The content of psychoactive phenylpropyl and phenylpentenyl khatamines in Catha edulis Forsk. of different origin.
Khat, the leaves of Catha edulis Forsk. (Celastraceae), is widely used as a stimulant in East Africa and the Arab Peninsula. Samples from the most important markets of Ethiopia, Kenya, North Yemen and Madagascar were analysed with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) concerning their khatamine content (phenylpropyl and phenylpentenylamines). The variability of khatamines depending on origin, type and quality is discussed. In many samples a good correlation between the amount of cathinone, the main CNS-active compound, and quality estimation (price) of dealers and consumers was found.
Geisshüsler
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Institute of Pharmacy, University of Berne, Switzerland.
Brenneisen
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D000351:Africa, Eastern; D000470:Alkaloids / Q000032:analysis* / Q000494:pharmacology; D000661:Amphetamine / Q000032:analysis* / Q000494:pharmacology; D001211:Asia, Western; D029754:Catha; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D010665:Phenylpropanolamine / Q000032:analysis* / Q000494:pharmacology; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000032:analysis*; D010946:Plants, Medicinal / Q000032:analysis*; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000494:pharmacology*
D000470:Alkaloids; D010936:Plant Extracts; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs; C005331:norpseudoephedrine; D010665:Phenylpropanolamine; C023665:cathinone; D000661:Amphetamine