spec sheet10 rows
Cathinone (S-(-)-alpha-aminopropiophenone) is the principal psychoactive alkaloid of the khat shrub (Catha edulis), traditionally chewed as a stimulant across East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Structurally it is the beta-keto analog of amphetamine, and pharmacological studies establish that it shares amphetamine's mechanism, evoking release of dopamine and norepinephrine from presynaptic storage sites to produce comparable central and sympathomimetic effects. Its greater polarity and rapid metabolism give a somewhat shorter and milder action than amphetamine, and drug-discrimination studies show animals do not reliably distinguish the two. Cathinone is the parent scaffold from which the entire family of synthetic cathinones, or "bath salts," has been derived.
- Mild amphetamine-like stimulation
- Increased alertness and sociability
- Appetite suppression
- Natural beta-keto amphetamine that releases catecholamines
- Raised heart rate and blood pressure
- Insomnia and anxiety
- Compulsive redosing
Mechanism
Cathinone acts largely as a releasing agent (a substrate that reverses the transporters so they pump transmitter out) at the and transporters, raising levels of both; it has comparatively weak action on . The added beta-keto group makes it more polar than amphetamine, so it crosses into the brain less readily, which is part of why chewed khat feels milder than amphetamine.
receptor fingerprint
Releaser
transporterReleaser
Safetyrisks and cautions, not medical advice
Like other stimulants it raises heart rate and blood pressure, can cause anxiety, insomnia, and appetite loss, and invites compulsive redosing as the short effect fades. Heavy khat use is linked to dental and oral problems, mood disturbance, and dependence. It is risky to combine with other stimulants or with MAOIs, which can amplify cardiovascular and serotonergic strain. Not medical advice.
Subjective profileweighing the evidence above
A natural amphetamine in all but name, with the same blood pressure, insomnia and redosing bill; heavy khat use adds oral, mood and dependence problems on top. Nothing it does is beyond what better-studied stimulants do more predictably.
Resources
This entry is here for reference.
Research
- 1984first citedRecent advances in khat research.
- 2022most recentKhat, a Cultural Chewing Drug: A Toxicokinetic and Toxicodynamic Summary
- 1.Khat, a Cultural Chewing Drug: A Toxicokinetic and Toxicodynamic Summary
- 2.DARK Classics in Chemical Neuroscience: Cathinone-Derived Psychostimulants
- 3.Cathinone, a natural amphetamine.
- 4.Recent advances in khat research.
- 5.Pharmacological characterization of designer cathinones in vitro.
- 6.Neuropharmacology of Synthetic Cathinones.
- 7.Neurobiology of 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) and α-pyrrolidinovalerophenone (α-PVP).
7 listed here; entry last updated August 2026
Reviews
My notesprivate to this device
FAQ
Is cathinone the same as khat?
Cathinone is the main active stimulant in the khat plant; chewing khat delivers it along with other, weaker alkaloids.
How does it compare to amphetamine?
It is chemically close but has an added beta-keto group that makes it enter the brain less easily, so the effect is generally milder and shorter.
Is it addictive?
Yes, regular heavy use can lead to psychological dependence and compulsive patterns, like other stimulants.
Adverse effects
- Raised heart rate and blood pressure
- Insomnia and anxiety
- Compulsive redosing
Notes and cautions
- Oral and dental problems with heavy khat use