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.

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In the course of our analytical studies (1) of the CNS-active khatamines from Catha edulis Forsk. (Celastraceae), a popular stimulant in Yemen and East Africa (2,3), chromatographic and spectroscopie data indicated the presence of further

Die ZNS-aktiven Phenyipropylamine von NPE) und (-)-Norephedrin (1-NE), sind nicht Catha edulis, (-)-u-Aminopropiophenon nur aus biogenetischer Sicht von Interesse [1, (Cathinon), (+)-Norpseudoephedrin (d-2], sondern sie besitzen auch bemerkenswerte

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