Frequently Asked Questions
What is KRP?
What are KRP's Goals?
What are the concurrent uses of Khat and Tobacco?
What is Khat?
What are the patterns of use of Khat?
What is the mode of action of Khat?
What are the acute effects of Khat?
WHAT IS KRP?
- The Khat Research Program (KRP) is a multidisciplinary research and training program focusing on khat (Catha edulis)
- The initial phase of the program focuses on neurobehavioral and health effects of chronic khat use
- KRP will form the core for a model for future research initiatives
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KRP GOALS
- Develop collaborative relationships and provide needed capacity-building resources
- Complete preliminary research to determine cognitive, affective, and biobehavioral effects of khat
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CONCURRENT USE OF KHAT AND TOBACCO
- Novel element in KRP is the focus on the concurrent use of multiple psycho-stimulants (khat and tobacco)
- Combating these problems will have significant benefits on the health conditions in many countries
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WHAT IS KHAT?
- A stimulant plant native to tropical East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula
- Widely used in East Africa and the Middle East and among immigrant communities in Western Europe and North America
- Khat is a controlled substance in many countries, but is legally available in many others
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PATTERNS OF USE
- Users fill their mouth with leaves and chew slowly and intermittently to release the active components of khat that are then swallowed
- Typically 100-300 g of khat (1 bundle) is chewed over a 3-4 hour period.
- Chewing usually occurs daily or a few times a week.
- Chewing has a social and cultural tradition, and it may occur while in the company of others or alone
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MODE OF ACTION
(BASED ON ANIMAL STUDIES)
- Khat increases dopamine release
- Khat inhibits dopamine and norepinephrine re-uptake
- Khat may also affect the serotonin system
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ACUTE EFFECTS
- Increased levels of alertness, ability to concentrate, confidence, friendliness, contentment, and flow of ideas
- Chewing session is followed by excessive tension, anxiety, emotional instability, irritability, and restlessness within 2 hours
- Later experience includes feelings of low mood, lack of concentration, sluggishness, and insomnia.
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Khat Research Program (KRP)