Khat, a Cultural Chewing Drug: A Toxicokinetic and Toxicodynamic Summary

Khat ( ) is a recreational, chewed herbal drug that has been used as a psychostimulant for centuries in East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, namely in Somalia, Ethiopia, and Yemen. However, the growing worldwide availability of khat has produced widespread concern. The plant comprises a large numb...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Toxins 2022-01, Vol.14 (2), p.71
Main Authors: Silva, Bárbara, Soares, Jorge, Rocha-Pereira, Carolina, Mladěnka, Přemysl, Remião, Fernando, On Behalf Of The Oemonom Researchers
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Alertness
amphetamine-like
Amphetamines
Biological effects
Catha - toxicity
cathine
cathinone
Chewing
Controlled substances
Dopamine
Herbal medicine
Humans
In vivo methods and tests
kinetics
Mastication
Metabolism
Metabolites
Nervous system
norpseudoephedrine
Plant Leaves
Review
Sympathomimetics
Toxicokinetics
toxicology
Well being
Withdrawal
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Summary:Khat ( ) is a recreational, chewed herbal drug that has been used as a psychostimulant for centuries in East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, namely in Somalia, Ethiopia, and Yemen. However, the growing worldwide availability of khat has produced widespread concern. The plant comprises a large number of active substances, among which cathinone, cathine, and norephedrine are the main constituents, which can be included in the group of sympathomimetics of natural origin. In fact, these compounds are amphetamine analogues, and, as such, they have amphetamine-like nervous system stimulant effects. Chewing the leaves gives people a sensation of well-being and increases energy, alertness, and self-confidence. The chronic use of khat is, however, associated with severe cardiac, neurological, psychological, and gastrointestinal complications. The psychological dependence and withdrawal symptoms of khat are the reasons for its prolonged use. The aim of this paper is to review current knowledge on the khat plant with toxicokinetic and toxicodynamic perspectives. Namely, this review paper addresses in vitro, in vivo, and human studies. The models used, as well as the concentrations and doses with the respective biological effects, are discussed. Additionally, the main drug interactions involved with khat are described.
ISSN:2072-6651
2072-6651
DOI:10.3390/toxins14020071