khat

Khat refers to the leaves and fresh shoots of Catha edulis, a flowering evergreen shrub native to East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. It contains psychoactive compounds, primarily cathinone and cathine, which are structurally similar to amphetamine. Cathinone is the principal active stimulant and is about 10 times more potent than cathine. These compounds produce stimulant and euphoric effects when the leaves are chewed. Khat has been used traditionally since the thirteenth century to elevate mood, combat fatigue, and suppress appetite. The stimulant effect begins to diminish within 48 hours after harvesting as cathinone degrades into cathine and norephedrine. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified khat as a drug that can create psychological dependence.

Other names

Abyssinian TeaAfrican SaladCathaChatGatGombaJaadJimmaKahtKatKhatKijitiKus es SalahinMiraaOatQaadQatQuaadkaQutTchaadTchatTea of the ArabsTohaiTohatTschutVeve