Question

What is Heroin (Morphine)? This is obtained from which plant?

Hint:

Heroin is a derivative of morphine, both of which are extracted from the opium poppy. Heroin is much more potent and addictive than morphine.

Answer 1

Heroin and morphine are both powerful opioids that are derived from the opium poppy plant, Papaver somniferum. The opium poppy has been cultivated for thousands of years for its medicinal and recreational uses. Morphine:
Morphine is a naturally occurring alkaloid extracted from the opium poppy. It is used as a pain reliever, especially in severe cases, as it has potent analgesic (pain-relieving) properties. Morphine works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, which blocks pain signals and induces feelings of euphoria. Heroin:
Heroin, also known as diacetylmorphine, is a semi-synthetic opioid derived from morphine. Heroin is synthesized by adding two acetyl groups to the morphine molecule, which makes it more lipophilic and allows it to cross the blood-brain barrier more quickly. Heroin is highly addictive and illegal in many parts of the world due to its dangerous potential for abuse and overdose. How Heroin is Obtained:
The process begins with the cultivation of the opium poppy, which produces a milky latex substance containing alkaloids, including morphine. The latex is collected and refined to obtain pure morphine. From morphine, heroin is synthesized by chemical processes. This transformation significantly enhances its potency, making heroin much more addictive and dangerous than morphine.