Khat is believed to have originated in Ethiopia. It is a flowering evergreen plant native to tropical East Africa. Khat has been grown for use as a stimulant for centuries and predates the use of coffee.
Khat is an agent that has been used in social settings to induce feelings of euphoria and pleasure. Medicinally, it has been used to treat depression and to enhance work capacity. Khat has also been used as an aphrodisiac, to treat premature ejaculation, and to enhance sexual desire.
Currently, there are no well-designed clinical trials evaluating khat for any indication. Two poorly documented trials evaluated khat in cognitive function. One study revealed no difference in cognitive function in the elderly with khat use. In the other study, cognitive functioning was negatively affected by khat use.
Fresh khat leaves contain cathinone - a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act; however, the leaves typically begin to deteriorate after 48 hours, causing the chemical composition of the plant to break down. Once this occurs, the leaves contain cathine, a Schedule IV drug. Khat is currently illegal in the United States.
Evidence
DISCLAIMER:
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.
Cognitive function:
Khat has been evaluated for its cognitive effects; however, the results are mixed with some studies showing benefit and others showing negative effects. Additional study is needed in this area to clarify these findings.
Grade: C
Tradition
WARNING:
DISCLAIMER:
The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below. Appetite suppressant, depression, gastric ulcers, fatigue, male infertility, obesity, physical work capacity, premature ejaculation, sexual activity enhancement, stimulant.
Dosing
Adults (over 18 years old)
There is no proven safe or effective dose for khat. However, approximately 100-200 grams of fresh leaves have been chewed, one at a time for their stimulant effects. The juice can be swallowed while the residue is retained in the cheek and later expelled. A juice has also been made by blending khat with water and lemon and then filtering the mixture. A tincture can be made by alcohol extraction of the active ingredients.
Children (under 18 years old)
There is no proven safe or effective dose for khat in children, and use in not recommended.
Safety
DISCLAIMER:
Many complementary techniques are practiced by healthcare professionals with formal training, in accordance with the standards of national organizations. However, this is not universally the case, and adverse effects are possible. Due to limited research, in some cases only limited safety information is available.
Allergies
Avoid in individuals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to Cathus edulis or members of the Celastraceae family.
Side Effects and Warnings
Fresh khat leaves contain cathinone - a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act; however, the leaves typically begin to deteriorate after 48 hours, causing the chemical composition of the plant to break down. Once this occurs, the leaves contain cathine, a Schedule IV drug, which is similar in structure to amphetamine.
The stimulatory effect associated with khat has been documented with delusions, paranoia, hypomania, mood swings, depression, irritability, insomnia, and increased alertness. There have also been reports of persistent hypnagogic hallucinations caused by khat use.
Khat may cause nervousness, nightmares, aggressiveness, excitement, talkativeness, manic behavior, and hyperactivity. Khat chewing has dependency potential and may lead to dependence and addiction. Avoid using in patients with psychotic personalities. Use cautiously in patients with motor tics and Tourette's syndrome. Theoretically, khat may exacerbate motor tics and Tourette's syndrome. Khat is currently illegal in the United States.
Although not well studied in humans, khat may increase respiratory rates, increase systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate, or cause acute myocardial infarction (heart attack). Other reported side effects include gastritis (stomach inflammation), malnutrition, hemorrhoidal disease, constipation, and oral carcinoma. Avoid holding khat in the cheek for extended periods of time to avoid oral infection.
Use cautiously in patients with hypertension (high blood pressure), tachycardia (fast heart rates), or cardiovascular disease because khat may increase blood pressure and heart rate. Khat should also be used cautiously in patients taking antihypertensives (blood pressuring lowering agents). Theoretically, khat may antagonize the effects of these drugs.
Fasciola hepatica infection, a parasite infection, has been reported after the chewing of khat leaves. Loss of appetite and anorexia has also been noted.
Methcathinone, a methyl derivative of cathinone, has been reported to cause mydriasis (dilation of the pupil).
Use cautiously in patients taking stimulant drugs or herbs. Increased stimulant effects may occur. Avoid driving after khat use; there are reports of impaired driving and psychophysical function. Avoid using in patients with glaucoma.
Khat is not recommended for use in pregnant or breastfeeding women due to possible reductions in birth weight, birth defects and breastfeeding inhibition.
Interactions
Interactions with Drugs
Use khat cautiously in patients taking amoxicillin or ampicillin. Khat may reduce the effectiveness of these drugs. These two antibiotics, particularly ampicillin, should be taken two hours after khat chewing.
Theoretically, khat may antagonize the effects of heart medications or blood pressure lowering agents. Khat has been reported to cause an increase in systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate.
Use cautiously in patients taking beta-blockers or tricyclic antidepressants. Theoretically, khat may increase the risk of cardiovascular side effects with these drugs.
Khat may cause central nervous system (CNS) stimulation and use with other CNS stimulants may lead to additive effects. Stimulant and amphetamine-like effects are likely due to the phenylalkylamine alkaloid cathinone.
Theoretically, concurrent use of khat with monoamine oxidase inhibitors may cause hypertensive (high blood pressure) crisis.
Khat may antagonize the effects of antihypertensive (blood pressure lowering) herbs and supplements. Khat has been reported to cause an increase in systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate. Caution is advised.
Theoretically, concurrent use of khat with herbs with monoamine oxidase inhibitor-like activity may cause hypertensive (high blood pressure) crisis.
Theoretically, khat may increase the stimulant effects if taken with stimulant herbs and supplements, such as guarana or ephedra.
Attribution
This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature, and was peer-reviewed and edited by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com): Erica Seamon, PharmD (Nova Southeastern University); Shaina Tanguay-Colucci, BS (Natural Standard Research Collaboration); Catherine Ulbricht, PharmD (Massachusetts General Hospital); Wendy Weissner, BA (Natural Standard Research Collaboration); Shannon Welch, PharmD (Northeastern University).
Bibliography
DISCLAIMER:
Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.
Adeoya-Osiguwa SA, Fraser LR. Cathine and norephedrine, both phenylpropanolamines, accelerate capacitation and then inhibit spontaneous acrosome loss. Hum.Reprod. 2005;20(1):198-207.
Al Motarreb AL Broadley KJ. Coronary and aortic vasoconstriction by cathinone, the active constituent of khat. Auton.Autacoid.Pharmacol 2003;23(5-6):319-326.
Al Motarreb A, Briancon S, Al Jaber N, et al. Khat chewing is a risk factor for acute myocardial infarction: a case-control study. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2005;59(5):574-581.
Al Zubairi A, Al Habori M, Al Geiry A. Effect of Catha edulis (khat) chewing on plasma lipid peroxidation. J.Ethnopharmacol. 2003;87(1):3-9.
Belhadj-Tahar H, Sadeg N. Methcathinone: a new postindustrial drug. Forensic Sci Int 10-4-2005;153(1):99-101.
Dimba EA, Gjertsen BT, Bredholt T, et al. Khat (Catha edulis)-induced apoptosis is inhibited by antagonists of caspase-1 and -8 in human leukaemia cells. Br.J.Cancer 11-1-2004;91(9):1726-1734.
Hassan NA, Gunaid AA, El Khally FM, et al. Khat chewing and arterial blood pressure. A randomized controlled clinical trial of alpha-1 and selective beta-1 adrenoceptor blockade. Saudi.Med J 2005;26(4):537-541.
Hassan NA, Gunaid AA, El Khally FM, et al. The effect of chewing Khat leaves on human mood. Saudi.Med.J. 2002;23(7):850-853.
Kassim S, Croucher R. Khat chewing amongst UK resident male Yemeni adults: an exploratory study. Int Dent.J 2006;56(2):97-101.
Kuczkowski KM. Herbal ecstasy: cardiovascular complications of khat chewing in pregnancy. Acta Anaesthesiol.Belg. 2005;56(1):19-21.
Murugan N, Burkhill G, Williams SG, et al. The effect of khat chewing on gallbladder motility in a group of volunteers. J.Ethnopharmacol. 2003;86(2-3):225-227.
Nasher AA, Qirbi AA, Ghafoor MA, et al. Khat chewing and bladder neck dysfunction. A randomized controlled trial of alpha 1-adrenergic blockade. Br.J.Urol. 1995;75(5):597-598.
Patel NB. Mechanism of action of cathinone: the active ingredient of khat (Catha edulis). East Afr.Med.J. 2000;77(6):329-332.
Toennes SW, Kauert GF. Driving under the influence of khat--alkaloid concentrations and observations in forensic cases. Forensic Sci.Int. 2-10-2004;140(1):85-90.
Toennes SW, Harder S, Schramm M, et al. Pharmacokinetics of cathinone, cathine and norephedrine after the chewing of khat leaves. Br.J.Clin.Pharmacol. 2003;56(1):125-130.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children,
never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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