Khat (Catha edulis Forsk, family Celastraceae), pronounced "cot" and also known as qat, gat, tschat, and miraa, is a shrubby plant used for centuries in parts of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. There, chewing khat predates the use of coffee and is used in a similar social context. Its fresh leaves and tops are chewed or, less frequently, dried and consumed as tea, in order to achieve a state of euphoria and stimulation. Due to the availability of rapid, inexpensive air transportation, the drug has been reported in London, Rome, Amsterdam, Canada, and the United States. The public has become more aware of this exotic drug through media reports pertaining to the United Nations mission in SomaliaSomalia ( Somali: Soomaaliya Arabic: As-Sumal , formerly known as the Somali Democratic Republic is an African country that exists solely in a de jure capacity. Somalia has no recognized central government authority, national currency, or any other featur, where khat use is endemic, and its role in the Persian GulfThe Persian Gulf ( Persian: , Arabic: ) is an extension of the Gulf of Oman in between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. This inland sea of some 233,000 km² is connected to the Gulf of Oman in the east by the Strait of Hormuz, and its western end is marked. The khat plant is known by a variety of names, such as qat in Yemen; tschat in Ethiopia, and miraa in Kenya.
In 19801980 is a leap year starting on Tuesday. Events January-February January 1- April 1 National steel strike in United Kingdom January 1 Changes to the Swedish Act of Succession creates Victoria of Sweden, Crown Princess over her younger brother January 5 He the World Health OrganizationFor other meanings of the acronym 'WHO', see WHO (disambiguation : Please note ''Sections of this article have been edited by a user in arbitration. The relevance of those sections is controversial but they may remain whilst the arbitration is in process classified khat as a drug of abuse that can produce mild to moderate psychic dependence.
1 Licit Uses
Khat has not been approved for medical use in the US. Khat use has traditionally been confined to the regions where khat is grown, because only the fresh leaves have the desired stimulating effects. In recent years improved roads and the availability of off-road vehicles in or close to areas of cultivation and the possibility of air transportation has increased the global distribution of this non-storable commodity. Traditionally, khat has been used as a socializing drug and this is still very much the case in Yemen where khat-chewing is a predominantly male habit. In other countries khat is consumed largely by single individuals and at parties. It is mainly a recreational drug in the countries which grow khat, even though it may also be used by farmers and laborers for reducing physical fatigue, and by drivers and students for improving attention.
2 Chemistry/Pharmacology
The stimulant effect of the plant was originally attributed to cathineCathine (β-hydroxy amphetamine) is a monoamine alkaloid found in the shrub Catha edulis (khat). Closely related to ephedrine, cathinone and other phenethylamines, it may contribute to the stimulant effect of Catha edulis although another constituent,, a phenethylaminePhenethylamine Chemical name2-Phenyl-ethylamine or2-phenylethanamine Chemical formulaCHN Molecular mass121. 18 g/mol Density0. 965 g/ml Melting point-60 °C Boiling point200 °C CAS number64-04-0 SMILES NCCC1 CC CC C1 Phenethylamine is an alkaloid and monoa-type substance isolated from the plant. However, the attribution was disputed by reports showing the plant extracts from fresh leaves contained another substance more behaviorally active than cathine. In 1975, the related alkaloid cathinoneGeneral Information Cathinone (β-keto amphetamine) is a monoamine alkaloid found in the shrub Catha edulis ( Khat). Closely related to ephedrine, cathine and other phenethylamines, it is probably the main contributor to the stimulant effect of Catha was isolated, and its absolute configuration was established in 1978. Cathinone is not very stable and breaks down to produce cathine and norephedrine. These chemicals belong to the PPA (phenylpropanolamine) family, a subset of the phenethylamines related to amphetamines and the catecholamines epinephrine and norepinephrine.
Khat consumption induces mild euphoria and excitement. Individuals become very talkative under the influence of the drug and may appear to be unrealistic and emotionally unstable. Khat can induce manic behaviors and hyperactivity. Several cases of khat-induced psychosis have been reported in the literature. Khat is an effective anorectic and its use also results in constipation. Dilated pupils (mydriasis), which are prominent during khat consumption, reflect the sympathomimetic effects of the drug, which are also reflected in increased heart rate and blood pressure. A state of drowsy hallucinations ( hypnagogic hallucinations) may result coming down from khat use as well. Withdrawal symptoms that may follow prolonged khat use include lethargy, mild depression, nightmares, and slight tremor.
