Khat: A Boon or bane to humanity

Khat, an evergreen shrub habitually ingested for its euphoric and
\nstimulatory effects, is grown mainly in eastern Africa and south-western
\nArabia. Its consumption has, for a long time, been restricted to areas
\nclose to the sites of production but, because of recent improvement in
\nefficiency and speed of transportation, khat consumption has spread to far
\nflung lands such as North America, Canada, Australia, United Kingdom
\nand parts of Europe. In regions where it is grown, daily life seems to
\ncentre on the crop bringing together farmers, traders, middle men,
\nconsumers and transporters. Thousands of dollars change hands daily in
\nmarket centres where khat business is transacted making it the most
\nlucrative business in these regions. The economies of these regions are
\ntherefore driven and sustained by khat trade. Khat contains a psychoactive
\ncompound belonging to the phenylpropylamine group of alkaloids called
\ncathinone which has amphetamine-like effects. It causes mild euphoria,
\nwakefulness and a host of other effects on regular consumers. Long distance
\ntruck drivers are known to constantly chew khat in order to stay awake.
\nSome chewers, however, derive satisfaction in the ability of khat to promote
\nwork endurance while others do it for leisure. Consumers generally prefer
\nyoung leaves and shoots because they contain a more potent active
\ningredient cathinone which decays within 48 h to a less potent form called
\ncathine. Despite these positive attributes of khat, it poses serious health
\nrisks to consumers arising from the effects of its active ingredient, cathinone,

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