KHAT ABUSE – AN OVERVIEW -

Khat or Catha edulis fresh leaves are chewed in East Africa & Arabian Peninsula. Recently inroads were made into U.S.A, Canada, UK and European Union. Hyderabad police arrested a Yemini national importing Khat leaves as leafy Vegetables. Khat is a WHO listed narcotic substance. The chewers show long term effects and withdrawal issues. Cathinone , the alkaloid from these leaves exhibits amphetamine like properties. In this paper its traditional use, pharmacological actions, and manifestations are presented to focus this newer entrant into our country and its likely medico legal ramifications.