A capillary electrophoretic method, which allowed the detection and separation of the active principles
of Catha edulis, i.e. cathinone, cathine and phenylpropanolamine, was developed. A suitable internal
standard (nicotinamide), which permitted the quantification of the analytes reducing the variability of
the migration times due to EOF changes, was identified. The analytical method was validated, assessing
linearity, sensitivity and repeatability, showing optimal features for the analysis of the vegetable
material. Moreover extraction conditions were investigated to achieve the exhaustion of the plant
material in the fastest and most efficient way to meet the requirements of the Court