Khat
Catha edulis
Other names: qat, chat, miraa, al-qāt (Arabic القات)
Photo credit: Katpatuka / Wikimedia Commons
This plant carries serious safety risks. All information is for educational reference only.
Safety information
Toxicity: serious - hypertension, tachycardia/arrhythmia, MI risk, anorexia/malnutrition, constipation, oral cancers (chronic), insomnia, psychosis, dependence; adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Contraindications: cardiovascular disease/hypertension, pregnancy/breastfeeding, psychiatric illness, adolescents; concurrent stimulants.
Interactions: additive with sympathomimetics/stimulants (caffeine, amphetamines) and MAO inhibitors (hypertensive crisis risk); may antagonize antihypertensives; serotonergic/dopaminergic interactions.
Pregnancy & breastfeeding: contraindicated in pregnancy/breastfeeding; adverse pregnancy outcomes
Evidence level
Supported by clinical trials in humans.
Preparations
This plant carries serious safety risks. All information is for educational reference only.
traditional preparation · fresh leaf
Part used: fresh leaf
Traditional use: social/stimulant chewing for alertness, euphoria, suppressed appetite/fatigue
Proposed mechanism: amphetamine-like alkaloids cathinone and cathine
Associated conditions
Healing traditions
Sources (3)
- Chemistry, Pharmacology, Toxicology of Khat (PMC3905534)
- EUDA Khat drug profile (EU Drugs Agency)
- WHO ECDD assessment of khat (critical review)