Mitodepressive effect of (-)-cathinone, from Catha edulis (khat), on the meristematic region of Allium cepa root tips

(-)-Cathinone, a psychostimulant alkaloid from khat, showed a significant mitodepressive effect on the dividing cells of Allium cepa root tips. This effect was dose-dependent and irreversible. Exposure of root cell to cathinone for 48 hr produced significant condensation and clumping of chromosomes, sticky metaphases and anaphase bridges. Our study suggests that the teratogenic and mutagenic effects of khat extracts as reported by earlier workers might be partially or totally due to their (-)-cathinone content.