Cathinone, also known as benzoylethanamine, or β-keto-amphetamine is a monoamine alkaloid found in the shrub Catha edulis (CAT) and is chemically similar to ephedrine, Cathinone, methCathinone and other amphetamines. It with amphetamine, ephedrine, methamphetamine and mephedrone belongs to excitatory amphetamines psychiatric drugs, has the strong central excitement and suppress appetite, has been widely applied in the depression, fatigue, obesity, gastric ulcer, etc. The earliest found in Arab tea, because of its structure and pharmacological activities are similar to amphetamines, so called “natural amphetamine. It has approximately 10-14% the potency of amphetamine.
S-(-)-Cathinone (S-(-)-alpha-aminopropiophenone) is the major active principle of khat leaves (Catha edulis), which are widely used in East Africa and the Arab peninsula as an amphetamine-like stimulant. After oral administration of synthesized cathinone (isomers, racemate), 22-52% was recovered in 24 h urine samples mainly as aminoalcohol metabolites. With GC/MS, HPLC and CD, the main metabolite of S-(-)-cathinone was identified as R/S-(-)-norephedrine and the main metabolite of R-(+)-cathinone as R/R-(-)-norpseudoephedrine. Both aminoalcohols are formed by a stereospecific keto reduction.
Use too much Cathinone can cause loss of appetite, anxiety, irritability, insomnia, illusion and panic attacks. Abusers have for a long time for the development of personality disorder and continuing the risk of myocardial infarction. The World Anti-Doping Agency’s list of prohibited substances (used for the Olympic Games among other athletic events) bars cathine in concentrations of over 5 micrograms per milliliter in urine.Cathine is a Schedule III drug under the Convention on Psychotropic Substances.
The Multi-Drug Rapid Test Panel yields a positive result when the concentration of Cathinone in urine exceeds detective level.