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Khat: an amphetamine-like plant material.
Bulletin of the World Health Organization
|January 1, 1984
Summary
Khat chewing, common in East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, causes central nervous system stimulation. The active compound, (-)-cathinone, acts similarly to amphetamines by releasing catecholamines, indicating khat is an amphetamine-like substance.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Neuroscience
- Ethnobotany
Background:
- Khat (Catha edulis) chewing is a widespread practice in East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.
- Psychic dependence is frequently observed among khat users.
- Khat consumption induces central nervous system (CNS) stimulation and sympathomimetic effects, similar to amphetamine.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the pharmacological basis of khat's stimulant effects.
- To identify the active psychoactive compounds in khat leaves.
- To elucidate the mechanism of action of khat constituents.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of the alkaloid (-)-cathinone from khat leaves.
- Animal studies to assess the effects of (-)-cathinone.
- Comparison of (-)-cathinone's effects and mechanism with (+)-amphetamine.
- Analysis of catecholamine release at physiological storage sites.
Main Results:
- (-)-Cathinone was isolated from khat leaves.
- (-)-Cathinone produced effects in animals analogous to (+)-amphetamine.
- The observed effects in animals correlated with human experiences of khat consumption.
- (-)-Cathinone functions by inducing the release of catecholamines, mirroring the mechanism of (+)-amphetamine.
Conclusions:
- Khat contains (-)-cathinone, an alkaloid responsible for its stimulant properties.
- The mechanism of action of (-)-cathinone involves catecholamine release.
- Khat should be classified as an amphetamine-like substance due to its pharmacological profile and mechanism of action.