Catha Edulis Research Paper

Catha edulis
Contents
1. Biological source and general information

2. Geographical source

3. Active constituents

4. Therapeutic uses

5. Side effects include

6. Toxicology

7. How Catha edulis is used

8. References

1. Biological source and general information
Scientific name: Catha edulis, the fresh or dried leaves as well as the twigs of Catha edulis can be consumed. Family: Celastraceae
Common names: This includes Khat, chaat, qut, chat and many more
Catha edulis is the scientific name for khat (pronounced cot) which is a slow-growing flowering plant that is cultivated as a herb or small tree shrub. It characteristically reaches a height between one and five meters.Yet, it can reach elevations of up to ten meters in equatorial

3. Active constituents
Catha edulis encompasses more than forty alkaloids, amino acids, glycosides, vitamins, tannins and minerals. The active constituents of Catha edulis are mainly Cathine and Cathinone. Cathine contains 1/10 the stimulating effect of d-amphetamine. Cathinone, which is also known as (-)-s-alpha-aminopropiophenone, is a more powerful stimulant than Cathine, it is also structurally akin to ephedrine and amphetamine.
Cathinone discharges neurotransmitters from presynaptic stowing sites, this is what produces its central nervous system effects. It acts through identical mechanism as amphetamine. Cathinone is a psychoactive ingredient which is fundamentally and chemically similar to d-amphetamine.
Cathine, is quite mild in comparison with Cathinone. Fresh leaves of Catha edulis contain both ingredients; but if left unrefrigerated for more than forty eight hours the leaves would only contain Cathine, this is why users favor fresh leaves. When the Catha edulis leaves are chewed, the alkaloids Cathine and Cathinone are freed and absorbed by the mucous membranes of the mouth along with the lining of the

This tells us that either one or both of these alkaloids can cause the body to reprocess these neurotransmitters at a slower pace subsequently leading to the alertness and insomnia, these have been allied with the use of Catha edulis
4. Therapeutic uses
Catha edulis is well known for its stimulant effects and when chewed it can:
• Catha edulis makes people more aware and verbose
• It Produces feelings of delight
• It is also known subdue the appetite
• It brings about a feeling of tranquility when chewed for a few hours
• It can induce a state of euphoria, it is a mild narcotic

5. Side effects include
• Catha edulis could lead to periods of insomnia
• It causes augmented blood pressure and heart