Determination of Levels of Cathine in Khat (Catha edulis) Leaves and its Detection in Urine of Khat Chewers: A Preliminary Report

Abstract

Analysis of the different parts of the Khat plant revealed that the tender leaves, that are
usually preferred by Khat chewers contain the psychoactive alkaloid cathinone, whereas
the older and harder leaves contain cathine, also known as d-norpseudoephedrine. In this
study we used proton nuclear magnetic resonance method not only to establish presence
or absence of these compounds in the leaves, but also to determine their levels. Using this
method no cathine was detected in the fresh twigs and young leaves. On the other hand
the harder and older leaves from the branches gave upto 1.5% cathine. When the young
leaves were dried in the sun and analysed, cathine appeared to be the major component
(1.5%), clearly showing the gradual conversion of cathinone to cathine. The same
analytical method was also used to establish presence or absence of cathine in urine of
Khat chewers.