Article

2010-12-18 Arabia

Violence Resumes in South Yemen after Championship Calm

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Posted by Fred 2010-12-18 00:00|| || Front Page|| [11133 views ] Top

#1 The high daily usage of Khat by Yemeni men has to have something to do with this constant violence.

Khat chewing usually takes place in groups in a social setting. Only a minority frequently chew alone. A session may last for several hours. During this time chewers drink copious amounts of non-alcoholic fluids such as cola, tea and cold water. In a khat chewing session, initially there is an atmosphere of cheerfulness, optimism and a general sense of well-being. After about 2 hours, tension, emotional instability and irritability begin to appear, later leading to feelings of low mood and sluggishness. Chewers tend to leave the session feeling depleted.

Active constituents
Khat contains more than 40 alkaloids, glycosides, tannins, amino acids, vitamins and minerals (Halbach, 1972). Most of the effect of chewing khat is thought to come from two phenylalkylamines â cathinone and cathine â which are structurally related to amphetamine (Nencini et al, 1984). The presence of amphetamine and caffeine in khat has been excluded. A number of other constituents, including cathidine, eduline and ephedrine, have been identified, but it is unlikely that any of these, except tannin, play a role in khatâs effects

Cathinone has been termed a ânatural amphetamineâ. It produces sympathomimetic and central nervous system stimulation analogous to the effects of amphetamine, hence its similar clinical effects. The difference in effect is due to slight pharmacodynamic variations between the stimulating substances, to other plant constituents (mainly tannins), and to differences in dosage and the mode of consumption.

Actions of cathinone and cathine
Cathinone is also named (â)-alpha-aminopropiophenone. It is considered to be the most active ingredient of khat. It has been isolated and synthesised and its effects have been shown to be similar to amphetamine, but with a lower potency. Cathinone is estimated to be 7â10 times more potent than cathine. It is difficult to synthesise, therefore it is unsuitable for marketing as a pure substance for drug misuse (Nencini et al, 1989).

Cathine is also named (+)-norpseudoephedrine and phenylpropanolamine. It had previously been isolated from the plant ephedra, which has effects similar to those of khat. Cathine has a milder psychostimulant action than cathinone and the effects last for only a short time, so the user must chew leaves almost continuously. It plays only a minor role in the action of khat, but it is cathine that is responsible for the unwanted systemic effects. Normally, fresh leaves contain a higher proportion of the desirable cathinone. Where the content of cathine is relatively higher, the cathine causes more unwanted systemic effects. On drying, cathinone breaks down into cathine. Therefore khat chewers prefer fresh leaves that contain a higher proportion of cathinone to cathine, so that they obtain a better stimulation with fewer systemic adverse effects.

Modes of action
The constituents of khat have been shown to exert their effects on two main neurochemical pathways: dopamine and noradrenalin. It has also been postulated that, like amphetamine, cathinone releases serotonin in the central nervous system. Both cathinone and amphetamine induce release of dopamine from central nervous system dopamine terminals and thus increase the activity of the dopaminergic pathways (Kalix & Braenden, 1985). Cathinone has a releasing effect on noradrenalin storage sites, which supports the conclusion that cathinone facilitates noradrenalin transmission. Drake (1988) also proposed that cathinone and cathine cause inhibition of noradrenalin uptake.

Posted by Water Modem 2010-12-18 13:38|| 2010-12-18 13:38|| Front Page Top

#2 We'll soon be able to square those Khat chomping terrs away! When our new US Senate approved Sodomite Brigades are flown in, those goat buggering bastids will be running for cover.

Posted by Besoeker 2010-12-18 16:17|| 2010-12-18 16:17|| Front Page Top

#3 initially there is an atmosphere of cheerfulness, optimism and a general sense of well-being. After about ~~2 hours~~ 20 minutes, tension, emotional instability and irritability begin to appear, later leading to feelings of low mood and sluggishness.

sounds like sex with my ex-girlfriend

Posted by Frank G 2010-12-18 16:29|| 2010-12-18 16:29|| Front Page Top

#4 "tension, emotional instability and irritability begin to appear, later leading to feelings of low mood and sluggishness

sounds like sex with my ex-girlfriend"

Does that describe her, or you, Frank?

Posted by Barbara Skolaut 2010-12-18 17:14|| 2010-12-18 17:14|| Front Page Top

#5 no comment

Posted by Frank G 2010-12-18 17:25|| 2010-12-18 17:25|| Front Page Top

#6 ;-p, Frank.

Posted by Barbara Skolaut 2010-12-18 19:09|| 2010-12-18 19:09|| Front Page Top

#7 #3 initially there is an atmosphere of cheerfulness, optimism and a general sense of well-being. After about 2 hours 20 minutes, tension, emotional instability and irritability begin to appear, later leading to feelings of low mood and sluggishness.

Nothing a good vacuuming of the quarters wouldn't cure. Done with that? Now start the pot roast.

Posted by Besoeker 2010-12-18 19:13|| 2010-12-18 19:13|| Front Page Top

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