Khat

Khat (Catha edulis) is a flowering shrub native to East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula whose fresh leaves and shoots are chewed for their stimulant effect, a practice with deep social and cultural roots in countries such as Yemen, Somalia, Ethiopia, and Kenya. The plant is the natural source of cathinone, the compound responsible for most of its effects (see the cathinone page for the full pharmacology). A key feature of khat is freshness: cathinone breaks down within days of harvest as the leaves wilt, converting to the weaker cathine, which is why khat is traditionally consumed fresh and quickly. This page focuses on what is specific to the plant; see cathinone for the compound-level detail.

Khat's effects come primarily from cathinone, a naturally occurring stimulant structurally related to amphetamine that increases release of dopamine and norepinephrine (see the cathinone page for detail). Because cathinone degrades to the milder cathine as the leaves age, fresh khat is more potent than wilted khat. Chewing releases the compound gradually, producing a slower, milder onset than concentrated synthetic cathinones.

Chewing khat produces mild stimulation: increased alertness, talkativeness, euphoria, and suppressed appetite, typically building over a chewing session lasting hours. Users report sociability and a sense of energy, followed by a comedown that can include low mood, irritability, and difficulty sleeping. The effects are generally milder and slower than amphetamine or synthetic cathinones. See the cathinone page for the compound's broader effect profile.

Khat carries the stimulant risks of cathinone (raised heart rate and blood pressure, cardiovascular strain, anxiety, and dependence — see the cathinone page) plus harms specific to how it is used. Prolonged chewing is associated with oral and dental problems, including gum disease and an elevated risk of oral cancers (mouth and esophagus), as well as constipation and other gastrointestinal effects. Regular heavy use is linked to raised blood pressure and cardiovascular strain, sleep disruption, and — in some users — anxiety, irritability, and psychological dependence, with occasional reports of khat-induced psychosis at heavy use. Because the active cathinone content varies with the plant's freshness, potency is inconsistent. Khat use also carries social and economic harms in some communities tied to heavy daily consumption. As with any plant product, imported khat could be contaminated with pesticides. Anyone with chest pain, a dangerously high blood pressure, severe agitation, or psychiatric crisis should seek medical care; Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 can advise. This page has not yet been medically reviewed.

euphoria, alertness, energy, hyperactivity, talkativeness, relaxation; anorexia

psychological dependence; manic behavior, grandiose delusions, violence, suicidal depression, schizophreniform psychosis; periodontal + GI disease

90 min–3 hr

lack of concentration, numbness, insomnia

psychological dependence; manic behavior, grandiose delusions, violence, suicidal depression, schizophreniform psychosis; periodontal + GI disease

none

used in East Africa/Arabian Peninsula since the 13th century

NFLIS >7,800 reports since 1998