The chemistry of khat.

摘要: This paper presents a review of literature on the chemical composition khat (Catha edulis Forsk., Celastraceae). The effect chewing fresh could not be explained satisfactorily by action d-norpseudoephedrine which was, for long time, believed to only stimulant in khat. A comprehensive study was undertaken at United Nations narcotics Laboratory with aim isolating and characterizing principles plant active central nervous system. work resulted detection isolation cathinone, phenylalkylamine characterized as (-)-alpha-aminopropiophenone. It is main component khat, pharmacological studies indicate that it may compound responsible characteristic activity abuse potential plant. Some its "decomposition" or transformation products, such norpseudoephedrine, norephedrine, 3,6-dimethyl-2,5-diphenylpyrazine, 1-phenyl-1,2-propanedione, have also been isolated characterized.