A patient is brought to a clinic exhibiting a strong sense of euphoria and increased energy. The clinical report notes that an excessive dosage of the abused substance has also induced hallucinations. Identify the source plant of this substance and its primary mechanism of action.

Step-by-step solution

The symptoms described (a sense of euphoria, increased energy, and hallucinations upon excessive dosage) are characteristic of cocaine. According to NCERT, cocaine (coca alkaloid) is obtained from the coca plant Erythroxylum coca. Its primary mechanism of action is interfering with the transport of the neurotransmitter dopamine. Cannabis sativa yields cannabinoids which affect the cardiovascular system. Papaver somniferum is the source of opioids (like morphine and heroin) which act as depressants. While Atropa bel