A strong central nervous system stimulant that enhances alertness, restrains appetite, and provides temporary feelings of pleasu
Keyword:
Dopamine
Keyword:
stimulant
Keyword:
crystalline powder
Layman's explanation:
Cocaine is a white crystalline powder that is prepared from the leaf of the Erythroxylon coca bush, which is grown in Peru and Bolivia. It was first identified by a German chemist named Albert Niemann in the mid-19th century, when it was initiated as a tonic/elixir in medicines to treat real or envisioned illnesses. The mechanism of action of cocaine is to block the reuptake of dopamine, an important neurotransmitter. Cocaine was used medically as a local anesthetic to perform eye, ear, nose, or throat surgery, although it has long since been replaced. Now, it is generally sold on the streets as a powder to be snorted in order to increase alertness and temporary feelings of pleasure.
Citation of a publication:
Reference: Can. J. Chem. 61 (1983) p481
Authors: R.J. Hrynchuk, R.J. Barton, B.E.
Robertson
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