Mechanism of Action of (−)cathinone, a New Alkaloid From Khat Leaves

A new alkaloid, (−)cathinone, has recently been isolated from khat leaves and has been shown to induce amphetamine-like behavioural effects. The actions of this alkaloid at the cellular level are discussed here and it is concluded that (−)cathinone resembles amphetamine in influencing catecholamine release both centrally and peripherally. As it is likely that the central and peripheral symptoms observed during khat consumption are due to these effects of (−)cathinone, it can be assumed that the widespread habit of khat chewing is pharmacologically analogous to amphetamine abuse