Khat chewing delays gastric emptying of a semi-solid meal.
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.


CONCLUSIONS
The sympathomimetic action of cathinone in Khat may cause the observed delay in gastric emptying.
Heymann
T D
TD
Department of Gastroenterology, Charing Cross Hospital, London, UK.
Bhupulan
A
A
Zureikat
N E
NE
Bomanji
J
J
Drinkwater
C
C
Giles
P
P
Murray-Lyon
I M
IM
D000328:Adult; D000855:Anorexia / Q000139:chemically induced; D029754:Catha; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003248:Constipation / Q000139:chemically induced; D004435:Eating; D005260:Female; D005746:Gastric Emptying / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D018545:Lactuca; D008297:Male; D008409:Mastication; D008875:Middle Aged; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging
D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D010936:Plant Extracts