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The following points highlight the five important drugs that are obtained from plants. The important drugs are: 1. Opioids 2. Cannabinoids 3. Coca Alkaloid or Cocaine 4. Hallucinogens 5. Tobacco.
Drug # 1. Opioids:
Opioids or opiates are drugs that bind to opioid receptors present in human central nervous system and gastrointestinal tract. These have narcotic, analgesic, sedative and astringent effects. Heroin commonly called smack is a white, crystalline, odourless and bitter compound. It is obtained by acetylation of morphine and chemically heroin is a diacetylmorphine.
Morphine is extracted from the latex of poppy plant Papaver somniferum. Generally, taken by snorting and injection. It slows down body function as depresses nervous system. It is an effective sedative and a pain killer, used by patients who underwent surgeries.
Drug # 2. Cannabinoids:
These are the group of chemicals, which interact with the cannabinoid receptors in the brain. Natural cannabinoids are obtained from the plant Cannabis sativa.
Leaves, flowers tops and resins of Cannabis are used in combinations in production of marijuana, hashish, charas, ganja, etc.
These drugs are taken by inhalation and oral ingestion and affect cardiovascular system of the body.
Drug # 3. Coca Alkaloid or Cocaine:
It is obtained from the coca plant Erythroxylon cocca, native to South America. It is commonly called as coke or crack taken by snoring. Cocaine interferes with the transport of dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter. It stimulates the nervous system and produces a sense of euphoria and energy. Its excessive dosage causes hallucinations.
Drug # 4. Hallucinogens:
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These are obtained from plants like Atropa belladona and Datura. Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is derived from the fungus Claviceps purpurea. These drugs have effect on cerebrum and sense organs so also are called psychedelic drugs, which have effect on feelings, emotions, perceptions and thoughts. Normally, these drugs are given to the patients suffering from depression, insomnia, mental illness.
Drug # 5. Tobacco:
It is obtained from tobacco plant which can be smoked and chewed. Tobacco has nicotine which stimulates the adrenal gland to release adrenaline and noradrenaline, increasing the blood pressure and heart rate. The tobacco chewing has some adverse effects on health.
Effects on Health:
Tobacco can induce lung cancer, cancer of urinary bladder and throat, bronchitis, emphysema, coronary heart disease, gastric ulcer, oral cancer, etc. Smoking increases carbon monoxide (CO) content in the blood and reduces the concentration of haemoglobin bound oxygen. Thus, leads to the oxygen deficiency in the body. Addicted people require counselling and medical help to get rid of the habit.
