Toxicological profile and structure-activity relationship of new synthetic cathinones

Abstract

According to the Chief Sanitary Inspectorate, 75% of the compounds identified as new psychoactive substances in Poland are represented by synthetic cathinones. The aim of the presented paper is to describe the pharmacological profile of synthetic cathinones, including the structure-activity relationship and its impact on their biological effects. This article also includes a review of the literature on fatal and non-fatal intoxication cases associated with the administration of well-described synthetic cathinones, as well as their new derivatives. This review also characterises the influence of the amendment to the Act of August 2018 concerning the prevention of drug abuse on the process of banning new drugs and the current legal situation related to the abuse of new psychoactive substances.