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Principales plantes et champignons psychotropes. ACTUALITES PHARMACEUTIQUES 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.actpha.2022.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Pendl E, Pauritsch U, Kollroser M, Schmid MG. Determination of cathinone and cathine in Khat plant material by LC-MS/MS: Fresh vs. dried leaves. Forensic Sci Int 2020; 319:110658. [PMID: 33370655 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2020.110658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The consumption of Khat leaves represents an ancient kind of drug abuse mainly observed in Eastern Africa and the Arab Peninsula among adult men. For this purpose, the leaves are directly collected from the shrub "Catha edulis" prior to extensive chewing process. Seizures in Europe are rare, since the leaves have to undergo quick transportation: After a short period of time, the harvested leaves decompose and suffer in decrease of concentration of the active ingredient cathinone, which makes long term transportation difficult. As an alternative, plant material can be dried to increase life period. In the past years, an increasing number of seizures were made by Austrian police, however, the content of cathinone and cathine in dry material is widely unknown. In this work, a seizure of fresh Khat leaves was compared with two seizures of dried material in terms of concentration of cathinone and cathine using LC-MS/MS analysis. For fresh leaves, a purity grade was found to be 0.115-0.158% for cathinone and 0.172-0.192% for cathine, respectively. In contrast, subsequent storage of dried Khat leaves over months led to a dramatic loss of cathinone: Analysis of two seizures revealed that concentration of cathinone dropped to 0.021-0.023%. These findings are intended to serve as a guideline for Justice authorities to estimate the content of the controlled ingredients of Khat leaves in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Pendl
- Dept. of Pharm. Chemistry, University of Graz, Schubertstrasse 1, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Udo Pauritsch
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Graz, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Manfred Kollroser
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Graz, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Martin G Schmid
- Dept. of Pharm. Chemistry, University of Graz, Schubertstrasse 1, 8010, Graz, Austria; Institute of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Graz, 8010, Graz, Austria.
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Ciallella HL, Rutter LR, Nisbet LA, Scott KS. Extended Stability Evaluation of Selected Cathinones. Front Chem 2020; 8:597726. [PMID: 33304885 PMCID: PMC7692403 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2020.597726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the stability of drugs in a forensic toxicology setting is critical for the evaluation of drug concentrations. Synthetic cathinones are new psychoactive substances structurally derived from cathinone, the psychoactive component of Catha edulis ("khat"), a shrub that is indigenous to the Middle East and East Africa. Previous research has evaluated the stability of synthetic cathinones in biological matrices, including blood preserved with the combination of NaF and K2C2O4 used in gray-top tubes. However, it does not assess their stability in blood preserved with Na2EDTA, used for some clinical samples. Further, stability in unpreserved urine samples was only studied for two weeks. This research evaluates the stabilities of four Schedule I synthetic cathinones: mephedrone, MDPV (3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone), naphyrone, and α-PVP (alpha-pyrrolidinopentiophenone) at 20°C (room temperature), 4°C (refrigerator), and -20°C (freezer). Stability was assessed in methanolic and acetonitrile solutions, as well as in Na2EDTA-preserved blood and unpreserved urine. Solutions (1 mg/L) of each drug in each matrix stored in aliquots (100 μL, solvents; 1.2 mL, biological samples; n = 12) at each of the three temperatures for triplicate analysis on days 3, 7, 14, and 30. On day 0 of each study, three additional aliquots of each solution were analyzed. Biological samples underwent solid-phase extraction before analysis. All samples were analyzed in full-scan by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The results of this study show that under room temperature and refrigerator storage conditions, mephedrone, naphyrone, and MDPV will degrade in methanol. This degradation starts are early as day 3. Additionally, all four drugs will degrade in Na2EDTA-preserved human whole blood samples in at least one evaluated storage environment. However, when in acetonitrile-based working solutions and unpreserved urine samples, they proved to be more stable. Methanolic working solutions and samples of Na2EDTA-preserved blood containing these cathinones should be stored in the freezer and used or tested with urgency to ensure that quantitative sample analysis is as accurate as possible in forensic casework.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather L. Ciallella
- Forensic Science, Department of Chemistry and Physics, Arcadia University, Glenside, PA, United States
| | - Lexus R. Rutter
- Forensic Science, Department of Chemistry and Physics, Arcadia University, Glenside, PA, United States
| | - Lorna A. Nisbet
- Forensic and Investigative Science, School of Life Science, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Karen S. Scott
- Forensic Science, Department of Chemistry and Physics, Arcadia University, Glenside, PA, United States
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Khavani M, Kalantarinezhad R, Izadyar M. A joint QM/MD study on α-, β- and γ-cyclodextrins in selective complexation with cathinone. Supramol Chem 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/10610278.2018.1444764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Khavani
- Computational Chemistry Research Lab, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | | | - Mohammad Izadyar
- Computational Chemistry Research Lab, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
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Atlabachew M, Chandravanshi BS, Redi-Abshiro M. Preparative HPLC for large scale isolation, and salting-out assisted liquid-liquid extraction based method for HPLC-DAD determination of khat (Catha edulis Forsk) alkaloids. Chem Cent J 2017; 11:107. [PMID: 29086876 PMCID: PMC5645267 DOI: 10.1186/s13065-017-0337-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2016] [Accepted: 10/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Khat (Catha edulis Forsk) is an evergreen shrub of the Celastraceae family. It is widely cultivated in Yemen and East Africa, where its fresh leaves are habitually chewed for their momentary pleasures and stimulation as amphetamine-like effects. The main psychostimulant constituents of khat are the phenylpropylamino alkaloids: cathinone, cathine and norephedrine. Results In this study, simple procedures based on preparative HPLC and salting-out assisted liquid–liquid extraction (SALLE) based methods were developed respectively for large scale isolation and the extraction of psychoactive phenylpropylamino alkaloids; cathinone, cathine and norephedrine, from khat (Catha edulis Forsk) chewing leaves, a stimulant and drug of abuse plant. The three khat alkaloids were directly isolated from the crude oxalate salt by preparative HPLC–DAD method with purity > 98%. In addition, a modified (SALLE) method has been developed and evaluated for the extraction efficiency of psychoactive phenylpropylamino alkaloids from khat (Catha edulis Forsk) chewing leaves. An in situ two steps extraction protocol was followed without dispersive SPE clean up. The method involves extraction of the samples with 1% HAc and QuEChERS salt (1.0 g of CH3COONa and 6.0 g of MgSO4) followed by subsequent in situ liquid–liquid partitioning by adding ethyl acetate and NaOH solution. The optimized method allowed recoveries of 80–86% for the three alkaloids from khat sample with relative standard deviation (RSD) values less than 15% and limits of detection (0.85–1.9 μg/mL). Conclusion The method was found to be simple, cost-effective and provides cleaner chromatogram with good selectivity and reproducibility. The SALLE based protocol provided as good results as the conventional extraction method (ultrasonic assisted extraction followed by solid phase extraction, UAE–SPE) and hence the method can be applicable in forensic and biomedical sectors. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13065-017-0337-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minaleshewa Atlabachew
- Department of Chemistry, Bahir Dar University, P. O. Box 79, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia.,Blue Nile Water Institute, Bahir Dar University, P. O. Box 79, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | | | - Mesfin Redi-Abshiro
- Department of Chemistry, Addis Ababa University, P. O. Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Glicksberg L, Kerrigan S. Stability of Synthetic Cathinones in Blood. J Anal Toxicol 2017; 41:711-719. [DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkx071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Tembrock LR, Broeckling CD, Heuberger AL, Simmons MP, Stermitz FR, Uvarov JM. Employing Two-stage Derivatisation and GC-MS to Assay for Cathine and Related Stimulant Alkaloids across the Celastraceae. PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS : PCA 2017; 28:257-266. [PMID: 28124803 DOI: 10.1002/pca.2671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2016] [Revised: 11/14/2016] [Accepted: 11/27/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Catha edulis (qat, khat, mirra) is a woody plant species that is grown and consumed in East Africa and Yemen for its stimulant alkaloids cathinone, cathine and norephedrine. Two Celastraceae species, in addition to qat, have been noted for their stimulant properties in ethnobotanical literature. Recent phylogenetic reconstructions place four genera in a clade sister to Catha edulis, and these genera are primary candidates to search for cathine and related alkaloids. OBJECTIVE Determine if cathine or related alkaloids are present in species of Celastraceae other than Catha edulis. METHODS Leaf samples from 43 Celastraceae species were extracted in water followed by basification of the aqueous extract and partitioning with methyl-t-butyl ether to provide an alkaloid-enriched fraction. The extract was derivatised in a two-stage process and analysed using GC-MS for the presence of cathine. Related alkaloids and other metabolites in this alkaloid-enriched fraction were tentatively identified. RESULTS Cathinone, cathine and norephedrine were not detected in any of the 43 Celastraceae species assayed other than Catha edulis. However, the phenylalanine- or tyrosine-derived alkaloid phenylethylamine was identified in five species. Nine species were found to be enriched for numerous sterol- and terpene-like compounds. CONCLUSION These results indicate that cathine is unique to Catha edulis, and not the compound responsible for the stimulant properties reported in related Celastraceae species. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke R Tembrock
- Department of Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA
| | - Corey D Broeckling
- Proteomics and Metabolomics Facility, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA
| | - Adam L Heuberger
- Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA
| | - Mark P Simmons
- Department of Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA
| | - Frank R Stermitz
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA
| | - Jessica M Uvarov
- Department of Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA
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Atlabachew M, Combrinck S, Viljoen AM, Hamman JH, Gouws C. Isolation and in vitro permeation of phenylpropylamino alkaloids from Khat (Catha edulis) across oral and intestinal mucosal tissues. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2016; 194:307-315. [PMID: 27616032 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2016.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2015] [Revised: 09/02/2016] [Accepted: 09/07/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Khat, the leaves of Catha edulis, is used as a "natural amphetamine-like" stimulant in eastern and southern Africa, as well as in the Arabian Peninsula. Leaves are masticated to elicit a state of euphoria. Although the psychostimulatory effects of the leaves are attributed to the presence of phenylpropylamino alkaloids (i.e. cathinone, cathine and norephedrine), the extent of permeation of these alkaloids across the oral and intestinal mucosa has not been established. MATERIALS AND METHODS Cathinone was isolated in the form of the oxalate salt from young buds, following acid-base extraction. High performance countercurrent chromatography (HPCCC) was used to isolate cathine and norephedrine, following borohydride reduction of a mixture of the three alkaloids. The in vitro permeability of these three alkaloids in their pure form, as well as in a crude extract, was evaluated across Caco-2 cell monolayers and across excised porcine intestinal, sublingual and buccal tissues. RESULTS The purities of the isolated cathine and norephedrine were in excess of 90%, thereby proving that HPCCC can be applied for efficient separation of these alkaloids from extracts of Khat. The apparent permeability (Papp) coefficients for the Khat alkaloids in their pure form were all above 1.0×10-6cm/s, indicating that the transport of the three alkaloids across the selected biological membranes is comparable to that of the highly permeable reference compound, caffeine. Although readily transported across the various membranes, the alkaloids were transported to a lesser extent when present in a leaf extract, suggesting that other phytochemicals present in the extract influence their permeation. CONCLUSIONS These results provide evidence that chewing of Khat contributes to the buccal and sublingual absorption of the psychoactive alkaloids in the bloodstream directly across the oral mucosal membranes. In addition, it confirms that these metabolites will be readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract when swallowed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minaleshewa Atlabachew
- Department of Chemistry, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; Department of Chemistry, Bahir Dar University, P.O. Box 79, Ethiopia.
| | - Sandra Combrinck
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; SAMRC Herbal Drugs Research Unit, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria 0001, South Africa.
| | - Alvaro M Viljoen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria 0001, South Africa; SAMRC Herbal Drugs Research Unit, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria 0001, South Africa.
| | - Josias H Hamman
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa.
| | - Chrisna Gouws
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X6001, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa.
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Mohan S, Abdelwahab SI, Hobani YH, Syam S, Al-Zubairi AS, Al-Sanousi R, Oraiby ME. Catha edulis Extract Induces H9c2 Cell Apoptosis by Increasing Reactive Oxygen Species Generation and Activation of Mitochondrial Proteins. Pharmacogn Mag 2016; 12:S321-6. [PMID: 27563219 PMCID: PMC4971951 DOI: 10.4103/0973-1296.185732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Catha edulis (Khat) is an evergreen shrub or small tree, traditionally used by various peoples of the Arabian Peninsula and Africa as an integral component of the socioeconomic traditions. It is believed that the psychostimulant nature and toxic nature of khat is primarily due to the presence of cathinone and cathine respectively. Studies have shown that khat chewing is closely associated with cardiac complications, especially myocardial infarction. Hence in this study, we exposed cathine-rich khat extract in a cardiomyoblast H9c2 (2-1) cell line to check the cell death mechanism. Materials and Methods: Extraction of Catha edulis leaves was done and the presence of cathine was confirmed with LC-MS-MS. The anti-proliferative activity was assayed using MTT and apoptosis detection by acridine orange/propidium iodide assay. The expression of Bcl-2 and Bax protein and caspase-3/7 expression were analyzed. The level of reactive oxygen species generation was also evaluated. Results: The khat extract showed an IC50 value of 86.5 μg/ml at 48 hours treatment. We have observed significant early apoptosis events by intervened acridine orange within the fragmented DNA with bright green fluorescence upon treatment. The Bcl-2 expression in the treatment with IC50 concentration of khat extract for 24, 48 and 72 hours of incubation significantly decreased with increase in bax level. The increased activation of caspase-3/7 was significantly observed upon treatment together with significant increase of ROS was detected at 24 and 48 hours treatment. Conclusion: Collectively, our results provide insight into the mechanisms by which Catha edulis leaves mediate cell death in cardiomyocytes. SUMMARY Catha edulis (Khat) is an evergreen psychotropic shrub or small tree Extraction of khat leaves was done and the presence of cathine was confirmed with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry-mass spectrometry The khat extract showed an IC50 value of 86.5 μg/ml at 48 h treatment in H9c2 (2–1) cell line The observed cell death was associated with increased expression of Bcl2 and caspase-3 Significant increase of reactive oxygen species was also detected in the cell with treatment.
Abbreviations used: CNS: central nervous system; AMI: acute myocardial infarction; TLC: thin layer chromatography; ESI: electrospray ionization; FBS: fetal bovine serum; DMSO: dimethylsulfoxide; AO; acridine orange; PI; propidium iodide; HRP: horseradish peroxidase; HBSS: hank's balanced salt solution; DCFH-DA: 2’,7’-dichlorofluorescin diacetate; NAC, 10 mM: NAC: N-acetyl cysteine; ROS: reactive oxygen species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syam Mohan
- Medical Research Centre, Jazan University, Jazan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Yahya Hasan Hobani
- Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Suvitha Syam
- Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Adel S Al-Zubairi
- Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Albaha University, Al Baha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Rashad Al-Sanousi
- Substance Abuse Research Center, Jazan University, Jazan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Magbool Essa Oraiby
- Confirmatory and Specialized Analyzers Unit, Poison Control Centre, Jazan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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Alsalahi A, Alshawsh MA, Mohamed R, Alyousefi NA, Alshagga MA, Shwter AN, Al-Maqtari A, Ahmed RH, Mohamed Z. Conflicting reports on the role of the glycemic effect of Catha edulis (Khat): A systematic review and meta-analysis. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2016; 186:30-43. [PMID: 27025406 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2016.03.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2015] [Revised: 03/03/2016] [Accepted: 03/18/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Traditionally, the leaves of Catha edulis Forsskal (Khat) are consumed by the people of Yemen primarily for its recreational effect, and secondarily, for achieving certain tasks. Additionally, Yemeni diabetics chew such leaves in the belief that this can control their elevated blood glucose level. AIMS This review focuses on outlining the findings of studies that have been conducted to display the glycemic effect of Catha edulis, while trying to balance it with findings of the association of its chewing with the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). MATERIALS AND METHODS The search strategy adopted was based on a comprehensive research in Medline, PubMed, Web of Science, JSTOR, Scopus and Cochrane for articles, proceeding abstracts and theses to identify complete reports written in the English language about the glycemic effect of Catha edulis in humans and animals from 1976 to 2016. In addition, bibliographies were also reviewed to find additional reports not otherwise published. Thirty seven records were identified of which, 25 eligible studies were included in the meta-analysis using blood glucose as an outcome measurement. Studies were divided into four subgroups according to the experimental model, namely; non-diabetic animals, diabetic animals, non-diabetic humans and diabetic humans. The pooled mean difference (MD) of blood glucose between experimental and control were calculated using random effects model of the weighted mean difference of blood glucose with 95% confidence interval (CI). Heterogeneity between studies was tested using I(2) statistic and a value of P<0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance. RESULTS The scientific reports in the literature prevailed that the glycemic effect of Catha edulis were greatly conflicting with the majority of studies indicating that Catha edulis has a mild hypoglycemic effect. However, the meta-analysis indicted that the overall result showed an insignificant reduction in blood glucose (MD=-9.70, 95% CI: -22.17 to 2.76, P=0.13, with high heterogeneity between subgroups, I(2)=88.2%, P<0.0001). In addition, pooled mean difference of blood glucose of non-diabetic animals, diabetic animals and non-diabetic humans showed an insignificant reduction in blood glucose (MD=-18.55, 95% CI: -39.55 to 2.50, P<0.08, MD=-52.13%, 95% CI: -108.24 to 3.99, P=0.07 and MD=-2.71%, 95% CI: -19.19 to -13.77, P=0.75) respectively. Conversely, a significant elevation in the pooled mean difference of blood glucose in diabetic humans was indicated (MD=67.18, 95% CI: 36.93-97.43, P<0.0001). The conflict shown in the glycemic effect of Catha edulis is thought to be cultivar-related, while demographic and epidemiological reports suggested that chewing Catha edulis might be a predisposing factor contributing to the development of type 2 DM. CONCLUSION It was difficult to draw a meaningful conclusion from both the systematic and the meta-analysis with respect to the glycemic effect of Catha edulis since the meta-analysis results were insignificant with high heterogeneity among subgroups and are greatly conflicting. The variation is most likely due to unadjusted experimental factors or is related to Catha edulis itself, such as the differences in the phytochemical composition. Therefore, it is highly recommended that further studies of the glycemic effect of the cultivar of Catha edulis being studied should come with the identification and quantification of phytochemical content so that a meaningful assessment can be made with regard to its hypoglycemic properties. In addition, well-controlled clinical studies should be conducted to confirm whether or not chewing Catha edulis is associated with the development of type 2 DM, since this would be a source of concern seeing that the plant is widely consumed in certain populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulsamad Alsalahi
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Mohammed A Alshawsh
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Rosmawati Mohamed
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Naelah A Alyousefi
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Mustafa Ahmed Alshagga
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Abdrabuh N Shwter
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Ali Al-Maqtari
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Radwan H Ahmed
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Zahurin Mohamed
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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Trimethylsilyl speciations of cathine, cathinone and norephedrine followed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry: Direct sample preparation and analysis of khatamines. J Chromatogr A 2016; 1440:172-178. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2016.02.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2015] [Revised: 01/25/2016] [Accepted: 02/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Atlabachew M, Torto N, Chandravanshi BS, Redi-Abshiro M, Chigome S, Mothibedi K, Combrinck S. A (−)-norephedrine-based molecularly imprinted polymer for the solid-phase extraction of psychoactive phenylpropylamino alkaloids from Khat (Catha edulisVahl. Endl.) chewing leaves. Biomed Chromatogr 2015; 30:1007-1015. [DOI: 10.1002/bmc.3643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2015] [Revised: 10/27/2015] [Accepted: 10/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Minaleshewa Atlabachew
- Tshwane University of Technology; Department of Chemistry; Pretoria South Africa
- Bahir Dar University; Department of Chemistry; Bahir Dar Ethiopia
| | - Nelson Torto
- Rhodes University; Department of Chemistry; Grahamstown South Africa
| | | | - Mesfin Redi-Abshiro
- Addis Ababa University, College of Natural Sciences; Department of Chemistry; Addis Ababa Ethiopia
| | - Samuel Chigome
- Rhodes University; Department of Chemistry; Grahamstown South Africa
| | | | - Sandra Combrinck
- Tshwane University of Technology; Department of Chemistry; Pretoria South Africa
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Kerrigan S, Savage M, Cavazos C, Bella P. Thermal Degradation of Synthetic Cathinones: Implications for Forensic Toxicology. J Anal Toxicol 2015; 40:1-11. [PMID: 26294756 DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkv099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The synthetic cathinones represent an important class of designer drugs. The widespread attention and publicity associated with these psychostimulants have resulted in numerous legislative actions at state and federal levels throughout the USA. These amphetamine-like compounds are characterized by a β-keto functional group. Although the synthetic cathinones share many properties of their phenethylamine counterparts, the presence of the ketone moiety is responsible for a number of unique and distinct differences in terms of their chemical characteristics and properties. Thermal degradation of methcathinone was first reported several decades ago but has received limited attention. In this study, we identified in situ thermal degradation products for 18 cathinones during gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. Oxidative degradation arises from the loss of two hydrogens, yielding a characteristic 2 Da mass shift. Degradation products were characterized by prominent iminium base peaks with mass-to-charge ratios 2 Da lower than the parent drug, and in the case of the pyrrolidine-containing cathinones, prominent molecular ions arising from the 2,3-enamine. Chromatographic and mass spectroscopic data are described for 4-ethylmethcathinone, 4-methylethcathinone, buphedrone, butylone, ethcathinone, ethylone, flephedrone, 3,4-methylenedioxy-α-pyrrolidinobutiophenone, 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone, mephedrone, methcathinone, methedrone, methylone, 4-methyl-α-pyrrolidinobutiophenone, naphyrone, pentedrone, pentylone and pyrovalerone. Degradation was minimized by lowering injection temperatures, residence time in the inlet and eliminating active sites during chromatographic analysis. Chromatographic and mass spectral data for the cathinone degradation products are presented and discussed within the context of forensic toxicological analysis, selection of appropriate instrumental methods and implications for the interpretation of results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Kerrigan
- Department of Forensic Science, College of Criminal Justice, Sam Houston State University, Box 2525, 1003 Bowers Boulevard, Huntsville, TX 77341, USA
| | - Megan Savage
- Department of Forensic Science, College of Criminal Justice, Sam Houston State University, Box 2525, 1003 Bowers Boulevard, Huntsville, TX 77341, USA
| | - Cassandra Cavazos
- Department of Forensic Science, College of Criminal Justice, Sam Houston State University, Box 2525, 1003 Bowers Boulevard, Huntsville, TX 77341, USA
| | - Paige Bella
- Department of Forensic Science, College of Criminal Justice, Sam Houston State University, Box 2525, 1003 Bowers Boulevard, Huntsville, TX 77341, USA
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Kassim S, Dalsania A, Nordgren J, Klein A, Hulbert J. Before the ban--an exploratory study of a local khat market in East London, U.K. Harm Reduct J 2015; 12:19. [PMID: 26066043 PMCID: PMC4465728 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-015-0048-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2015] [Accepted: 05/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Khat is a green leaf with amphetamine-like effects. It is primarily used among people in Africa, the Middle East and in the diaspora communities from these countries. Prior to the prohibition of khat in the UK on 24 June 2014, there was almost no information available on key aspects of the local khat market. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2012 using snowball sampling, Privileged Access Interviewing and area mapping in order to identify khat sale establishments. Data was collected via face-to-face interviews using mixed methods for data collection. This included information about the establishments selling khat, khat pricing and its use among different ethnic minority groups, in addition to the potential sale of khat to children and risk assessment (e.g., use of pesticides on khat). RESULTS Five out of seven sellers identified agreed to participate. Sellers described their khat sale establishments as 'community centres' which included, for example, a restaurant basement. The sellers' history of selling khat ranged between 1-15 years and khat's sale took place between 2pm-10pm. Miraa (e.g., Lara) from Kenya was the most popularly used khat variety, sold in pre-wrapped bundles of approximately 250 g costing £3 each and delivered four days a week. Harari (e.g., Owdi) from Ethiopia was sold in 200 g, 400 g and 1 kg bundles, priced between £5 and £20 and delivered two days a week. The primary benefit of khat use was reported to be social interaction. The customers were predominantly adult males of Somali origin. Most sellers claimed a self-imposed ban on sales to children under 18 years old. Khat bundles had no labelling describing variety or weight and sellers had no knowledge of the use of pesticides on khat and did not advertise the risks associated with khat use. CONCLUSIONS Khat selling establishments were businesses that did not adhere to trade standards regulations (e.g., labelling khat bundles). They claimed to provide a community service (facilitating social interaction) to their predominately Somali customers. Without a better understanding of the dynamics of the khat market there is a risk that both health and social needs of the vulnerable populations involved in the market continue to go unaddressed. Future research should track changes in the now illicit khat market in order to evaluate the social and public health implications following the recent changes to the current U.K. regulatory environment regarding khat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saba Kassim
- Queen Mary, University of London, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Institute of Dentistry, 4 Newark Street, London, E1 2AT, UK.
| | - Asha Dalsania
- Queen Mary, University of London, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Institute of Dentistry, 4 Newark Street, London, E1 2AT, UK.
| | - Johan Nordgren
- Department of Social Work, Malmö University, Malmö, Sweden.
| | - Axel Klein
- Project Office with Egmont, Institute for International Relations, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Josh Hulbert
- Drugscience, the Independent Scientific Committee on Drugs, London, UK.
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15
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Patel NB. "Natural Amphetamine" Khat: A Cultural Tradition or a Drug of Abuse? INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2015; 120:235-55. [PMID: 26070760 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2015.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Khat, Catha edulis Forsk, is among the most widely used plant-based psychoactive substance in the world. Grown in Eastern Africa, Horn of Africa, and southwestern part of the Arabian Peninsula, its fresh young leaves and twigs are used daily by over 20 million people for the psychostimulatory effects it produces in the user, a practice deeply rooted in the history, tradition, and culture of the indigenous population. Once hardly known outside the regions where it is grown and used, khat use has now spread to other countries. This review will cover the, phytochemistry, pharmacokinetics of the active ingredients-cathinone, cathine, norephedrine, neurochemistry, effects on cognitive and executive functions as well as its ability to produce dependency in the user. Whether it is an innocuous cultural practice or a drug of abuse is debatable as the preclinical and clinical data needed to arrive at an authoritative conclusion is lacking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nilesh B Patel
- Department of Medical Physiology, College of Health Sciences, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya.
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16
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Alsanusy R, El-Setouhy M. Why would khat chewers quit? An in-depth, qualitative study on Saudi Khat quitters. Subst Abus 2014; 34:389-95. [PMID: 24159910 PMCID: PMC3827665 DOI: 10.1080/08897077.2013.783526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Background: Khat chewing, which has many adverse health and social consequences, is highly prevalent and socially accepted in the Jazan region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted with 47 adult male former khat users regarding their khat initiation, continuance, and cessation, the amounts of khat they had used, and the health and social consequences of their use and cessation of use. Results: Participants noted a desire to show maturity, ease of availability of khat, and peer pressure as reasons for initiating khat chewing. Many noted long leisure times with little to do as a reason for continuing use. Negative consequences of khat use were seen in economic, health, familial, and sexual areas of their lives. After quitting khat use, participants saw improvements in all of these areas. Conclusions: A comprehensive community development program (CCDP) tackling, among other issues, the normalization of khat use, substantial leisure times with few positive activities, and misinformation about the “benefits” of khat use, as well as developing peer and family training programs to help prevent or stop khat use, would be useful to reduce khat chewing in this community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rashad Alsanusy
- a Substance Abuse Research Center (SARC) , Jazan University , Jazan , Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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17
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Sheikh KA, El-Setouhy M, Yagoub U, Alsanosy R, Ahmed Z. Khat chewing and health related quality of life: cross-sectional study in Jazan region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Health Qual Life Outcomes 2014; 12:44. [PMID: 24708622 PMCID: PMC3977689 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7525-12-44] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2013] [Accepted: 03/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The chewing of Khat leaves, a natural psychoactive substance is widely chewed in countries of East Africa and the southern Arabian Peninsula, and is reported to be associated with a range of unfavorable health outcomes including khat dependence. The impact of Khat chewing on Health Related Quality of Life is yet to be explored. Aims: to measure and compare the quality of life of the khat chewers and non-khat chewers using a short form health survey (SF36), and to assess factors associated with Khat chewing using SF36 in a sample of adult population in Jazan region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Methods A total of 630 participants from two independent male populations of khat chewers and non-khat chewers were recruited into a cross-sectional survey study. A self administrative survey based on the SF-36 questionnaire was used to collect data on measures of health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Socioeconomic data of the respondents were also collected for detailed analysis. Data analysis include: descriptive statistics, reliability tests (Cronbach’s alpha and intraclass correlation coefficient), and bivariate analysis (Chi square and Mann–Whitney U-test) to compare HRQoL of Khat chewers and non-Khat chewers. Results The odds of being a khat chewer were higher in respondents with a lower socioeconomic status. The SF-36 scores were significantly lower in all domains for respondents with khat chewing, indicating that non-khat chewers had higher health perceptions compared with those chewing khat. The overall mean score of HRQoL for non-khat chewers was 92.7% (SD 5.53) compared with 63.5% (SD 21.73) for the khat chewing group. The study had shown good internal consistency and reproducibility across the eight subscales of SF-36 questionnaire (α 0.74-0.95). The Mann–Whitney U-test showed a significant difference between khat chewers and non-khat chewers (P < 0.001). Conclusions This study measured and compared the quality of life of khat chewers and non-khat chewers using a generic health survey (SF36). The study had shown that khat chewing is associated with lower quality of life (HRQoL) and lower socioeconomic status. However in future a more refined SF36 developed especially for Khat chewers can provide more useful information.
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18
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Li X, Uboh CE, Soma LR, Liu Y, Guan F, Aurand CR, Bell DS, You Y, Chen J, Maylin GA. Sensitive hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry method for rapid detection, quantification and confirmation of cathinone-derived designer drugs for doping control in equine plasma. RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY : RCM 2014; 28:217-229. [PMID: 24338970 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.6778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2013] [Revised: 10/29/2013] [Accepted: 10/31/2013] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Cathinone derivatives are new amphetamine-like stimulants that can evade detection when presently available methods are used for doping control. To prevent misuse of these banned substances in racehorses, development of a liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) method became the impetus for undertaking this study. METHODS Analytes were recovered via liquid-liquid extraction using methyl tert-butyl ether. Analyte separation was achieved on a hydrophilic interaction column using liquid chromatography and mass analysis was performed on a QTRAP mass spectrometer in positive electrospray ionization (ESI) mode with multiple reaction monitoring (MRM). Analyte identification was carried out by screening for a specified MRM transition. Quantification was conducted using an internal standard. Confirmation was performed by establishing a match in retention time and ion intensity ratios comparison. RESULTS The method was linear over the range 0.2-50 ng/mL. The specificity was evaluated by analysis of six different batches of blank plasma and those spiked with each analyte (0.2 ng/mL). The recovery of analytes from plasma at three different concentrations was >70%. The limits of detection, quantification and confirmation were 0.02-0.05, 0.2-1.0 and 0.2-10 ng/mL, respectively. The matrix effect was insignificant. The intra-day and inter-day precision were 1.94-12.08 and 2.58-13.32%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The method is routinely employed in screening for the eleven analytes in post-competition samples collected from racehorses in Pennsylvania to enforce the ban on the use of these performance-enhancing agents in racehorses. The method is sensitive, fast, effective and reliably reproducible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqing Li
- University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center Campus, Kennett Square, PA, 19348, USA
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19
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Detection and elimination profile of cathinone in equine after norephedrine (Propalin®) administration using a validated liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method. Anal Bioanal Chem 2013; 405:9711-22. [DOI: 10.1007/s00216-013-7073-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2013] [Revised: 05/04/2013] [Accepted: 05/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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20
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Ambach L, Hernández Redondo A, König S, Weinmann W. Rapid and simple LC-MS/MS screening of 64 novel psychoactive substances using dried blood spots. Drug Test Anal 2013; 6:367-75. [PMID: 23868723 DOI: 10.1002/dta.1505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2013] [Revised: 05/31/2013] [Accepted: 06/01/2013] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The range of novel psychoactive substances (NPS) including phenethylamines, cathinones, piperazines, tryptamines, etc. is continuously growing. Therefore, fast and reliable screening methods for these compounds are essential and needed. The use of dried blood spots (DBS) for a fast straightforward approach helps to simplify and shorten sample preparation significantly. DBS were produced from 10 µl of whole blood and extracted offline with 500 µl methanol followed by evaporation and reconstitution in mobile phase. Reversed-phase chromatographic separation and mass spectrometric detection (RP-LC-MS/MS) was achieved within a run time of 10 min. The screening method was validated by evaluating the following parameters: limit of detection (LOD), matrix effect, selectivity and specificity, extraction efficiency, and short-term and long-term stability. Furthermore, the method was applied to authentic samples and results were compared with those obtained with a validated whole blood method used for routine analysis of NPS. LOD was between 1 and 10 ng/ml. No interference from matrix compounds was observed. The method was proven to be specific and selective for the analytes, although with limitations for 3-FMC/flephedrone and MDDMA/MDEA. Mean extraction efficiency was 84.6 %. All substances were stable in DBS for at least a week when cooled. Cooling was essential for the stability of cathinones. Prepared samples were stable for at least 3 days. Comparison to the validated whole blood method yielded similar results. DBS were shown to be useful in developing a rapid screening method for NPS with simplified sample preparation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars Ambach
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Bern, Bühlstrasse 20, CH-3012, Bern, Switzerland
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21
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Dell’Acqua L, Roda G, Arnoldi S, Rusconi C, Turati L, Gambaro V. Improved GC method for the determination of the active principles of Catha edulis. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2013; 929:142-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2013.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2012] [Revised: 02/15/2013] [Accepted: 04/14/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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22
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Alele PE, Ajayi AM, Imanirampa L. Chronic khat ( Catha edulis) and alcohol marginally alter complete blood counts, clinical chemistry, and testosterone in male rats. J Exp Pharmacol 2013; 2013. [PMID: 24348075 PMCID: PMC3858587 DOI: 10.2147/jep.s46635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Khat (Catha edulis) is a recreational psychoactive drug with psychostimulant properties. While the use of this drug is widespread in eastern Africa, including the Horn of Africa, surveys and anecdotal data show that its use has become cosmopolitan, with users now living in Europe and North America as well. Recent data in Uganda suggest an increasing pattern of simultaneous khat and ethanol use particularly among young adults. However, the effects of this pattern of use remain largely unknown, even though long-term use of either drug alone is known to be harmful. The aim of this study was to examine the toxic effects of simultaneous chronic administration of khat and ethanol on hematological parameters, clinical chemistry, and testosterone in a rat model. METHODS Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to one of six dose groups: 2 g/kg khat; 4 g/kg khat; 4 g/kg ethanol; combined khat and ethanol (4 g/kg each); control; and an untreated group. Treatments were given by gavage twice daily for 28 days, followed by determination of hematological parameters, blood clinical chemistry, and testosterone. RESULTS Ethanol alone significantly reduced platelet counts compared to control-, untreated and low-dose khat-treated rats; conversely low-dose khat significantly increased both the hemoglobin and hematocrit values, while ethanol alone also significantly increased the hemoglobin value compared to controls. Simultaneous khat and ethanol administration per se did not produce more toxic consequences in chronic use than either drug alone. CONCLUSION Chronic short-term khat use and ethanol dependence individually produce note-worthy effects on the blood, but not on clinical chemistry or testosterone. Chronic short-term combined khat and ethanol use does not produce more toxic effects compared to use of either drug alone. This provides an opportunity for appropriate clinical interventions to avert the chronic long-term effects that result from use of these drugs of abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul E Alele
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Abayomi M Ajayi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Kampala International University - Western Campus, Bushenyi, Uganda
| | - Lawrence Imanirampa
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
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23
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Capillary electrophoretic and extraction conditions for the analysis of Catha edulis FORKS active principles. Forensic Sci Int 2013; 228:154-9. [PMID: 23597752 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2013.02.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2013] [Revised: 02/12/2013] [Accepted: 02/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
A capillary electrophoretic method, which allowed the detection and separation of the active principles of Catha edulis, i.e. cathinone, cathine and phenylpropanolamine, was developed. A suitable internal standard (nicotinamide), which permitted the quantification of the analytes reducing the variability of the migration times due to EOF changes, was identified. The analytical method was validated, assessing linearity, sensitivity and repeatability, showing optimal features for the analysis of the vegetable material. Moreover extraction conditions were investigated to achieve the exhaustion of the plant material in the fastest and most efficient way to meet the requirements of the Court.
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Atlabachew M, Torto N, Chandravanshi BS, Redi M. Matrix Solid-Phase Dispersion for the HPLC–DAD Determination of Psychoactive Phenylpropylamino Alkaloids from Khat (Catha edulis Forsk) Chewing Leaves. Chromatographia 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/s10337-013-2438-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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25
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Screening approach, optimisation and scale-up for chiral liquid chromatography of cathinones. J Chromatogr A 2012; 1269:189-97. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2012.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2012] [Revised: 11/01/2012] [Accepted: 11/01/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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26
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Gambaro V, Arnoldi S, Colombo ML, Dell’Acqua L, Guerrini K, Roda G. Determination of the active principles of Catha Edulis: Quali–quantitative analysis of cathinone, cathine, and phenylpropanolamine. Forensic Sci Int 2012; 217:87-92. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2011.09.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2011] [Revised: 09/28/2011] [Accepted: 09/29/2011] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
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Douglas H, Boyle M, Lintzeris N. The health impacts of khat: a qualitative study among Somali-Australians. Med J Aust 2012; 195:666-9. [PMID: 22171861 DOI: 10.5694/mja11.10166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To identify patterns of khat use among Somali-Australians in Australia and to explore their views about the links between khat use and personal health. DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Qualitative study using semistructured focus groups among adult members of Somali communities in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Perth who volunteered to attend focus groups in January and December 2010. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Emergent themes related to Somali-Australians' understanding of the links between khat use and personal health. RESULTS Nineteen focus groups included 114 participants. Khat use was reported to be common among the Somali community, and more common among men than women. Khat was usually chewed in prolonged sessions, producing mild psychostimulant effects such as increased energy, enhanced mood, reduced appetite and reduced sleep. Khat was widely perceived to be a food, not a drug, and as harmless, or even beneficial, to the user's health. Many users reported discontinuation effects such as lethargy, sleep disturbances and mood problems after sessions of heavy khat use, and some reported self-medicating with alcohol to cope with such problems. Problems of addiction to khat were identified by some participants, but not all believed it is addictive. Many khat users reported visiting their health professionals for treatment of adverse effects and failing to disclose their khat use. CONCLUSIONS Health professionals require greater awareness of khat use and related health problems. Health promotion activities targeting communities with high levels of khat use are required to increase understanding of the potential risks of regular khat use, to promote harm-reduction strategies, and to increase awareness of services available for those experiencing harm. Health professionals should consider targeted screening for khat use among individuals from Horn of Africa communities who present to health services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather Douglas
- TC Beirne School of Law, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD.
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Ali WM, Al Habib K, Al-Motarreb A, Singh R, Hersi A, Al Faleh H, Asaad N, Al Saif S, Almahmeed W, Sulaiman K, Amin H, Al-Lawati J, Al Bustani N, Al-Sagheer NQ, Al-Qahtani A, Al Suwaidi J. Acute Coronary Syndrome and Khat Herbal Amphetamine Use. Circulation 2011; 124:2681-9. [PMID: 22155995 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.111.039768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Waleed M. Ali
- From the Departments of Cardiology (W.M.A., N.A., A.A.-Q.) and Research (R.S.), Hamad Medical Corp, Qatar; King Fahad Cardiac Center, King Khalid University Hospital, College of Medicine, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (K.F.A.H., A.H.); Security Forces Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (H.A.F.); Saud AlBabtain Cardiac Center, Dammam, Saudi Arabia (S.A.S.); Faculty of Medicine, Sana's University, Sana'a, Yemen (A.A.-M.); Department of Cardiology, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (W.A.,
| | - K.F. Al Habib
- From the Departments of Cardiology (W.M.A., N.A., A.A.-Q.) and Research (R.S.), Hamad Medical Corp, Qatar; King Fahad Cardiac Center, King Khalid University Hospital, College of Medicine, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (K.F.A.H., A.H.); Security Forces Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (H.A.F.); Saud AlBabtain Cardiac Center, Dammam, Saudi Arabia (S.A.S.); Faculty of Medicine, Sana's University, Sana'a, Yemen (A.A.-M.); Department of Cardiology, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (W.A.,
| | - Ahmed Al-Motarreb
- From the Departments of Cardiology (W.M.A., N.A., A.A.-Q.) and Research (R.S.), Hamad Medical Corp, Qatar; King Fahad Cardiac Center, King Khalid University Hospital, College of Medicine, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (K.F.A.H., A.H.); Security Forces Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (H.A.F.); Saud AlBabtain Cardiac Center, Dammam, Saudi Arabia (S.A.S.); Faculty of Medicine, Sana's University, Sana'a, Yemen (A.A.-M.); Department of Cardiology, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (W.A.,
| | - Rajvir Singh
- From the Departments of Cardiology (W.M.A., N.A., A.A.-Q.) and Research (R.S.), Hamad Medical Corp, Qatar; King Fahad Cardiac Center, King Khalid University Hospital, College of Medicine, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (K.F.A.H., A.H.); Security Forces Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (H.A.F.); Saud AlBabtain Cardiac Center, Dammam, Saudi Arabia (S.A.S.); Faculty of Medicine, Sana's University, Sana'a, Yemen (A.A.-M.); Department of Cardiology, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (W.A.,
| | - Ahmad Hersi
- From the Departments of Cardiology (W.M.A., N.A., A.A.-Q.) and Research (R.S.), Hamad Medical Corp, Qatar; King Fahad Cardiac Center, King Khalid University Hospital, College of Medicine, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (K.F.A.H., A.H.); Security Forces Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (H.A.F.); Saud AlBabtain Cardiac Center, Dammam, Saudi Arabia (S.A.S.); Faculty of Medicine, Sana's University, Sana'a, Yemen (A.A.-M.); Department of Cardiology, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (W.A.,
| | - Hussam Al Faleh
- From the Departments of Cardiology (W.M.A., N.A., A.A.-Q.) and Research (R.S.), Hamad Medical Corp, Qatar; King Fahad Cardiac Center, King Khalid University Hospital, College of Medicine, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (K.F.A.H., A.H.); Security Forces Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (H.A.F.); Saud AlBabtain Cardiac Center, Dammam, Saudi Arabia (S.A.S.); Faculty of Medicine, Sana's University, Sana'a, Yemen (A.A.-M.); Department of Cardiology, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (W.A.,
| | - Nidal Asaad
- From the Departments of Cardiology (W.M.A., N.A., A.A.-Q.) and Research (R.S.), Hamad Medical Corp, Qatar; King Fahad Cardiac Center, King Khalid University Hospital, College of Medicine, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (K.F.A.H., A.H.); Security Forces Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (H.A.F.); Saud AlBabtain Cardiac Center, Dammam, Saudi Arabia (S.A.S.); Faculty of Medicine, Sana's University, Sana'a, Yemen (A.A.-M.); Department of Cardiology, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (W.A.,
| | - Shukri Al Saif
- From the Departments of Cardiology (W.M.A., N.A., A.A.-Q.) and Research (R.S.), Hamad Medical Corp, Qatar; King Fahad Cardiac Center, King Khalid University Hospital, College of Medicine, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (K.F.A.H., A.H.); Security Forces Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (H.A.F.); Saud AlBabtain Cardiac Center, Dammam, Saudi Arabia (S.A.S.); Faculty of Medicine, Sana's University, Sana'a, Yemen (A.A.-M.); Department of Cardiology, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (W.A.,
| | - Wael Almahmeed
- From the Departments of Cardiology (W.M.A., N.A., A.A.-Q.) and Research (R.S.), Hamad Medical Corp, Qatar; King Fahad Cardiac Center, King Khalid University Hospital, College of Medicine, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (K.F.A.H., A.H.); Security Forces Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (H.A.F.); Saud AlBabtain Cardiac Center, Dammam, Saudi Arabia (S.A.S.); Faculty of Medicine, Sana's University, Sana'a, Yemen (A.A.-M.); Department of Cardiology, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (W.A.,
| | - Kadhim Sulaiman
- From the Departments of Cardiology (W.M.A., N.A., A.A.-Q.) and Research (R.S.), Hamad Medical Corp, Qatar; King Fahad Cardiac Center, King Khalid University Hospital, College of Medicine, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (K.F.A.H., A.H.); Security Forces Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (H.A.F.); Saud AlBabtain Cardiac Center, Dammam, Saudi Arabia (S.A.S.); Faculty of Medicine, Sana's University, Sana'a, Yemen (A.A.-M.); Department of Cardiology, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (W.A.,
| | - Haitham Amin
- From the Departments of Cardiology (W.M.A., N.A., A.A.-Q.) and Research (R.S.), Hamad Medical Corp, Qatar; King Fahad Cardiac Center, King Khalid University Hospital, College of Medicine, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (K.F.A.H., A.H.); Security Forces Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (H.A.F.); Saud AlBabtain Cardiac Center, Dammam, Saudi Arabia (S.A.S.); Faculty of Medicine, Sana's University, Sana'a, Yemen (A.A.-M.); Department of Cardiology, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (W.A.,
| | - Jawad Al-Lawati
- From the Departments of Cardiology (W.M.A., N.A., A.A.-Q.) and Research (R.S.), Hamad Medical Corp, Qatar; King Fahad Cardiac Center, King Khalid University Hospital, College of Medicine, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (K.F.A.H., A.H.); Security Forces Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (H.A.F.); Saud AlBabtain Cardiac Center, Dammam, Saudi Arabia (S.A.S.); Faculty of Medicine, Sana's University, Sana'a, Yemen (A.A.-M.); Department of Cardiology, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (W.A.,
| | - Nizar Al Bustani
- From the Departments of Cardiology (W.M.A., N.A., A.A.-Q.) and Research (R.S.), Hamad Medical Corp, Qatar; King Fahad Cardiac Center, King Khalid University Hospital, College of Medicine, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (K.F.A.H., A.H.); Security Forces Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (H.A.F.); Saud AlBabtain Cardiac Center, Dammam, Saudi Arabia (S.A.S.); Faculty of Medicine, Sana's University, Sana'a, Yemen (A.A.-M.); Department of Cardiology, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (W.A.,
| | - Norah Q. Al-Sagheer
- From the Departments of Cardiology (W.M.A., N.A., A.A.-Q.) and Research (R.S.), Hamad Medical Corp, Qatar; King Fahad Cardiac Center, King Khalid University Hospital, College of Medicine, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (K.F.A.H., A.H.); Security Forces Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (H.A.F.); Saud AlBabtain Cardiac Center, Dammam, Saudi Arabia (S.A.S.); Faculty of Medicine, Sana's University, Sana'a, Yemen (A.A.-M.); Department of Cardiology, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (W.A.,
| | - Awad Al-Qahtani
- From the Departments of Cardiology (W.M.A., N.A., A.A.-Q.) and Research (R.S.), Hamad Medical Corp, Qatar; King Fahad Cardiac Center, King Khalid University Hospital, College of Medicine, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (K.F.A.H., A.H.); Security Forces Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (H.A.F.); Saud AlBabtain Cardiac Center, Dammam, Saudi Arabia (S.A.S.); Faculty of Medicine, Sana's University, Sana'a, Yemen (A.A.-M.); Department of Cardiology, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (W.A.,
| | - Jassim Al Suwaidi
- From the Departments of Cardiology (W.M.A., N.A., A.A.-Q.) and Research (R.S.), Hamad Medical Corp, Qatar; King Fahad Cardiac Center, King Khalid University Hospital, College of Medicine, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (K.F.A.H., A.H.); Security Forces Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (H.A.F.); Saud AlBabtain Cardiac Center, Dammam, Saudi Arabia (S.A.S.); Faculty of Medicine, Sana's University, Sana'a, Yemen (A.A.-M.); Department of Cardiology, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (W.A.,
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Kelly JP. Cathinone derivatives: A review of their chemistry, pharmacology and toxicology. Drug Test Anal 2011; 3:439-53. [DOI: 10.1002/dta.313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 240] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2010] [Revised: 05/19/2011] [Accepted: 05/19/2011] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Desorption atmospheric pressure photoionization–mass spectrometry in routine analysis of confiscated drugs. Forensic Sci Int 2011; 210:206-12. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2011.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2010] [Revised: 03/02/2011] [Accepted: 03/12/2011] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Colzato LS, Ruiz MJ, van den Wildenberg WPM, Hommel B. Khat use is associated with impaired working memory and cognitive flexibility. PLoS One 2011; 6:e20602. [PMID: 21698275 PMCID: PMC3115937 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0020602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2010] [Accepted: 05/07/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Rationale Khat consumption has increased during the last decades in Eastern Africa and has become a global phenomenon spreading to ethnic communities in the rest of the world, such as The Netherlands, United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States. Very little is known, however, about the relation between khat use and cognitive control functions in khat users. Objective We studied whether khat use is associated with changes in working memory (WM) and cognitive flexibility, two central cognitive control functions. Methods Khat users and khat-free controls were matched in terms of sex, ethnicity, age, alcohol and cannabis consumption, and IQ (Raven's progressive matrices). Groups were tested on cognitive flexibility, as measured by a Global-Local task, and on WM using an N-back task. Result Khat users performed significantly worse than controls on tasks tapping into cognitive flexibility as well as monitoring of information in WM. Conclusions The present findings suggest that khat use impairs both cognitive flexibility and the updating of information in WM. The inability to monitor information in WM and to adjust behavior rapidly and flexibly may have repercussions for daily life activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenza S Colzato
- Institute for Psychological Research and Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands.
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Current Awareness in Drug Testing and Analysis. Drug Test Anal 2010. [DOI: 10.1002/dta.64] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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