Khat

Pronounced “cot,” a shrub (Catha edulis) found in East Africa and southern Arabia; contains the psychoactive chemicals cathinone and cathine. People from African and Arabian regions (up to an estimated 20 million worldwide) have used khat for centuries as part of cultural tradition and for its stimulant-like effects.

Street Names: Catha, Chat, Kat, Oat

Possible Health Effects: Euphoria, increased alertness and arousal, increased blood pressure and heart rate, depression, paranoia, headaches, loss of appetite, insomnia, fine tremors, loss of short-term memory.

The plant Khat (Catha edulis) that contains alkaloid cathinone, making its use a recreational drug that is illegal in many countries.