Nilesh B. Patel

Effects of Khat (Catha Edulis Forsk) on Spatial Learning and Memory: Using the Morris Water Maze Nilesh B. Patel

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.