The Subjective Effects of Chewing Qat Leaves in Human Volunteers

Hassan, Nageeb; Gunaid, Abdallah A.; Khally, Fouad M Y El; Murray‐Lyon, Iain M.

doi:10.5144/0256-4947.2002.34

Cited by 79 publications

(98 citation statements)

References 9 publications

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“…The short-term physiological effects of khat reflect the sympathicomimetic and central dopaminergic activity, e. g. increased heart rate and elevated diastolic and systolic blood pressure (Brenneisen, Fisch, Koelbing, Geisshusler & Kalix, 1990;Hassan et al, 2000;Toennes et al, 2003;Widler et al, 1994). The immediate emotional effects in experimental human settings are euphoria (Brenneisen et al, 1990;Widler et al, 1994) and a subsequent depressive reaction (Hassan, Gunaid, El-Khally & Murray-Lyon, 2002). Thus, it has been argued that the depressive phase after the end of the khat session motivates the user to continue to chew (Griffiths, 1998).…”

Section: Chemical Agents Pharmacology and Neurophysiological Effectsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Chronic khat use and psychotic disorders: A review of the literature and future prospects

Odenwald¹

2007

SUCHT

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Aims: In recent decades, the traditional habit of chewing the khat leaves, which contain the amphetamine-like cathinone, has undergone profound changes in African and Arab countries, from a socially regulated use pattern to uncontrolled consumption. This is of special public mental-health concern. In this article, a review of the scientific literature on the relationship between khat use and psychosis is provided. Results: Several case studies, but only a few group and community-based studies, have addressed this topic. The studies show inconsistent results, have methodological problems, and fail to report quantitative results. Many important questions remain unaddressed. Conclusions: The frequently stated association between khat use and psychosis contrasts with the small number of sound studies. Currently, only a few conclusions can be drawn, that excessive khat use can cause brief psychotic disorders and that people with a preexisting vulnerability should be discouraged to use it. The direction of causality between general psychopathology and khat use remains unclear. This review confirms the need for quantitative, controlled, and longitudinal studies,

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Section: Chemical Agents Pharmacology and Neurophysiological Effectsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Chronic khat use and psychotic disorders: A review of the literature and future prospects

Odenwald¹

2007

SUCHT

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“…Also, various controversial reports have been made on khat concerning health (Ihunwo et al, 2004;Toennes, Harder, Schramm Niess & kauert, 2003;Murugan, Burkhill, Williams, Padley & Murray-Lyon, 2003;Nencini & Ahmed, 1989); psychosocial implications (Hassan, Gunaid , El Khally & Murray-Lyon, 2002;Alem & Shibre, 1997;Stefan & Mathew, 2005); economic effects (Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs, 2005;Feyisa & Aune, 2003;Balint & Balint, 1994;Kalix, 1994), academic achievement (Ihunwo et al, 2004;Widler, Mathys, Brenneisen, Kalix & Fisch, 1994), moral implications and the legality of khat (Elmi, 1983;Goudie, 1987). More so, there have been many controversial statements concerning the use of this substance (Abbink, 1992;Weir, 1985;Varisco, 1986; Ministry of Information and National Guidance, 1983;Cassanelli, 1986;Abbink, 1992;National Drug Intelligence Center, 2007;Kalix, Geisshuster & Brenneisen, 1987;Smith, 1994;Beekhuis, 1996;Nencini, Ahmed & Aminconi, 1984).…”

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confidence: 99%

Khat (Catha edulis): academic, health and psychosocial efects on “mature” students

Lamina¹,

Babu²

2010

ajdas

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The leaves of the plant khat (Catha edulis) are commonly chewed in certain countries of East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Chewing of khat leaves has a deep-rooted religious and sociocultural tradition and has a peculiarity of certain influences on the physical, physiological and psychosocial well-being of those involved in the habit of chewing the leaves. The objective of this study was to investigate psychosocial, academic and health implications and reasons for students' involvement in khat chewing habit. A cross-sectional survey of students aged 22 years and above was studied; Five hundred and twenty eight subjects participated. They were summer school students of Jimma University, Ethiopia. A self structured questionnaire was used in data collection on the socio-demographic, academic, economic and health effects of khat. Results clearly indicated that males dominated in chewing khat (63.52%); 54.9% of khat chewers were Muslims; 46.3% of the students reported focus and concentration on their studies as the reason for chewing khat. Insomnia was the major health problem indicated by 50% of the students; while 71% of the study participants reported being more sociable following khat chewing. Self acclaimed positive academic achievements were reported by 89% of the participants but there were no reported significant effects on objective academic results. It was concluded that to gain concentration and focus was the main reason for students' khat chewing habit. However, there was no evidence of subjective academic achievement.

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“…Male DunkinHartley guinea pigs (300-500 g; Harlan, Bicester, UK) were killed by cervical dislocation, and vas deferens and/or tracheal strips were prepared as previously described [5,6].…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Modulation of cholinergic contractions of airway smooth muscle by cathinone: potential beneficial effects in airway diseases

Freund-Michel¹,

Birrell²,

Patel³

et al. 2008

European Respiratory Journal

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Infusion of khat leaves is an African traditional remedy used to treat airway diseases. The beneficial effects of khat are thought to be due to the activity of its main active component, cathinone.Cathinone inhibited electric field stimulation-induced acetylcholine release and the contractions of smooth muscle, which could be responsible for the beneficial effects seen in airway disease. The mechanism of action of this natural product appears to be via the activation of both pre-junctional a 2 adrenergic and 5-hydroxytryptamine 7 receptors.The present novel study describes how cathinone modulates airway tone, and may go some way to explaining the traditional use of khat as a remedy for the alleviation of respiratory disease symptoms.In conclusion, cathinone may have beneficial effects in airway diseases with heightened cholinergic tone. There is some rationale for follow-up of these observations, given previous experience of other traditional remedies being developed for therapeutic use.

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The Subjective Effects of Chewing Qat Leaves in Human Volunteers

Cited by 79 publications

References 9 publications

Chronic khat use and psychotic disorders: A review of the literature and future prospects

Chronic khat use and psychotic disorders: A review of the literature and future prospects

Khat (Catha edulis): academic, health and psychosocial efects on “mature” students

Modulation of cholinergic contractions of airway smooth muscle by cathinone: potential beneficial effects in airway diseases

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