Question

(a) Name the source plant of heroin drug. How is it obtained from the plant?
(b) Write the effects of heroin on the human body.

Answer 1

Hint: Drugs have been obtained naturally from plants that produce these chemicals as a defense means to protect themselves from grazing animals or any predator. These chemicals when used under medical supervision or according to the dosage prescribed are not harmful but over usage leads to drug abuse. Heroin is a drug obtained from a plant that is native to the eastern Mediterranean and Europe and Asia.

Complete answer:
Heroin drug is obtained from the poppy plant Papaver somniferum commonly called the opium poppy. Morphine is obtained from the latex of the plant and on acetylation of morphine, heroin drug is obtained. Heroin affects the central nervous system and gastrointestinal tract. It binds to opioid receptors and can produce insomnia, irregular menstrual cycles in women, constipation, liver, and kidney diseases.

Additional Information: - Heroin is chemically called diacetylmorphine. It is a colorless, crystalline, and bitter compound. It is generally taken by snort and injection. It slows down body functions and is a depressant.
- Opioid receptors are present in our central nervous system and GIT tract. Heroin is called smack also.
- After over abuse of heroin, it creates a condition of hypoxia (decreased amount of oxygen). It can eventually lead to coma and death too.
- Withdrawal from drug usage causes restlessness, anxiety, shakiness, severe muscle and bone pain, cravings to take drugs, etc.

Note: Drug abuse is a severe problem among youth. They usually get into this habit to escape from their problems temporarily and with daily usage, the receptors of drugs become less responsive eventually leading to more drug abuse. This may lead to a state of numbness and coma. Thus, they should be given the right counseling and prohibited to do so.