title: Khat chewing delays gastric emptying of a semi-solid meal.
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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The sympathomimetic action of cathinone in Khat may cause the observed delay in gastric emptying.
authors.affiliation: Department of Gastroenterology, Charing Cross Hospital, London, UK.
authors.forename: T D
authors.initials: TD
authors.lastname: Heymann
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bhupulan
authors.forename: N E
authors.initials: NE
authors.lastname: Zureikat
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bomanji
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Drinkwater
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Giles
authors.forename: I M
authors.initials: IM
authors.lastname: Murray-Lyon
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D010936:Plant Extracts