Khat: pharmacological and medical aspects and its social use in Yemen.
Fresh leaves of the khat tree (Catha edulis Forsk.) are chewed for their euphoric properties in East Africa and parts of the Middle East, such as The Yemen. This review describes the history, cultivation and constituents of khat, and the social aspects of khat chewing in Yemen. The major pharmacologically active constituent of the fresh leaves is (--)-S-cathinone. The pharmacology of (--)-S-cathinone in the central nervous system and the peripheral effects are described. (--)-S-Cathinone is regarded as an amphetamine-like sympathomimetic amine and this mechanism of action is discussed in relation to the central stimulant actions and the cardiovascular effects of increasing blood pressure and heart rate. The risk factors associated with khat chewing are described, with emphasis on the reported increased incidence of acute myocardial infarction.
Al-Motarreb
Ahmed
A
Department of Pharmacology, Welsh School of Pharmacy, Cardiff University, Cathays Park, Cardiff CF10 3XF, UK.
Baker
Kathryn
K
Broadley
Kenneth J
KJ
D000383:Agriculture; D000470:Alkaloids / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000494:pharmacology*; D029754:Catha / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018515:Plant Leaves / Q000737:chemistry; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000494:pharmacology*; D012737:Sex Factors; D012919:Social Behavior; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000523:psychology; D015006:Yemen
D000470:Alkaloids; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs; C023665:cathinone