based on 13C and 1H NMR, High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS), and 2D NMR data. The in vitro antidiabetic activity of the new dimer was investigated in terms of alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase enzyme inhibition assays. The dimer exhibited significant alpha-amylase inhibitory activity (IC50 = 30.32 +/- 0.34 ppm) and alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity (IC50 = 30.91 +/- 0.36 ppm).