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Khat chewing delays gastric emptying of a semi‐solid meal
Author(s) -
HEYMANN T. D.,
BHUPULAN A.,
ZUREIKAT N. E. K.,
BOMANJI J.,
DRINKWATER C.,
GILES P.,
MURRAYLYON I. M.
Publication year - 1995
Publication title -
alimentary pharmacology and therapeutics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.308
H-Index - 177
eISSN - 1365-2036
pISSN - 0269-2813
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2036.1995.tb00356.x
Subject(s) - khat , gastric emptying , medicine , constipation , meal , stimulant , anorexia , traditional medicine , gastroenterology , stomach , pharmacology
SUMMARY Background : The leaves of Khat are chewed for their central stimulant effect, but their use may cause anorexia and constipation. Methods : Gastric emptying of a radio‐labelled semi‐solid meal was measured in 12 healthy volunteers on two occasions a week apart. Subjects chewed either Khat leaves ( Catha edulis ) or lettuce for 2 h before the study. Results : Gastric emptying was significantly ( P < 0.02 prolonged after chewing Khat compared with lettuce. Conclusion : The sympathomimetic action of cathinonn in Khat may cause the observed delay in gastric emptying.