Khat

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Khat

Khat (pronounced: /kæt/), also known as Catha edulis, is a flowering plant native to the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Khat contains the alkaloid cathinone, a stimulant, which is said to cause excitement, loss of appetite, and euphoria.

Pronunciation

Khat is pronounced as /kæt/.

Etymology

The term "Khat" is derived from Arabic: القات‎ al-qat. It is also known as qat, qaat, quat, gat, jaad, chat, chad, chaad, and miraa.

Description

Khat is a slow-growing shrub or tree that grows to between 1.5 metres and 20 metres tall, depending on region and rainfall, with evergreen leaves 5–10 cm long and 1–4 cm broad. The flowers are produced on short axillary cymes 4–8 cm long, each flower small, with five white petals. The fruit is an oblong three-valved capsule containing 1–3 seeds.

Effects

The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies khat as a drug of abuse that can produce mild to moderate psychological dependence. The plant has been targeted by anti-drug organizations such as the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in the United States.

Related Terms

  • Cathinone: An amphetamine-like stimulant found in Khat.
  • Alkaloid: A class of naturally occurring organic compounds that mostly contain basic nitrogen atoms.
  • Stimulant: A substance that raises levels of physiological or nervous activity in the body.

See Also

External links

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