Ethnopharmacological Relevance: To understand the role of khat (Catha edulis) use on the aberrations in appetite and weight which are common comorbidities for khat and other amphetamine users.
Materials And Methods: We provide a comprehensive overview and conceptual summary of the historical cultural use of khat as a natural stimulant and describe the similarities and differences between cathinone (the main psychoactive constituent of khat) and amphetamine highlighting the limited literature on the neurophysiology of appetite and subsequent weight effects of khat.
Results: Animal and some human studies indicate that khat produces appetite suppression, although little is known about mechanisms of this effect. Both direct and indirect effects of khat stem from multiple factors including behavioral, chemical and neurophysiological effects on appetite and metabolism. Classic and newly identified appetite hormones have not been explored sufficiently in the study of appetite and khat use. Unique methodological challenges and opportunities are encountered when examining effects of khat and cathinone including khat-specific medical comorbidities, unique route of administration, differential patterns of behavioral effects relative to amphetamines and the nascent state of our understanding of the neurobiology of this drug.
Conclusion: A considerable amount of work remains in the study of the appetite effects of khat chewing and outline a program of research that could inform our understanding of this natural amphetamine׳s appetite effects and help prepare health care workers for the unique health effects of this drug.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
|---|---|
| http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4281284 | PMC |
| http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2014.11.002 | DOI Listing |
Publication Analysis
Top Keywords
Similar Publications
Prevalence and Mitigation of Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors Among the Corporate Workforce in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Cureus
December 2024
Acute Medicine, Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, Southend on Sea, GBR.
Cardiovascular disease (CVDs) is the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Corporate workplaces have been identified as important environmental factors that can increase the risk and severity of CVDs. Evidence indicates that the risk and severity of CVDs can be effectively reduced by mitigating modifiable behavioural and intermediate risk factors.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe invisible enemy: A systematic review and meta-analysis of maternal smokeless tobacco use as a risk factor for low birth weight.
PLoS One
January 2025
National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia.
Introduction: Smokeless tobacco use is a growing public health concern, with potential adverse implications for foetal outcomes if consumed during pregnancy. Birth weight is an important predictive measure for health outcomes of a child throughout their lifespan. Despite extensive literature, it is unclear whether smokeless tobacco consumption during pregnancy has an adverse effect on birth weight.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFSpatial variation and determinant factors of alcohol consumption in Ethiopia: Spatial and multilevel analysis of Ethiopian demographic and health survey.
PLoS One
January 2025
Department of Environmental Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia.
Background: Alcohol consumption continues to be a public health problem in Ethiopia. Previous investigations have been conducted on alcohol consumption in Ethiopia; however, these investigations were limited to specific localities, which could not represent the existing alcohol consumption in different parts of Ethiopia. Besides, the spatial variation of alcohol consumption was not well investigated in the previous studies, which could hinder the implementation of effective intervention towards alcohol consumption.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFFrom Psychoactivity to Antimicrobial Agents: Multifaceted Applications of Synthetic Cathinones and Extracts.
Molecules
December 2024
Valladolid University Foundation, Valladolid University, Paseo de Belén, 11, 47011 Valladolid, Spain.
The emergence of new psychoactive substances (NPS) in the global drug market since the 2000s has posed major challenges for regulators and law enforcement agencies. Among these, synthetic cathinones have gained prominence due to their stimulant effects on the central nervous system, leading to widespread recreational use. These compounds, often marketed as alternatives to illicit stimulants such as amphetamines and cocaine, have been linked to numerous cases of intoxication, addiction and death.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFKhat-induced conditioned place preference, extinction, and reinstatement in female mice.
IBRO Neurosci Rep
June 2025
Department of Human Anatomy and Medical Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 30197- 00100, Nairobi, Kenya.
Khat ( Forsk), the natural source of cathinone and other psychoactive agents, is chewed by millions of persons in eastern Africa and the Arabian Peninsula for its psychostimulant effect. Using the conditioned place preference paradigm, this study tested fresh khat extract for place preference induction, extinction, and reinstatement. Female mice treated with 100 and 250 mg/kg of khat extract showed conditioned place preference, which was extinguished following a 16-day khat-free period.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWant AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?
Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!