[Khat (Catha edulis): is it "coffee" or "cocaine"?].

Regular consumption of khat's (Catha edulis) fresh leaves seriously affects the health, the social and economic life of the subject. Therefore, it is hazardous both to the individual and to the community. According to the latest reports, consumption of chat may exert some unknown and unreported gastrointestinal and hepatic effects. On the basis of studies performed by the authors, it seems that khat (cathinone) has no gastric or duodenal ulcerogenic effect. However, it does cause a significant enlargement of the hepatic mitochondria. In addition, a concern arose recently that the profit of illegal traffic of the plant may reach some illegal (terrorist) organisations. Therefore it seems that the so-called "khat-problem" needs further and more effective control.