Talk:Khat
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[edit] minor edit
Changed caption from "Ugly man enjoying his khat in Sana'a, Yemen, January 2009" to "Man enjoying his khat in Sana'a, Yemen, January 2009". Beauty is subjective and in any case the caption seemed inappropriate. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 140.192.132.93 (talk) 19:48, 13 April 2009 (UTC)
[edit] sources
Khat isn't controlled under Schedule IV so whoever wrote that should actually take the time to read, I didn't see cathnione or Khat listed [Counter to this argument: check the DEA information at http://www.usdoj.gov/dea/pubs/pressrel/pr072606a.html]
no where in the description does it talk about khat's ability to make people focussed and more concentrated thus almost all med students take it
==I'm assuming that you aren't a med student yourself. To me it seems that med students would tend to find a prescription to amphetamine medications like Adderall, Dextrostat, or Desoxyn instead of finding some bitter bush to chew. For one, these such medications are very standardized and will give the exact same dose at the exact same rate each time of ingestion, whereas chewing leafs of a plant with a natural stimulant gives no certainty to the concentration of the active constituents which the user seeks. It's much like using any drug, really - even though you can educatedly guess your dose, or think you feel about where you want to be, you never really know what you're getting. Now, why would a highly educated med student want to crash their brain into a frenzy of chemical imbalance to the point where they could think so quickly and sporadically that they wouldn't even want to study? Aside from all of that, why would the description mention anything about khat making people more focused? It states that it is used traditionally much like coffee in khat houses, like our coffee houses. Don't assume that it makes everyone more focused just because it's used much in the same manner as coffee, which does focus the attention span mildly. Khat has much more of an effect like a cocaine rush - this certainly isn't a focused feeling, but a very stimulated, excited, uninhibited, cooling sense of superhumanness. I just don't think I could write a term paper with that sort of mentality, however with a couple of Adderall XR's, well that's a different story.
Again we see the prejudice for supposedly safer/better/purer factory produced medicines. This is a delusion. Amphetamines are digested in the stomach, which is very inefficient, and takes a long time. Qat is more efficiently absorbed in the mouth. This provides the user with far greater control of dosage/effect. Scientists call this "self titration". The same argument used to be made about THC by Anslinger: i.e., it should be synthesized and then digested for more "reliable" dosage. But digestion is inherently unreliable, and takes so long that the user has already eaten too much before he can detect any overdose. Smoking pot is far more effective and immediate and allows the user to control his dosage directly.
- I have chewed (to extract the juice) 2 or 3 bundles of fresh Khat several times back in the '70s in various northern Somali towns. It was definately a social event to sit around, chew khat, drink sweet tea (as I remember) and either talk or listen to live music until the sun came up. Maybe it was my cultural background or genetic makeup, but it was more like drinking 3 or 4 cups of strong coffee. A small bit of fresh Nigerian kola nut (the volume of 3 or 4 single khot leaves) had more of an effect upon me than a bundle of khat. Maybe it is stonger today. At that time it was said that continued use over a long time could be addictive and people said it helped sharpen the mind (an example used was, when memorizing the Koran). I can't remember if they would chew Khat during the day in Ramazan, I would doubt it since I understood nothing should pass their throat and to the extent that the very devoted would constantly spit to avoid that potential. All the Somalis I chewed khat with seem to react to it the same as myself at the time, I could not detect a personality shift. --Rcollman 20:08, 27 December 2006 (UTC)
[edit] Spelling
I also agree that the word Khat is not the right spelling it should be changed. I also deleted the part of the article that states that Muslims use Qat during fasting in Ramazan, as this is wrong. —The preceding unsigned comment was added by Tnewsletters (talk • contribs) 05:46, 31 May 2006 (UTC)
- I don't know. I could definitely believe that. Chat isn't consumed, I don't think, just chewed. I'm going to reinsert it, but with a {{fact}} tag saying it needs a citation and therefore may not be true. Also, the qualifier "a few" is a bit odd wording (it's not good prose, even if it's perfect grammar). Unless it's only been chewed for 2 or 3 centuries (which I doubt), it's also not very accurate.
- ዮም (Yom) | contribs • Talk 07:29, 31 May 2006 (UTC)
About qat during Ramadan: In Yemen, qat is definitely chewed more extensively during Ramadan than during the rest of the year. The point is: It is chewed at night (before sunrise), so it does not break the fasting. On whether it is halal to consume qat during Ramadan or in fact during any other time, this is up for debate: Most Zaidi scholars obviously do not consider it haram.
Catha is Latinized from Qat. The spelling Khat has no justification afaics, since kh usually transliterates ḫ, not q. The spelling Qat would maybe be preferable in this article. dab (ᛏ) 09:36, 7 January 2006 (UTC)
The Amharic transliteration has "chat," but it doesn't indicate that the "ch" is an ejective one. Also, should the Arabic and Ge'ez script be used for the other pronounciations? Yom 03:32, 4 April 2006 (UTC)
Lem PD Actually Khat, Miraa, Qat, is a dangerous controlled substance. Khat was added to the schedule by the DEA as an emergency schedule. Yes I have chewed Khat on many occasions. But just to clarify, it is scheduled
In Canada, khat (there are numerous spellings in use, any or all of them acceptable) is illegal. It is a Controlled substance under Schedule III as #19. Cathinone ((–)–a–aminopropiophenone) and any salt thereof and Schedule IV as #19. Catha edulis Forsk., its preparations, derivatives, alkaloids and salts, including: (1) Cathine (d–threo–2–amino–1–hydroxy–1–phenylpropane).Flanman31 04:38, 16 September 2007 (UTC)
[edit] orthography
The orthography branch of the Spanish Inquisition might as well relax. Not only are there various spellings of khat, qat, chat and totally different names, but one reason for that is that not all of them represent the same name in the same dialect. Khat has traditionally been used from the southern Cape throughout more than half of Africa, through to a sizeable slice of Asia. Not only is this more territory than Genghis Khan ever conquered, or even saw, but it is territory where the tribe over the hill might not know or even recognise your local dialect or usage of the plant, let alone, given that most of them were not even literate, your grandfather's or great-grandson's pronunciation.
That of course was the good news. What gives anyone the idea that every explorer who encountered the same word would transcribe it into the same spelling? Go to Project Gutenberg and consult Weekley. "The Romance of Names" for how patronymics varied in spelling just a century or two ago, just in England at that! Then check on how to pronounce some of the accepted spellings. For a really good laugh, tune in on discussions on how to pronounce Latin; then consult a diagram showing the size and duration and history of the regions where it was spoken.
And stop worrying. You think that quasi-Arabic is hard to spell and pernunce? Wait till you have tried some of the Celtic tongues. And of course, "Dearest creature in creation, Study English pronunciation" Not even to mention "English" spelling!
JeanGeilland (talk) 14:12, 12 July 2008 (UTC)
- Disagree with everything. There is an accepted way to render standard Arabic consonants; it should be qat. Now: why standard Arabic is better than dialectal? Well, dialectal Yemeni would be gaat. Dialectal Egyptian would be aat, dialectal Maghrebi would also be gaat. The "kh" is either used to denote another consonant altogether in Arabic (as in the names Khaled or Khalil), and to denote what we'd call a normal "k" when transliterating from Southern Asian languages (see the word "lakh" where the "h" is best ignored). Since the usage of the Indian subcontinent is immaterial here, the only accepted way is to use the "q", same as we do with Qadhafi, Qatar, Al-Quds, Qom, Iraq... elpincha (talk) 20:54, 2 February 2009 (UTC)
[edit] in Islam
Where do muslims get the idea that they can bar Christians from using this plant? Do they think they own it?! Scorpionman 18:38, 11 August 2006 (UTC)
The claims that it is "gaining popularity" among Christians for religious purposes is uncited; I'm removing it until someone has a source for these claims. Agivith 01:02, 12 August 2006 (UTC)
[edit] Explain plz?
It says Orthodox Christians in Ethiopia can't use it because it's an anorexant...do they have a rule against artificially suppressing one's appetite? I feel this should be explained.
- No, some Orthodox Christians use it now, but the church forbids it because it is a stimulant. — ዮም | (Yom) | Talk • contribs • Ethiopia 21:03, 6 September 2006 (UTC)
[edit] Somalia Islamists ban drug
That's my source, but I bad at editing and citing so someone else is free to do it. [1]
[edit] France????
is khat legal in france?
No. Added info. Miserlou 20:45, 1 January 2007 (UTC)
[edit] Price Inflation
My math say Kenya exports at $2 per pound and the US imports it at $25 per pound. Really!? I wonder how man pounds of rice it would take to buy a pound of Khat in Mog? --Rcollman 23:40, 2 January 2007 (UTC)
[edit] khat in canada
News http://www.cbc.ca/canada/toronto/story/2007/01/26/tor-khat.html —The preceding unsigned comment was added by Sonjaaa (talk • contribs) 18:31, 26 January 2007 (UTC).
[edit] DJIBOUTI
Shouldn't Djibouti be mentioned in this too ? It's legal and widely used there too.
- If you have info on it, it'd be great if you added it in. Perhaps nobody else workin on the article has that info —Preceding unsigned comment added by M4390116 (talk • contribs) 02:08, 3 August 2008 (UTC)
[edit] uncited
On May 17, 2007 200 lbs. of Khat was found in a self storage facility in Louisville, KY.
uncited "fact" entered by an isp that has had been respoonsible for some vandalism. I'm not sure if it is a legit edit or not, and do not know how to cite the block as needing more inforation, can anyone verify this? Childhoodtrauma 18:46, 20 June 2007 (UTC)
[edit] Qat (Khat - photo and Djibouti
As far as I can see the plannt despicted is not Catha edulis, a better photo is needed. It is quite correct that Djibouti should be included as an area consuming large amounts of Qat.
>> the plant pictured is in fact Catha edulis.
Maybe it is, but I doubt it, if you will forgive my butting in. See my comments at the end of my edit of Qat in South Africa. There certainly are better pics on line.
JeanGeilland (talk) 14:16, 12 July 2008 (UTC)
What is the passage in the New Testament that may refer to the use of qat? I have not been able to find this in the secondary literature which this Wikipedia article cites. NANIBGAL2 (talk) 15:52, 16 June 2009 (UTC)
[edit] Examples of why this article needs work
"Children start chewing Khat at the age of 10."
Really? Not 9 or 11?
From the article:
"In Yemen it is so popular that 40% of the country's water supply goes towards irrigating it, with the percentage increasing by about 10% to 15% every year."
The same fact, from the source cited (the BBC):
"Of the country's scarce water, 40% goes on irrigating khat - and khat cultivation is increasing by 10% to 15% a year."
Not really the same thing, is it?
Finally, this statement:
"Withdrawal symptoms that may follow prolonged khat use include lethargy, mild depression, nightmares, and slight tremor. Long term use can precipitate the following effects: negative impact on liver function, permanent tooth darkening (of a greenish tinge), susceptibility to ulcers, and diminished sex drive. Khat is usually not an addictive drug, although there are some people who cannot stay without it for more than 4-5 days. They feel tired and have difficulty concentrating."
So it isn't very addictive, but there are well-documented withdrawal symptoms? There is no source for the "not very addictive" statement anyway...and any fool can see that huge swaths of the population in certain countries are horribly addicted. Thus the withdrawal.
Not trying to throw stones here - I know nothing about Qat and have no business editing the article. But this article need a lot of work to be up to standard, and the three examples cited here are eggregious enough that I have added a Disputed tag. I hope some of the contributors who actually know a little bit about this substance will have a look. Kgdickey 13:21, 2 July 2007 (UTC)
While the only knowledge I have of the substance is from a book by P.J. O'Rourke, I cleaned up the article and integrated or corrected a lot. I'm just wondering, but do we need the list of countries and the status of Khat in them? The list could go on for a while, and I think except in certian cases (Australia and New Zealand, Great Britain) if it's simply a controlled substance we can list it as part of some form of a group, along with places it is uncontrolled. That would allow us to expand without making the article larger than it needs to be. In my opinion, we can also take out the section on Somalia from that group, since its content has been mentioned other places in the article. Ageofe 02:54, 16 August 2007 (UTC)
The language journal VERBATIM (see www.verbatimmag.com), nominally a quarterly publlication but somewhat irregular in its appearance, has in the September, 2007, issue a lengthy piece on the experience and pleasures of chewing Khat (Qat) that may be worth noting in this article. Frankatca 16:34, 8 October 2007 (UTC)
[edit] Khat and allergies
I have found that chewing khat helps with my allergies and my breathing in general. It seems to do a very good job at unblocking my nose. Does anyone know if there is a correlation between the two?
VFRog 22:20, 25 October 2007 (UTC)
Added Jan 18 08: The active ingredients in khat are chemically very similar to phenylpropanolamine (referred to in the main article as norephedrine.) Phenylpropanolamine is a decongestant that was removed from the market due to safety concerns. Phenylpropanolamine is chemically similar to ephedrine, a decongestant and bronchodialator that is still sold OTC as an asthma medicine, and is somewhat similar to pseudophedrine (Sudafed), an isomer of ephedrine sold as a decongestant. So, yes, khat would likely have decongestant effects, but it would be safer (both medically and legally) to use Sudafed instead, or maybe ephedrine (say, Primatene tablets or Bronkaid) if Sudafed doesn't work for you.
Also see the text in Khat in SOuth Africa for some discussion of the uses and active ingredients of the plant JeanGeilland (talk) 14:14, 12 July 2008 (UTC)
seems to me noone really knows what this really is maybe go to the source like i don't know the DEA! i for one and many other people i've asked have never even heard of it apparently the few folks in here talking about it are the only ones who have. i live in the USA and we don't get to many "khat" busts here. so good luck on actually finding information on this subject. this is why web sites like wikipedia are so in accurrate to manny people come in here and edit, edit , edit then noone knows! these web sites are not reliable and not one person could use this as a resource in a reasearch paper. too unreliable! —Preceding unsigned comment added by Noone28 (talk • contribs) 06:47, 13 April 2009 (UTC)
[edit] Qat in South Africa
Regarding this statement:
In the town of Bohmensaka, South Africa the consumption of this product has been noted to date back to the 1500's. Tribes would chew on these at festivals and large gatherings. Khat was a delicacy to the natives and was customary to their nature.
I've never heard of the town of Bohmensaka, and Google returns nothing except links to this reference! Also, tribes don't tend to live in towns, or they certainly didn't in the 1500s. Finally, Khat... was customary to their nature is a nonsensical statement. I'd like to remove this.
Caroline Greenway 02:19, 3 November 2007 (UTC)
This is documented in an article by Manton Hirst - see refs. in this article in the Daily Dispatch (East London SA): http://www.dispatch.co.za/1999/10/26/features/DRUGORNO.HTM —Preceding unsigned comment added by 68.236.145.80 (talk) 03:05, 7 July 2008 (UTC)
[edit] Book sources
From Jean Geilland (in South Africa) still struggling to manage this medium.
Here follow a few extracts from some books in my possession. Though most of the authors in question are by now deceased, the material is all still in copyright, but I think that as it stand here this amounts to fair quotation with full acknowledgement and due respect for some monumental works. The references I give are abridged from the title pages, but they should be adequate for most purposes. Unfortunately at least two of the books are badly out of print and I am not about to lend out my copies. You might find the originals in some major libraries.
First a quote from: The Genera Of Southern African Flowering Plants. Volume I Dicotyledons. R. Allen Dyer ISBN 0 621 02854 1. 1975
4629 CATHA Forsk. ex Scop., Introd. Hist. Nat. 228 (1777); Robson in Bol. Soc. Brot. 39: 34 (1965); under Celastrus by Sond. in FC. 1: 452 (1860). Lydenburgia Robson; Codd in Bothalia 9:124 (1966) Shrub or tree, unarmed, glabrous, with compressed, glaucous twigs. Leaves opposite on flowering shoots, alternate on older wood, petioled, lanceolate, with serrate margin; stipules soon caducous. Flowers in short, axillary cymes. Sepals 5, small, ovate, sometimes ciliate. Petals 5, much longer than sepals, oblong to elliptic. Disc saucer-shaped, with 5-crenate margin. Stamens 5, shorter than petals, filaments subterete; anthers 2-thecous. Ovary 3-locular, with 2 basal ovules in each loculus. Styles 3, free. Fruit capsular, oblong; seeds 1-3, reddish, oblong, with a wing below the point of attachment. Species 2, Africa, Madagascar, Arabia; Catha edulis, (Vahl) Forsk. ex Endl.; from tropics mainly in eastern Transvaal and Natal bush clumps to about Knysna in the Cape; C. cassinoides (Robson) Codd, endemic in Transvaal, Lydenburg district.
[edit] W&BB
The next quote is from:
THE MEDICINAL AND POISONOUS PLANTS OF SOUTHERN AND EASTERN AFRICA Being an account of their medicinal and other uses, chemical composition, pharmacological effects and toxicology in man and animal By
John Mitchell Watt and Maria Gerdina Breyer-Brandwijk
SECOND EDITION 1962
Note that I shall not at this time give the details of the references cited within the quoted text; for one thing I do not know how much interest there would be, or accordingly whether it would be worth the trouble. Many university libraries should have these books on their shelves, so I shall not at this time take the matter any further.
178 CELASTRACEAE
The fresh leaf and twig of Catha edulis Forsk. has been used as a stimulant not only in South Africa but more particularly in Arabia and Somalia by the Arab, in Abyssinia and Erithrea and in Tanganyika especially among the Masai and the Kikuyu. In South Africa the leaf and twig have been used chiefly by the Bushman, who make a stimulating beverage from the leaf as well as chewing the young shoot as a stimulant (D63). In Arabia (D22, P1, B265. M227, B319, H274), Abyssinia (D22, S83, B127, R174, C56, M120, H274), Somalia (C56), Erithrea (C56) and Tanganyika (B38) the leaf is chewed and used as a tea, in both cases as a stimulant. It has even been suggested that the plant might be used in place of tea and coffee as a beverage (B319) and it is actually served with coffee particularly in Abyssinia (H274). In Arabia and Abyssinia the leaf has been used as a protection against pestilence (D22) and in Arabia especially against bubonic plague (G47). The plant is cultivated (H274) in Arabia (G47, B319), Abyssinia (C56, G47), Erithrea (C56), Tanganyika (G47) and the Northern parts of Somalia. In Harrar and Yemen khat is an important item in social intercourse, especially at birth, circumcision, marriage and funeral services (H274). In addition, in Harrar, twigs of the plant are placed on a grave for seven days and a visitor to the grave chews a twig (H274).
The leaf is an inebriant narcotic with stimulant effects (G51, G53, P1, G42, B179, S83, B3, A163, H274). It produces a marked sustaining effect with release from fatigue and hunger feelings, as well as euphoria (R174. A163). It is said to have a slightly bitter, yet pleasant flavour, with a strong sweet taste of liquorice and has been regarded as nourishing (S79). Usually a twig of about ten leaves, weighing less than a gramme, is chewed (G47). This produces wakefulness, a feeling of well-being and mental alertness. It produces thirst and water is drunk at intervals during khat chewing. Taken in excess it produces inebriant effects which simulate those of alcohol (G47) and ultimately a deep stupor (P89). Recovery from the stupor is characterized by listlessness and quarrelsomeness, associated with antagonism to authority (P89). Immoderate use, if persisted in, produces a condition in which the habitué lives in a dream world, in which the khat chewer becomes mentally divorced from reality and develops deterioration in character (P89, H274). He becomes increasingly apathetic, dull in intellect and unable to concentrate; he is no longer able to work and becomes a burden on his family and friends (P89). He also becomes a liar (P89, C42) and acquires an attitude of irresponsible fearlessness (P89, E2). It has even been under suspicion of causing cardiac effects (H274). Similar effects are described from French Somaliland (K310).
As a rule the young leaf and twig are chewed fresh (347) but in Ethiopia (B4) and in Abyssinia (H274) they are also eaten as a paste made with honey, while in Tanganyika they are sometimes taken with sugar (B47). In Arabia the dry leaf is sometimes smoked like tobacco (B47). A 1:16 infusion is also said to have been used (P229). In the past the young leaf attached to the young branchlets, 6 to 8 inches long, was bound into bundles which were wrapped in grass to prevent withering (G47. B4). Nowadays it is said to be difficult to find such packings in East Africa but we illustrate one which had unfortunately dried out a bit before we had the opportunity of photographing it. The bundles are said to keep fresh for a week and have often been transported successfully over long distances (G47). The connoisseur distinguishes quite a number of varieties of khat and these have been fully described by Greenway (G47). Two good historical reviews of the use and effects of khat are by Greenway (G47) and Peters (P89) and the control of khat by legislation has been considered in East Africa (E3). The wood is used in Kenya and Tanganyika for rafters, building poles (B38, G47), and in Tanganyika for making spoons and combs and as fuel (G47, B38). It has also been used in cabinet-making and for pulping. In Tanganyika the leaf and root are used as an influenza remedy (G47), the root for stomach troubles (G47, B38) and the leaf to improve dental health (A163). In South Africa in the early days it has been used for cough, asthma and other diseases of the chest. It has been erroneously suggested (H221, H210) that Catha edulis may be useful in the treatment of impaired memory. Extracts of the plant have given negative antibiotic tests (K23, O13).
Flückiger and Gerock (T6) isolated an alkaloid katine from the leaf and Mosso (T6) an alkaloid celastrine which were regarded by Tschirch (T6) as identical. Beitter (B12) isolated katine C10H18ON2, a strongly odorous volatile oil, tannin and mannitol from the leaf and 50-78 per cent of fixed oil from the seed. The tannin has been found to the extent of 14 per cent of catechol tannins (P309). Dulcitol has also been isolated from the leaf (P221). Stockman (S74) has isolated three alkaloids which he named cathine 0.27 per cent, cathinine 0.15 per cent and cathidine 0.32 per cent, the presence of which has been confirmed (P309). Wolfes (W197) finds that cathine is d-norisoephedrine C9H13ON, a soluble crystalline alkaloid mp 77.5-78C. It is odourless and strongly alkaline and is isolated to the extent of 0.03-0.08 per cent. Full details of the chemistry of this substance are to be found in Henry (H218) and Manske (M277). Flückiger and Gerock and Mosso did not find any caffeine in the plant although Henry (H218) states that the flower contains a purine derivative.
Chevalier (C200) finds that cathine has a stimulant-narcotic action on the central nervous system, similar to that of cocaine but with no analgesic or anaesthetic properties. It has cardiotoxic effects similar to those of caffeine. Stockman (S75) records that cathine, cathinine and cathidine, although they differ in detail, all produce a stimulant-narcotic action resembling somewhat that of cocaine and caffeine. Cathinine does not depress the brain in the way that cathine does and is more stimulant to the spinal cord. Both cathine and cathidine in large doses, paralyse motor nerve terminations. Cathadine has much less stimulant effect on the nervous system and more marked muscle depression. Trellu (T211) also discusses the pharmacodynamics of khat and cathine. Leete (L264) says that the principal alkaloid is d-norpseudoephedrine which is synthesized in the aerial parts of the plant.
Fifty milligrammes of khat has a sedative effect but 300 to 400 mg. produces hyperexcitability, mydriasis, spinal convulsions and death from respiratory paralysis (R174). Sub-lethal doses increase the respiration and body temperature and heighten sensory perception (R174). The subcutaneous injection of 10 mg./kg. of the total alkaloids in the mouse results in passing muscular relaxation and 10 per cent mortality (P309). The infusion and a tea of the plant produces a higher mortality (P309). It appears, therefore, that the whole effect of the plant is not due only to the alkaloidal content (P309). The opinion is expressed that the khat habit is no more harmful than the tobacco habit (R174).
The action of d-norisoephedrine closely mimics that of ephedrine but is weaker than l- and dl-ephedrine (C216). Ephedrine (G187, G210) acts by inhibiting the action of an enzyme system which normally destroys adrenaline, or the substance closely resembling it, produced by adrenergic nerves. Amine oxidase does not destroy ephedrine but, in the presence of ephedrine, this enzyme is prevented from destroying adrenaline. Ephedrine is therefore essentially a symphathomimetic substance and its pharmacological effects resemble those of adrenaline with certain differences. The action of ephedrine is more prolonged than that of adrenaline because it is more stable than the latter and unlike adrenaline it is effective when administered by the mouth. The effect of ephedrine on the blood pressure is much less intense and much more prolonged than that of adrenaline and repeated doses of the former, given within a few hours, produce a diminishing effect whereas the effect of the same dose of adrenaline is invariably of the same intensity. The action of ephedrine is not reversed by ergotoxine and is abolished by cocaine. In mammals ephedrine raises the blood pressure, increases cardiac activity, dilates the pupil, dilates the bronchi, inhibits intestinal movements and raises the blood sugar level. The toxicity is low but disagreeable sideactions are common in its use as an antiallergic.
Excessive khat chewing can apparently result in insanity and also toxic effects (B6). The symptoms in the former were mild mania associated with schizophrenic symptoms. Both patients were Africans. Moderate khat intoxication usually produces a condition of excessive and effusive politeness. Recovery is rapid from the addiction if supplies are withheld. Toxic effects result in excitability and loss of articulation, inability to walk and periodic spasmodic and jerky movements of the limbs with eyes wide open and staring, pupils normal size and equal and reacting sluggishly to light accommodation (H206). Legs and arms are spastic and resist passive flexion and extension. Patient very sensitive to external impressions (H206). Sudden noises result in groaning and twitching of the limbs (H206). Marked hyperaesthesiae all over the body. Pin pricks produce pain and twitching of adjacent muscles (H206). Attempts to elicit abdominal reflexes result in violent generalized twitching of abdominal muscles and a touch on the forehead caused twitching of the whole face (H206). Opisthotonus has not been observed (H206). A patient, under observation and treatment for four days, was in coma throughout this period and then died (H206).
Addiction to khat is known (H206, P89, F2, B315) but its price and the difficulty in obtaining it probably act as good preventatives (P87). Addicts often become mentally and physically debilitated as early as 30 to 40 years of age and many become sexually impotent (P89, C56). Occasional use is said, however, to produce sexual stimulation but habituation the opposite (H274). It is also said that addiction to the chewing of khat is harmful owing to the gastric effects of the large amount of tannin consumed (B4). Two cases of insanity in the African have been attributed to the khat habit. The effects are a mild mania with some schizophrenic symptoms (C42). A striking facet is the excessive politeness displayed by the sufferer (C42). One case of aggravation of a pre-existent psychosis in a European is noted (C42). Acute homicidal mania may develop (P89) but it has also been reported that a man under the influence of khat does not become violent (E2).
The following important and significant observations (G304) made at Djibouti are quoted in extenso:
- "In view of the situation which has been brought about by khat at Djibouti, the French Government had to consider whether it should continue to regard khat as simply a habit-forming substance. To answer that question, it referred to the definitions approved by the Expert Committee on Addiction-Producing Drugs in its seventh report.
- It was found that khat does not fall clearly within the terms of either of the two definitions of drug addiction and drug habituation. In fact, in the light of the description of the situation prevailing in Djibouti, it can be said that khat falls within the definition of habituation given in the first three paragraphs:
- (1) There is a desire (but not a compulsion) to continue taking the drug for the sense of improved well-being which it engenders.
- (2) There is little or no tendency to increase the dose.
- (3) There is some degree of psychic dependence on the effect of the drug, but absence of physical dependence and hence of an abstinence syndrome.
- "On the other hand, although there may be some doubt with regard to the theoretical definition of the effects of khat, it is obviously necessary to take energetic steps to combat this social evil without delay.
The leaf and twig yield 135.7 mg./ I00 gm. of ascorbic acid and the leaf alone 324.6 mg./100 gm.
- In view of the urgency of the question, the French Government decided, even before the meeting of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs, to prohibit the use of this plant."
Finally a quote (largely an extract from the former) taken from:
Food From The Veld
Edible wild plants of southern Africa botanically identified and described by
FRANCIS WILLIAM FOX and MARION EMMA NORWOOD YOUNG
In collaboration with DESMOND HALLOWES RENA SEGAL RUTH WUSTROW With botanical descriptions by GERRIT GERMISHUIZEN
DELTA BOOKS 1982
CELASTRACEAE
Catha edulis (Vahl) Forsk. ex Endl, (Methyscophyllum glaucum Eckl. & Zeyh.)
Catha edulis
Common names. English Abyssinian tea, African tea, Arabian tea, Arabic khat, Bushmen's tea, wild tea; Afrikaans — Abyssinia kat, Boesmans tee, Spelonke tee; Shona — mutsawhare, muzaramashawa, Venda — luthadzi, iwani; Xhosa — igqwaka; Zulu — umhlwazi.
Description
A shrub or small deciduous tree with a short straight stem and small sparse crown. Bark whitish, longitudinally ridged. Leaves simple, opposite, narrowly oval to lanceolate, dark green dull glossy on the upper surface, pale green below, the margins serrate. Inflorescence a lax several-flowered cyme. Flowers small, pale yellow. Fruit red, small, oblong, woody, a 3-chambered capsule. Seeds reddish, oblong, with a membranous wing.
Distribution
Occurs in mountain forests and forest verges from the Cape midlands through the eastern Cape Province, Transkei, Lesotho, Natal to Swaziland and the eastern and northern Transvaal. Also found in tropical East Africa.
Use
Watt & Breyer-Brandwijk (1962) say that in South Africa the leaf and twig have been used chiefly by Bushmen who make a stimulating beverage from the leaf as well as chewing the young shoot as a stimulant. There is a marked sustaining effect releasing tire subject from fatigue and hunger feelings. The leaf is said to have a slightly bitter yet pleasant flavour, with a strong sweet taste of liquorice and has been regarded as nourishing. Usually the young leaf and twig are chewed fresh, but in East Africa young leaves attached to young branchlets, 20cm long, are wrapped in grass to prevent withering. The bundles are reported to keep fresh for a week and have often been transported over long distances.
[edit] Discussion
Note that although these sources go back as far as forty years or even more, the quotes sit well with several of the comments that appear on the talk pages concerning Catha. The limited and confusing incidence of abuse and damage, but apparent lack of dependence in most cases have long been known. Other points include the ephedrine-like pharmacological utility in treating congestion; the way in which anecdotal reports of effects resemble those of abuse of amphetamines; the clearly suggestive evidence that the alkaloids are not the only active ingredients; and the limited shelf-life of the fresh product. Some of the remarks I personally find confusing. The amounts the Watt et al mention are minute. Several leaves to a gram??? Perhaps there was some confusion transcribing hand written notes to the manuscript? I cannot say. Again, some of the references clearly are quoting lay opinions and even anecdotes (for example, the "excessive politeness" clearly is subjectively assessed, and the provenance and origins of the mania are unclear.) However, I am strongly of the opinion that those who mindlessly parrot the aphorism that "the plural of 'anecdote' is not 'data' " drastically need to ramp up their command of the role of information theory in the accumulation and structuring of evidence in either practice or theory. Unregenerate I, either in scorning those who automatically accept and cite, or condemning those who smugly pride themselves on remaining oblivious of, unverifiable lay observations or interpretations. Such persons should be required to write contrite essays on the appropriate respect for that which may rationally affect one's assessment of the relative strength of rival hypotheses, and the treacherously simplistic views that remain once one has discarded everything that does not emerge from investigations limited to the scope of one's own preconceptions, and the laboratory work and statistical analyses based thereon.
And oh yes, speaking of anecdotal evidence, I am sure that I am not the only one to find google images of great value, or to treat them with deep suspicion. One that I treat with suspicion is the Catha edulis image on the Wiki page, no matter how solemnly I am assured of its correctness. A far more persuasive specimen is the one at www.fkog.uu.se. I also could go for the flowers at www.botany.hawaii.edu. Some others leave me breathless, not counting a couple of young ladies called Catha. Have a look at www.xplanta.com for the love of Mike! I actually went to the source and found that the actual site also had that error, and these were the guys selling the stuff! It shows a red passion flower! About half as far from Catha as you can get and still be a dicotyledon! It is pretty of course. Why not show it and label it "Not Catha, but nice"? I have a couple of line drawings from books, but don't yet know how to submit them.
PS. I am 105.37% with Caroline Greenway's remarks. I too have never heard of that place, nor anything that sounds like it. Also she is correct in her assessment of both the historical and mystical remarks she mentions.
JeanGeilland (talk) 13:53, 12 July 2008 (UTC)
pictures fo the actually khat plant can be found on the most reliable sorce of them all the DEA's website and what you people are discribing and what i've seen on this particuler site they look nothing like the real thing! —Preceding unsigned comment added by Noone28 (talk • contribs) 06:52, 13 April 2009 (UTC)
[edit] Proper usage of Khat / Absorption route (WILL I EVER GET AN ANSWER To THIS??)
Should the Khat juice that forms when chewing the leaves be left and swished in your mouth for mucous membrane absorption (like LSD) or should it be swallowed for gastrointestinal absorption (like alcohol/ecstasy)?
"When the khat leaves are chewed, cathine and cathinone are released and absorbed through the mucous membranes of the mouth and the lining of the stomach"- Based on that information and http://leda.lycaeum.org , you're supposed to have it like chewing tobacco but there are a variety of other ways you can do it. Ageofe (talk) 19:09, 30 May 2008 (UTC)
- So with chewing tobacco, I let the juice sift around my mouth for around 5 minutes and then swallow it? Or is it any different?
- Thanks--79.178.149.190 (talk) 16:21, 9 July 2008 (UTC)
[edit] Bot report : Found duplicate references !
In the last revision I edited, I found duplicate named references, i.e. references sharing the same name, but not having the same content. Please check them, as I am not able to fix them automatically :)
- "Sanaa" :
- [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/from_our_own_correspondent/6530453.stm Yemen's khat habit soaks up water] by Alex Kirby. Written [[2007]]-[[April 7|4-7]]. Accessed [[2007]]-[[April 8|4-8]].
- a
DumZiBoT (talk) 11:11, 8 August 2008 (UTC)
[edit] Loss of Appetite Reference Needed
The former loss of appetite referenced webpage [2] has been taken down so another citation is needed. --Kwake20 (talk) 21:52, 15 December 2008 (UTC)
[edit] Soon to be delegalized in Poland
This substance is on the list of 18(?) Substances soon to be delegalized (criminalized) in Poland:
Argyreia nervosa - Hawaiian Baby Woodrose, Banisteriopsis caapi - Ayhuasca, Calea zacatechichi - Dream Herb, Catha edulis - Khat, Echinopsis pachanoi - San Pedro (cactus), Piper methysticum - Kava Kava, Leonotis leonurus - Wild Dagga, Mimosa tenuiflora - Jurema, Mitragyna speciosa - Kratom, Nymphaea caerulea, Peganum harmala, Psychotria viridis, Rivea corymbosa, Salvia divinorum, Tabernanthe iboga - Iboga, Trichocereus peruvianus, Benzylpiperazine - BZP, JWH-018 - Spice
the bill (author of the bill: Grzegorz Sztolcman?) was accepted by Polish Sejm (for - 404, against - 5, and 2 abstent)[3] [4], Polish Senat [5] and the President of Poland [6].
