Khat

Psychoactive species of plant

Khat
Catha edulis
Scientific classification
Kingdom
Phylum
Class
Order
Family
Genus	Catha
Species	edulis
Binomial name	Catha edulis
Binomial authority
Synonyms

Wild tea leaves

Khat vendor in Yemen

Khat, Yemen (10849857665)

Khat (Catha edulis) is a flowering plant native to the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Its leaves and stems contain stimulant compounds that are chewed or brewed into tea for their psychoactive effects. Khat has a long history of use in social and cultural contexts but is also associated with health concerns and legal restrictions in many countries.

Khat 01

Khat fields in western yemen

Qat tree,yemen

Harar Chat qat

Afternoon Khat, Yemen

Burao qat seller (vertical)

Khat picnic in Yemen

Introduction to Khat

Khat, scientifically known as Catha edulis, is a slow-growing evergreen shrub or tree belonging to the family Celastraceae. The plant is cultivated primarily in Ethiopia, Yemen, Somalia, and Kenya, where it holds significant cultural and economic importance.

The psychoactive effects of khat are attributed to alkaloids such as cathinone and cathine, which act as central nervous system stimulants. Khat chewing is a widespread practice in certain regions, often associated with social gatherings, religious rituals, and traditional ceremonies.

Etymology

The word "khat" derives from the Arabic term "قَات‎" (qāt). It is also known by various names in different regions, such as:

• Miraa in Kenya.
• Jimaa in Ethiopia.
• Qat or Gat in Yemen.

The scientific name Catha edulis reflects its classification and use, with "edulis" signifying its consumption.

History and Cultural Significance

Khat has been used for centuries in the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Its historical significance includes:

• Traditional Practices:
  • Used during social gatherings to enhance conversation and camaraderie.
  • Chewing khat is often accompanied by drinking sweet tea or other beverages.
• Religious Contexts:
  • In some Islamic communities, khat is used as a stimulant to aid focus during religious study or prayer.
  • Debates over its permissibility under Islamic law continue, with opinions varying by region.
• Economic Importance:
  • Khat cultivation and trade play a vital role in the economies of countries like Ethiopia and Yemen.

Geographical Distribution

Khat grows best at high altitudes (1,500–2,500 meters) in areas with moderate rainfall. Major producing countries include:

• Africa:
  • Ethiopia (notably in the Harar region)
  • Kenya
  • Somalia
  • Djibouti
• Middle East:
  • Yemen
  • Parts of Saudi Arabia

Small-scale cultivation has also been reported in Madagascar, South Africa, and other regions where climatic conditions permit.

Chemical Composition

The primary psychoactive compounds in khat are:

• Cathinone:
  • A potent stimulant structurally similar to amphetamine.
  • Responsible for the euphoric and stimulating effects of fresh khat leaves.
• Cathine:
  • A less potent stimulant, found as cathinone degrades in older leaves.
• Other Compounds:
  • Flavonoids, tannins, and terpenoids contribute to the plant's astringent taste and potential antioxidant properties.

Methods of Use

Khat is typically consumed in its fresh form to maximize its psychoactive effects. Common methods include:

• Chewing:
  • Fresh leaves are chewed into a ball, and the juices are swallowed while the residue is spat out.
• Brewing:
  • Dried or fresh khat leaves are steeped in hot water to make a stimulant tea.
• Powdered Form:
  • Dried leaves are ground into a powder and consumed orally or mixed with beverages, though this is less common.

Legal and Health Perspectives

Khat's use has sparked significant debate regarding its health effects and legality:

• Health Effects:
  • Stimulant effects include increased energy, alertness, and euphoria.
  • Potential adverse effects include insomnia, increased heart rate, and addiction.
• Legal Status:
  • Khat is classified as a controlled substance in many countries, including the United States and parts of Europe.
  • In its native regions, khat remains legal and widely consumed.

Pharmacology and Effects

Overview

The psychoactive effects of khat are primarily due to its alkaloids, cathinone and cathine, which stimulate the central nervous system. These compounds influence mood, behavior, and physiological processes, producing stimulant effects similar to those of amphetamines but less potent.

Active Compounds

Cathinone

• Chemical Structure:
  • Cathinone is a beta-keto amphetamine, structurally similar to amphetamine and methcathinone.
• Mechanism of Action:
  • Cathinone increases levels of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin in the brain by inhibiting their reuptake and promoting their release.
• Potency:
  • The stimulant effects are strongest when khat leaves are fresh, as cathinone rapidly degrades into cathine and other byproducts over time.

Cathine

• Chemical Structure:
  • Cathine, also known as d-norpseudoephedrine, is a less potent stimulant than cathinone.
• Effects:
  • Cathine contributes to the mild stimulating effects observed when older khat leaves are consumed.

Other Compounds

• Flavonoids:
  • Contribute antioxidant properties but have minimal psychoactive effects.
• Tannins:
  • Impart an astringent taste to khat leaves and may have gastrointestinal effects.

Physiological Effects

Khat’s stimulant properties affect various physiological systems, including:

• Central Nervous System:
  • Increased alertness, energy, and talkativeness.
  • Enhanced focus and decreased appetite.
• Cardiovascular System:
  • Elevated heart rate and blood pressure due to the stimulation of adrenergic receptors.
  • Long-term use may contribute to cardiovascular complications such as hypertension and arrhythmias.
• Gastrointestinal System:
  • Reduced appetite and potential for constipation due to the astringent effects of tannins.

Psychological and Behavioral Effects

Khat use produces a range of psychological effects, including:

• Positive Effects:
  • Euphoria, sociability, and heightened focus, particularly in the initial stages of consumption.
• Negative Effects:
  • Anxiety, irritability, and paranoia, especially with prolonged or excessive use.
• Addiction Potential:
  • While not as addictive as amphetamines, chronic use of khat can lead to dependence and withdrawal symptoms, such as depression and fatigue.

Long-Term Health Effects

Chronic khat use is associated with various adverse health outcomes:

• Oral Health:
  • Damage to teeth and gums, including periodontal disease and oral keratosis.
• Mental Health:
  • Increased risk of depression, anxiety, and psychosis in susceptible individuals.
• Cardiovascular Risks:
  • Chronic hypertension, arrhythmias, and potential heart failure in severe cases.
• Gastrointestinal Issues:
  • Gastritis and other digestive problems related to the high tannin content.

Tolerance and Withdrawal

• Tolerance:
  • Regular users may develop tolerance to khat’s stimulant effects, requiring larger quantities to achieve the same effects.
• Withdrawal Symptoms:
  • Common symptoms include fatigue, irritability, depression, and difficulty concentrating.

Interaction with Other Substances

Khat may interact with other substances, amplifying or altering its effects:

• Alcohol:
  • Combined use can exacerbate dehydration and impair cognitive function.
• Nicotine:
  • Many khat users also smoke tobacco, which may enhance the cardiovascular risks.
• Medications:
  • Khat can interfere with antihypertensive drugs and other medications due to its stimulant properties.

Research on Pharmacology

Ongoing studies aim to better understand the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of khat’s active compounds. Areas of interest include:

• Neurotransmitter Systems:
  • The long-term effects of cathinone on dopamine and serotonin pathways.
• Potential Medicinal Uses:
  • Investigating cathinone derivatives for therapeutic applications, such as treating attention deficit disorders.

Social, Cultural, and Economic Impact

Khat has significant social, cultural, and economic importance in the regions where it is widely grown and consumed. While it serves as a cultural tradition and economic driver, its use also raises public health, legal, and social concerns.

Cultural Significance

Khat plays an integral role in the traditions and daily lives of communities in the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.

Social Gatherings

• Khat chewing is a central activity during social gatherings, fostering conversation and camaraderie.
• It is often accompanied by drinking sweet tea, coffee, or soft drinks to balance the astringent taste of the leaves.

Religious and Ritual Contexts

• In some Islamic communities, khat is chewed during religious study or prayer sessions to aid focus and alertness.
• Opinions on its permissibility under Islamic law vary:
  • Some scholars consider it haram (forbidden) due to its psychoactive effects and potential for harm.
  • Others permit its use in moderation, viewing it as culturally ingrained.

Celebrations and Ceremonies

• Khat is often used during weddings, festivals, and other community celebrations.
• It serves as a symbol of hospitality, with hosts offering fresh leaves to guests.

Economic Importance

The cultivation and trade of khat provide livelihoods for millions of people, particularly in Ethiopia, Yemen, and Kenya.

Khat Cultivation

• Khat is a highly profitable cash crop due to its high demand in local and international markets.
• Farmers often prioritize khat cultivation over staple crops like grains, which can have implications for food security.

Employment and Trade

• Khat production and trade create jobs in farming, transport, and retail sectors.
• In Ethiopia, khat is one of the country's largest export commodities, contributing significantly to the national economy.

Economic Challenges

• The shift from food crops to khat cultivation can lead to reduced agricultural diversity.
• Over-reliance on khat exports exposes economies to vulnerabilities, especially in regions where its legal status is changing.

Social and Health Issues

The widespread use of khat has raised concerns about its impact on public health and societal well-being.

Health-Related Concerns

• Chronic use can lead to addiction, mental health issues, and physical health complications.
• The high prevalence of khat chewing in certain regions is associated with increased rates of oral cancer and periodontal disease.

Family and Community Dynamics

• Excessive khat consumption can strain family relationships, as users may spend large amounts of time and money on the habit.
• In some communities, khat chewing is linked to reduced productivity and absenteeism from work or school.

Gender Dynamics

The cultural acceptability of khat use often varies by gender:

• Men:
  • Khat chewing is predominantly a male activity in many societies, often taking place in all-male social settings.
• Women:
  • In some regions, women are discouraged from chewing khat due to cultural norms.
  • However, in certain communities, female participation in khat chewing is becoming more common.

International Spread and Diaspora

Khat use has spread to diaspora communities in Europe, North America, and other parts of the world:

• Legal Restrictions:
  • Khat is banned in many countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada.
• Cultural Practices:
  • Despite legal restrictions, khat remains a cultural tradition for many diaspora communities, often leading to debates about its use and regulation.

Public Health and Policy Challenges

Governments and health organizations face challenges in addressing the widespread use of khat:

• Public Awareness Campaigns:
  • Efforts to educate communities about the health risks associated with khat use.
• Regulation:
  • Policies to balance its cultural significance with public health concerns.
• Rehabilitation Programs:
  • Providing support for individuals seeking to reduce or quit khat use.

Research on Social Impact

Ongoing research focuses on:

• The relationship between khat use and social dynamics, such as productivity and family life.
• The economic impact of khat cultivation on food security and rural development.
• Policy interventions to mitigate negative effects while respecting cultural traditions.

Legal Status, Regulation, and Future Outlook

The legal status of khat varies widely across the world, reflecting differing views on its cultural, health, and societal impacts. While khat remains legal and culturally significant in its native regions, many countries have banned its cultivation, trade, and use due to concerns about its psychoactive properties and public health effects.

Legal Status by Region

The classification and regulation of khat differ significantly across countries and regions.

Africa

• Ethiopia:
  • Khat is legal and widely cultivated as a major cash crop.
  • Its economic importance outweighs concerns about its health effects.
• Kenya:
  • Khat, known locally as "miraa," is legal and central to the economy, particularly in Meru County.
  • Local governments actively support its cultivation and export.
• Somalia and Djibouti:
  • Khat is legal and socially integrated into daily life.

Middle East

• Yemen:
  • Khat is legal and an integral part of Yemeni culture.
  • It consumes a significant portion of agricultural resources, including water.
• Saudi Arabia:
  • Khat is classified as an illegal substance due to its psychoactive effects.

Europe

• United Kingdom:
  • Khat was legal until 2014 when it was classified as a Class C drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.
  • The ban was implemented to address public health concerns and to prevent its use in diaspora communities.
• Netherlands:
  • Khat was legal until 2012 when it was banned due to concerns about its impact on Somali and Yemeni immigrant communities.

North America

• United States:
  • Khat is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act, making its cultivation, trade, and possession illegal.
• Canada:
  • Khat is classified as a Schedule IV drug under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, prohibiting its import, export, and use.

Oceania

• Australia:
  • Khat is classified as a controlled substance, with strict restrictions on its import and use.

International Efforts to Control Khat

United Nations

• The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has highlighted the potential health risks associated with khat use and its role in global drug trade networks.
• Khat is not included in the schedules of the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, but individual countries are encouraged to regulate it based on their public health priorities.

World Health Organization (WHO)

• The WHO has conducted studies on the health effects of khat and its socio-economic implications, emphasizing the need for balanced policies.

Regional Cooperation

• East African countries have discussed unified policies on khat trade to address smuggling and enhance economic benefits.

Challenges in Regulation

Balancing Cultural and Health Concerns

• In regions where khat is culturally significant, outright bans may face resistance and lead to illegal trade.
• Public health campaigns must respect cultural traditions while educating communities about the risks.

Economic Dependencies

• Countries that rely on khat cultivation face challenges in transitioning to alternative crops, given its profitability.

Cross-Border Trade and Smuggling

• Illegal trade in khat persists in countries where it is banned, complicating enforcement efforts.

Future Outlook

The future of khat will depend on balancing its cultural importance with the need to address its health and social impacts.

Research and Public Awareness

• Further studies are needed to understand the long-term health effects of khat use and its impact on mental health.
• Public awareness campaigns can promote informed decision-making and harm reduction.

Economic Diversification

• Encouraging the cultivation of alternative crops could reduce over-reliance on khat while improving food security in producing regions.

Policy Development

• Governments may adopt harm-reduction strategies, such as regulated markets, rather than outright bans, to address the complexities of khat use.

See also

• Catha edulis
• Betel leaves, a herb in Southeast Asia
• Coca, a herb used for elaboration of cocaine and traditional chewing
• List of Southern African indigenous trees
• Phenylpropanolamine
• Use of drugs in warfare

External links

• Khat drug profile The European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA)

Khat Resources
Most recent articles Ongoing trials	Wikipedia