Cata

Related Terms

Abyssinian tea, African salad, Arabian-tea, bushman's tea, cat, cathine, cathinone, Catha edulis, Celastraceae (family), Celastrus edulis, chat, chaat (Arabic), gat (Arabic), herbal ecstasy, kat (Arabic), kus es Salahin (Arabic), miraa, oat, phenylpropanolamine, qat (Yemen), qut, somali tea, tchaad (Arabic), tohai (Arabic), tohat (Arabic), tshcut (Arabic).

Background

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 Table

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. GRADE *
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. GRADE *


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.

 C


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.

 C
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

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.

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.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

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.
Sympathomimetic effects of khat such as mydriasis (dilation of the pupil) and hypertension (high blood pressure) may be antagonized by antiadrenergic drugs including clonidine, reserpine, or terazosin.
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.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

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