Papaver somniferumL. (Family: Papaveraceae) is a species well known for its diverse alkaloids (100 different benzylisoquinoline alkaloids (BIAs)). L-tyrosine serves as a precursor of several specific metabolites like BIAs. It has been used as an antitussive and potent analgesic to alleviate mild to extreme pain since ancient times. The extraction of pharmaceutically important alkaloids like morphine and codeine from poppy plant reflects the need for the most suitable and standard methods. Several analytical and extraction techniques have been reported in open literature for morphine, codeine and other important alkaloids which play a vital function in drug development and drug discovery. Many studies suggest that opioids are also responsible for adverse effects or secondary complications like dependence and withdrawal. In recent years, opium consumption and addiction are the most important risk factors. Many evidence-based reviews suggest that opium consumption is directly linked or acts as a risk factor for different cancers. In this review, we highlight significant efforts related to research which have been done over the past 5 decades and the complete information onPapaver somniferumincluding its phytochemistry, pharmacological actions, biosynthetic pathways and analytical techniques of opium alkaloid extraction and the link between opium consumption and cancer-related updates.

Bone-related diseases have been increasing worldwide, and several nanocomposites have been used to treat them. Among several nanocomposites, polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB)-based nanocomposites are widely used in drug delivery and tissue engineering due to their excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability. However, PHB use in bone tissue engineering is limited due to its inadequate physicochemical and mechanical properties. In the present work, we synthesized PHB-based nanocomposites using a nanoblend and nano-clay with modified montmorillonite (MMT) as a filler. MMT was modified using trimethyl stearyl ammonium (TMSA). Nanoblend and nano-clay were fabricated using the solvent-casting technique. Inspection of the composite structure revealed that the basal spacing of the polymeric matrix material was significantly altered depending on the loading percentage of organically modified montmorillonite (OMMT) nano-clay. The PHB/OMMT nanocomposite displayed enhanced thermal stability and upper working temperature upon heating as compared to the pristine polymer. The dispersed (OMMT) nano-clay assisted in the formation of pores on the surface of the polymer. The pore size was proportional to the weight percentage of OMMT. Further morphological analysis of these blends was carried out through FESEM. The obtained nanocomposites exhibited augmented properties over neat PHB and could have an abundance of applications in the industry and medicinal sectors. In particular, improved porosity, non-immunogenic nature, and strong biocompatibility suggest their effective application in bone tissue engineering. Thus, PHB/OMMT nanocomposites are a promising candidate for 3D organ printing, lab-on-a-chip scaffold engineering, and bone tissue engineering.

Nanofertilizer prepared with urea-hydroxyapatite amalgamation along with PGPR promotes urea availability over longer period of plant growth and reduces wasteful urea expense in soil, curtailing environmental pollution.

The study aimed to compare the tolerance capacity of Cyperus iria, Achyranthes aspera, and Eruca sativa to lead-contaminated and chromium-contaminated soils and to check their phytoremediation potential by pot culture experimentation. The experiment was conducted in three replicates in pots having 4kg of sieved soil mixed with different doses of chromium, 0, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, and 350mg·kg⁻¹, and lead, 0, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, and 800mg·kg⁻¹. The experiment was conducted for 80days, and roots were harvested two times, i.e., at 40days and 80days after sowing. Metal accumulation in the roots was determined by the atomic absorption spectrophotometry method. The result of the study indicated that C. iria has the maximum potential to accumulate both the metals in its roots than other two plants. The order of chromium metal accumulation was found to be C. iria>E. sativa>A. aspera. On the other hand, the order of lead metal accumulation was found to be C. iria>A. aspera>E. sativa.

Soil contains crucial macro and micronutrients for plant growth and development. However, to enhance soil fertility; growers apply fertilizers for “re-filling” the supply of nutrients to the soil so that they can continue to cultivate crops. Inorganic fertilizers do not release according to demand; they dissolve easily and release nitrogen faster than the plants can utilize them. Also due to the poor mobility of zinc, plants are in a need of a constant supply of zinc, for excellent growth and development. There are three main sources of nitrogen: urea, ammonium, and nitrate. Urea fertilizers although have a direct impact on plants it does not release according to demand. With the use of nanotechnology, nano-sized particles are produced and synthesized. Urea nano fertilizer and Zinc oxide nanoparticles are the widespread nanoparticles. The current review deals with the importance of nano forms of nitrogen and zinc as essential growth macro and microelements for plants.