Khat, analysis

Basic forensic science principles should be adhered to when carrying out the analysis of a Khat seizure. Prior to any chemical investigation, a full physical description of the material should be made and appropriate samples removed for subsequent analytical work. 

TLC of Alkaloids from Khat A comparatively simple TLC system can be used for analysis of these drugs, involving separation on silica gel using a mobile phase which causes ion-suppression, and visualizing the chromatogram with nin-hydrin [4]. 

There are a number of difficulties involved with the comparative analysis of Khat samples. At the time of writing, there are no detailed reports in the literature of optimized methods for comparison of such materials. While thin layer chromatographic methods have been used, this technique suffers from lack of resolution. Coupled to the problems associated with artefact formation during the process of analysis, it still remains difficult to achieve a meaningful comparison with any degree of certainty. 

Schomo, X., Brenneisen, R. and Steinegger, E., Analysis of phenylpropylamines from Catha edulis using HPLC quantification of the khat-amines for plant material of various origin for plant tissues in various stages of vegetation , Planta Medica, 42, 133-134 (1981). 

Laussmann T, Meier-Giebing S. Forensic analysis of hallucinogenic mushrooms and khat (Catha edulis FORSK) using cation-exchange liquid chromatography. Forensic Sci Int 2010 195(l-3) 160-4. 

An identification problem arises in the analysis of khat in that catiunone will begin to degrade to cathine as soon as the khat b harvested. The analytical window b about two da) from that time. In addition, the electron impact mass spectrum of cathine b identical to that of phenylpropanolamine, an amphetamine precursor. 

The experimental and clinical pharmacology of khat, models of addiction, and its adverse effects have been thoroughly reviewed [53 ]. In a special edition of the journal Substance Use and Misuse the moral, pohtical, cultural, and economic influences of khat in Kenyan society have been reviewed, dealing with the complex question of whether khat should be considered an illicit drug [54 ]. Other articles included a review of the impact of khat on women s economic independence and moral standing in East Africa [55 ], a case study of a London neighborhood s response to the use of khat [56 ], and an analysis of the pubUc discourse regarding the role of khat in Ethiopia [57 ]. 

Controlled substances are found in three major forms. The first type is plant or vegetative material. Marijuana, peyote, khat Catha edulis), and mushrooms that contain psilocybin fall into this category. Substances in this form usually require some botanical examination as weU as chemical analyses. To prepare samples for analysis by GC, a specialized extraction procedme is normally required to separate the naturally occurring compounds from the drug to be chromatographed. 

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