Compound Monograph
Cathine
Cathine is a mild natural stimulant alkaloid found in the khat plant, related to amphetamine.
Sources · 1
Where Does It Come From?
Cathine is a naturally occurring phenethylamine alkaloid, found in Khat. It is flagged as moderately toxic.
Concentration
Content by Source
Concentrations not reported. No percent-dry-weight or mg/g figures have been published for this compound in its source plants.
Research & Evidence
Cathine (norpseudoephedrine) is a naturally occurring stimulant alkaloid found in the leaves of khat (Catha edulis), a shrub chewed for its stimulant effect in parts of East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. It is structurally related to amphetamine but is considerably less potent than the more active khat alkaloid, cathinone, into which fresh khat is richer. As leaves dry, the more potent cathinone degrades and cathine becomes the predominant active compound.
Toxicity & Safety
Cathine is a relatively mild stimulant, but stimulant effects such as raised heart rate and blood pressure, reduced appetite and restlessness can still occur. Habitual khat use is associated with a range of health and social concerns. Cathine is a controlled substance in many jurisdictions and is listed as Schedule IV in the United States.
