Effects of Khat (Catha Edulis Forsk) on Spatial Learning and Memory

Khat (Catha edulis forsk) is a flowering plant native totropical East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, which contains the alkaloidcalled cathinone. Cathinone is a psycho-stimulant with an amphetamine-like chemical structure.The earliest known documented description of khat is reportedin the Kitab al-Saidala fi al-Tibb an 11th century work on pharmacy and materia medica written by Ab Rayh n al-B r n , a Persian scientist and biologist.The first scientific description of khat as Catha edulis wasin the Flora Aegyptiaco Arabica written by the Swedish botanist Peter Forskal.In 1980, the World Health Organization (WHO) classified khatas a drug of abuse that can produce mild to moderate psychological dependence.The plant has been targeted by anti-drug organizations like the Drug Enforcement Administration in USA but still remains legal in several countries.

Autorentext

Nchafatso G. Obonyo, BSc., MB.ChB. is currently a Clinical Research Training Fellow at the Kenya Medical Research Institute/ Wellcome Trust Research Programme in Kilifi, Kenya. Nilesh B. Patel, PhD. is an Associate Professor of Physiology & Biophysics and current Chairman Department of Medical Physiology, University of Nairobi.