Cathinone – The cause for the euphoria

Khat is being cultivated for years as a drug by the people living in parts of Africa mainly Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. The leaves of the plant are chewed to achieve a state of euphoria. This euphoric effect in the leaves was earlier attributed to the presence of Cathine, a Phenethylamine-type substance. But, in 1975, Cathinone, a Monoamine Alkaloid was also found in the leaves of the plant.

Cathinone is often termed as a ‘natural Amphetamine’ because it produces Amphetamine-like effects. It is an alkaloid found in the leaves of a plant named Catha Edulis, popularly known as Khat. Cathinone is considered to be the most active ingredient of Khat and it produces a similar effect like that of Amphetamine, though with a lower potency. Cathinone is believed to be 7 to 10 times more potent than Cathine – the other ingredient found in Khat.

The two substances present in Khat – Cathinone and Cathine uses their effect on two main Neurochemical pathways – Dopamine and Noradrenalin. Cathinone releases serotonin in the central nervous system of the human body. It forces the release of dopamine from central nervous system and increase the activity of the Dopaminergic pathways. The substance also releases its effect on Noradrenalin storage sites that supports Noradrenalin transmission.

Metabolism of Cathinone in human body

The feeling of euphoria initiates after one starts chewing the leaves. The effect is maximum after 15 to 30 minutes of chewing. The metabolism rate of the substance is fast that takes place right after the first passage of the substance through the liver. Only some 2% remains unchanged in the urine. Most of Cathinone is metabolized to Norephedrine and is generally excreted.

Adverse effects of Cathinone

The presence of Cathinone in Khat may produce dependency on Khat. It can also react adversely with therapeutic drugs. People addicted to Khat can suffer from some adverse health conditions like insomnia, anorexia, hyperthermia (lowering of the body temperature), increased rate of respiration, constipation, Mydriasis (dilation of the pupils) and may even lead to death. Some Khat addicts have also been suffering from Psychosis.

Legality of Cathinone

Cathinone is a Schedule I drug under the U.S. Controlled Substance Act and Cathine is a Schedule IV controlled drug. Cathinone is illegal in the United States as well as in many European countries. But in the UK, Cathine and Cathinone are Class C drugs and Khat is legal in the country.