Commentary on: Attafi IM, Albeishy MY, Oraiby ME, Khardali IA, Shaikhain GA, Fageeh MM. Postmortem Distribution of Cathinone and Cathine in Human Biological Specimens in a Case of Death Associated with Khat Chewing. Arab J Forensic Sci Forensic Med. 2018 Jun 7;1(7).

The interpretation of post-mortem human tissue toxicology levels may be affected by the sampling site chosen. It is important to bear this in mind when looking at the psychoactive constituents of khat (Catha edulis Forsk.) that has been consumed and has contributed to or caused death. The post-mortem levels of cathine, cathinone and norephedrine/ norpseudoephedrine are very rarely reported, thereby making it impossible for toxicologists, pathologists and others investigating khat-related fatalities to decide if a level is toxic or fatal. This paper presents all the published data that exists to help start documenting this neglected area. Such information should be collected and reported on a systematic basis to facilitate correct interpretations in the future.