It is reported to have a sharp taste and an aromatic odour. Both cathinone and cathine are central nervous system CNS stimulants, but have a lower potency than amphetamine.
Khat consumption leads to effects that are qualitatively similar to those of amphetamine , i. This may be followed by depression, irritability, anorexia and difficulty in sleeping.
Frequent use of high doses may evoke psychotic reactions. Gastrointestinal effects include constipation and urine retention. The role of other constituents of the khat plant is less well understood. The euphoric effects of khat start after about one hour of chewing. Peak plasma levels of cathinone are obtained 1. Cathinone is barely detectable in blood after eight hours. First-pass metabolism of cathinone in the liver leads to the formation of norephedrine.
The elimination half-life of cathinone is 1. Specific associations have been proposed between khat consumption and myocardial infarction, liver failure and oral cancer, but in many cases confounding effects could not be eliminated. Khat comprises the leaves and fresh shoots of Catha edulis Forsk, a flowering evergreen shrub cultivated in East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. It is usually imported into Europe via air freight.
Although khat can be ingested as an infusion or smoked, by far the most common route of administration is to chew the plant. Fresh vegetable material stems, leaves and flower buds is chewed and the juice of the masticated material is swallowed, while the residues are spat out.
Typically, an individual consumes — g of khat leaves one bundle in a session, and its effects last for several hours. Infusions from dried leaves are also consumed. With the exception of tobacco, the concomitant use of other drugs, including alcohol, by khat users is uncommon.
Although a bundle of khat appears reasonably characteristic, botanical and microscopic features are of limited use in confirming identity. However, Catha edulis remains outside international control, although cathinone and cathine have been listed in the UN Convention under Schedules I and III respectively since the early s.
Khat affects everyone differently, based on: size, weight and health whether the person is used to taking it whether other drugs are taken around the same time the amount taken. Short term effects may include: increased talkativeness feeling energetic and social alertness and improved concentration faster heartbeat and breathing slightly higher temperature and blood pressure reduced appetite.
Symptoms may include: mild depression lower blood pressure tiredness. Read more about withdrawal. Path2Help Not sure what you are looking for?
Find out more. See also, drugs and the law. A review of the history, cultivation, chemistry, pharmacology and adverse health effects of khat. International Journal of Applied and Natural Sciences. Qatar Medical Journal. It remains available to provide access to historical materials. The term khat refers to the leaves and young shoots of Catha edulis. The plant has been widely used since the thirteenth century as a recreational drug by the indigenous people of East Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and the Middle East.
Individuals chew khat leaves because of their stimulant and euphoric effects, which are similar to, but less intense than, those resulting from the abuse of cocaine or methamphetamine.
When fresh, khat leaves are glossy and crimson-brown in color, resembling withered basil. Khat leaves typically begin to deteriorate 48 hours after being harvested from the shrub on which they grow. Deteriorating khat leaves are leathery and turn yellow-green. Fresh khat typically is chewed and then retained in the cheek and chewed intermittently until the juices are extracted.
Dried khat can be brewed into tea or made into a chewable paste. Less common methods of administering khat are smoking or sprinkling on food. Immediate effects of khat use include increased heart and breathing rates, elevated body temperature and blood pressure, and increased alertness, excitement, energy, and talkativeness.
The effects of khat usually last between 90 minutes and 3 hours. After-effects of khat use include lack of concentration, numbness, and insomnia. The use of khat is accepted within Somali, Ethiopian, and Yemeni cultures; in the United States, khat use is most prevalent among immigrants from those countries.
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