A stimulating alkaloid compound found in khat (Catha edulis) leaves, chemically similar to amphetamines and used as a mild stimulant.
From khat (the East African plant Catha edulis) plus chemical suffix -ine, used for alkaloid compounds. The compound was isolated and named in the 19th century.
Millions of people in East Africa and the Middle East chew khat leaves for cathine's stimulant effect—it's been part of their culture for centuries, and now scientists understand exactly what chemical keeps them awake!
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