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Khat chewing delays gastric emptying of a semi-solid meal
T D Heymann1, A Bhupulan, N E Zureikat
1Department of Gastroenterology, Charing Cross Hospital, London, UK.
Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics
|February 1, 1995
Abstract
Background:
The leaves of Khat are chewed for their central stimulant effect, but their use may cause anorexia and constipation.
Methods:
Gastric emptying of a radio-labelled semi-solid meal was measured in 12 healthy volunteers on two occasions a week apart. Subjects chewed either Khat leaves (Catha edulis) or lettuce for 2 h before the study.
Results:
Gastric emptying was significantly (P < 0.02) prolonged after chewing Khat compared with lettuce.
Conclusion:
The sympathomimetic action of cathinone in Khat may cause the observed delay in gastric emptying.