From Psychoactivity to Antimicrobial Agents: Multifaceted Applications of Synthetic Cathinones and Catha edulis Extracts

• Published in: Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Vol. 29; no. 24; p. 5918
• Main Authors: Andrés, Celia María Curieses, Pérez de la Lastra, José Manuel, Munguira, Elena Bustamante, Juan, Celia Andrés, Pérez-Lebeña, Eduardo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland MDPI AG 01.12.2024
• Subjects: Alkaloids - chemistry; Alkaloids - pharmacology; Amphetamines; Animals; Anti-Infective Agents - chemistry; Anti-Infective Agents - pharmacology; Antidepressants; Carbon; Catha - chemistry; chirality enantioselectivity; Cocaine; Dopamine; drug design; Drug resistance; Drugs; Ecstasy; enantioseparation; Humans; International organizations; Names; Plant Extracts - chemistry; Plant Extracts - pharmacology; poisoning; Psychotropic drugs; Psychotropic Drugs - chemistry; Psychotropic Drugs - pharmacology; Staphylococcus aureus - drug effects; synthetic cathinones; Spain; United States > US; Europe; enantioseparation; poisoning; drug design; chirality enantioselectivity; synthetic cathinones
• ISSN: 1420-3049; 1420-3049
• DOI: 10.3390/molecules29245918

The emergence of new psychoactive substances (NPS) in the global drug market since the 2000s has posed major challenges for regulators and law enforcement agencies. Among these, synthetic cathinones have gained prominence due to their stimulant effects on the central nervous system, leading to widespread recreational use. These compounds, often marketed as alternatives to illicit stimulants such as amphetamines and cocaine, have been linked to numerous cases of intoxication, addiction and death. The structural diversity and enantiomeric forms of synthetic cathinones further complicate their detection and regulation and pose challenges to forensic toxicology. In addition to their psychoactive and toxicological effects, new research suggests that cathinones may have antimicrobial properties. Compounds derived from Catha edulis (khat), including cathinone, have shown antimicrobial activity against multidrug-resistant bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, highlighting their potential role in the fight against antibiotic resistance. This article provides an overview of the chemistry, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, toxicological effects and potential antimicrobial applications of synthetic cathinones. The potential therapeutic use of cathinone-derived compounds to combat antimicrobial resistance represents an exciting new frontier in drug development, although further research is needed to balance these benefits with the psychoactive risks.