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PubMed2000

Constipating and spasmolytic effects of Khat (Catha edulis Forsk) in experimental animals.

The constipating and spasmolytic effects of Catha edulis Forsk (Khat) were investigated in whole mice and on isolated guinea pig ileum. D-amphetamine was employed in both experiments for comparison. The total distance travelled (expressed in percentage) by charcoal suspension in the gastrointestinal tract of mice was determined before and after khat administration. The procedure was repeated with amphetamine and normal saline. The results were compared. Amplitudes of contraction were recorded with standard spasmogens, histamine and carbachol, in the presence and absence of khat extract of different concentrations. The same was done with amphetamine. Khat extract was observed to reduce the total distance travelled by charcoal suspension, comparable to D-amphetamine. The spasmogenic effects of both histamine and carbachol were observed to be antagonized by the khat extract in a concentration-dependent manner. The antispasmodic effect of khat extract was observed to be similar to that of D-amphetamine.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Khat (Catha edulis)-an updated review.

The habit of chewing fresh leaves and twigs of khat (Catha edulis) for their stimulating amphetamine-like effects is highly prevalent in East Africa and southwest on the Arabic peninsula. There is an extensive literature on khat providing information about its history, botany, production, geographical distribution, chemistry and pharmacology, and exploring the social, economic, medical, psychological and oral aspects related to its use. Some of this literature dates as early as the 11th century; however, most of it appeared after the first scientific description of khat by Peter Forskal in 1775. This review provides a panorama of khat and the various aspects of its use. A non-technical description of the plant chemistry and pharmacology is included. The medical, psychological and oral aspects are emphasized, and the current knowledge about the microbiological effects of khat is also presented.

Catha↗
PubMed1986

Evaluation of genotoxic potential of khat (Catha edulis) in Swiss albino mice.

Genotoxicity of the methanolic extract of khat (Catha edulis) has been evaluated on the male germ cells using the dominant lethal assay procedure in Swiss albino mice. The extract was administered at a dose of 500 mg/kg orally once daily, for five days. Following this sub-acute dose regimen, the effect of khat was studied during the different stages of spermatogenic cycle on the rate of pregnancy and post-implantation losses. Khat reduced the percent pregnancy rates and increased the mean post-implantation losses in the treated group. The increase was found to be statistically significant in the post-meiotic stages.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Catha edulis extract and its active principle cathinone induce ipsilateral rotation in unilaterally lesioned rats.

Catha edulis extract, a natural psychostimulant, and its active component, S-(-)-cathinone, were evaluated for their rotational effects in unilaterally lesioned rats. In our earlier study, we demonstrated that commercially available S-(-)-cathinone, the active principle of C. edulis extract, reverses haloperidol-induced catalepsy. In the current study, we evaluated the effect of C. edulis extract or its active principle, cathinone, in 6-hydroxydopamine unilaterally lesioned rats. Evaluation of the rotational behaviour induced by this natural psychostimulant was made upon acute and repeated oral administration. The data show that C. edulis extract or S-(-)-cathinone induced ipsilateral rotation in 6-hydroxydopamine unilaterally lesioned rats. The ipsilateral rotation produced by commercially available S-(-)-cathinone was more marked than the response produced by oral administration of lyophilized C. edulis extract at the dose and periods specified. In addition, upon repeated administration, the effect was more pronounced (i.e. there was sensitization). In conclusion, the results demonstrate that the plant induces ipsilateral rotation, like its close relative amphetamine.

Alkaloids↗
PubMed2000

Comparison of analgesic effects of khat (Catha edulis Forsk) extract, D-amphetamine and ibuprofen in mice.

We have compared the analgesic properties of khat (Catha edulis Forsk) extract, amphetamine and ibuprofen in mice. After intragastric administration of the drugs analgesia was measured relative to water-injected controls using the hot-plate, the tail-flick, and abdominal-constriction tests. At the highest doses examined (amphetamine 1.8 mg kg(-1), ibuprofen 90 mg kg(-1), khat extract 1800 mg kg(-1)), all three substances produced analgesia, but the order of efficacy varied with the test. Khat and ibuprofen were significantly different from the control in the hot-plate assay at three or more time points post-injection. In the tail-flick test, khat and amphetamine were efficacious; ibuprofen means were somewhat lower but still significantly different from control. Higher doses of the drugs decreased the number of responses in the acetic acid-induced abdominal-constriction assay. We conclude that khat, like amphetamine and ibuprofen, can relieve pain. Differences in assay results may reflect differences in modes and sites of action, as well as in the type of pain generated by the chemical and thermal stimuli for nociception.

Acetic Acid↗
PubMed1988

Cytological effects of khat (Catha edulis) in somatic and male germ cells of mice.

Cytological effects of khat (Catha edulis), a popular drug of abuse from Southern Arabia and Eastern Africa, have been studied in Swiss albino mice. The studies on the somatic system involved the use of micronucleus test and the cytological analysis of the mitotic index in the femoral cells of mice. In the micronucleus test, the mice were treated with different doses of khat extract (125, 250 and 500 mg/kg, p.o.) 30 and 6 hours before sacrificing the animals. The polychromatic erythrocytes were screened for the induction of micronuclei. For the analysis of bone marrow cytotoxicity, the mice were treated with the dose of 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg, body weight, p.o. daily for 5 consecutive days. The animals were sacrificed and the femoral cells were microscopically examined for the mitoses. Following the same schedule of treatment, studies on the cytogenetic analysis of meiotic chromosomal aberrations and the sperm head abnormality were undertaken. Khat extract significantly increased the frequency of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes, induced bone marrow depression and reduced the mitotic index of the somatic cells. It induced significant chromosomal aberrations viz., aneuploids, autosomal univalents, univalents of the sex chromosomes and polyploids. The frequency of abnormal sperms was also increased.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Evaluation of teratogenic potential of khat (Catha edulis Forsk.) in rats.

The embryotoxic and teratogenic effects of khat (Catha edulis Forsk.), a plant chewed by the people of Eastern Africa and Southern Arabia to attain a state of euphoria and stimulation, was studied in Wistar rats. Methanolic extract of khat was administered orally by gavage to rats during days from 6 to 15 of gestation at doses of 0, 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg. body weight/day. Khat reduced the food consumption and maternal weight gain and also lowered the food efficiency index, as compared to control mothers. On day 20 of gestation, all dams were sacrificed by cervical dislocation, cesarean sections were performed and maternal and fetal toxicities were assessed. The administration of khat had no effect on fetal sex ratio. However, at a dose of 125 mg/kg body weight and above, it produced a significant increase in resorptions and fetal wastage. Khat administration in utero also reduced the litter size and caused intrauterine growth retardation. External, visceral and skeletal examination of the fetus of treated dams showed several types of malformations and variations in all the groups of animals. However, a consistent tendency of abnormalities was observed in the highest dosed (500 mg/kg) group. The data of the present study revealed that khat retarded fetal growth and induced terata. The present observations indicate that khat possesses both embryotoxic as well as teratogenic properties. The developmental toxicities of khat are dose-related.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Effects of khat (Catha edulis) consumption on reproductive functions: a review.

OBJECTIVE: To review research findings on the effects of khat (Catha edulis) chewing on reproductive functions. DATA SOURCES: Retrieval and critical review of relevant articles and abstracts cited in international and local journals, literature searches on Medline and Medchem from 1961 to 2002. DATA SYNTHESIS: Analysis of published data and limited interviews of regular khat users revealed that khat chewing lowers libido in humans and may also lead to sexual impotence following long term use. In pregnant women, consumption of khat affects growth of foetus by inhibiting utero-placental blood flow and as a consequence, impairs foetal growth. CONCLUSION: Detailed studies on the effects of khat on reproduction are lacking. However, the limited available data reveal that chewing of khat has a negative impact on human reproductive health. Khat is genotoxic and has teratogenic effects on the foetus if regularly consumed by pregnant mothers. Since low birth weight is a well-established risk factor for both perinatal and young infant death, khat chewing during pregnancy may be one of the factors contributing to infant mortality in communities where khat is commonly chewed. Khat consumption affects the potency of male sexuality by affecting spermatogenesis and plasma testosterone concentration. However, the precise mechanisms by which khat may affect the male reproductive physiology have not been elucidated.

Catha↗
PubMed2004

Use and perception of the psychostimulant, khat (catha edulis) among three occupational groups in south western Uganda.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the use of and perception of the psychostimulant, khat (catha edulis) in three towns in south-western Uganda. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. SETTINGS: Mbarara, Kabale and Fort Portal. SUBJECTS: Three categories of respondents prone to khat chewing habit were selected; One hundred and thirty students, thirty five law enforcement officials and sixteen transporters. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Khat chewers existed within the sampled population. The relationship between tobacco smoking, drinking alcoholic beverages and the khat chewing habit was established. RESULTS: Out of 181 respondents, 164(90.6%) had heard of khat, 126(69.6%) had seen it and 57(31.5%) had chewed khat before. As at the time of this study, 37(20.4%) still chewed khat. Within the three categories of subjects, the use of khat was highest among law enforcement officials (97.1%), followed by transporters (68.8%) and students (9.2%). The majority of khat chewers were in the age range of 16-25 years. There was a clear correlation between khat chewing and the use of stimulants such as alcoholic beverages and tobacco smoking. Those who smoked cigarettes were twenty-eight times more likely to chew khat (OR=28.95% CI=9.6,83.7). Euphoria, suppressed sleep and increased sexual desire were the most predominant effects experienced by khat chewers. CONCLUSION: The knowledge of khat is widespread and its consumption is on the increase among students, law enforcement officials and transporters in south-western Uganda. This calls for attention considering the public health implications.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Khat (Catha edulis Forsk) chewing, sociodemographic description and its effect on academic performance, Jimma University students 2002.

Khat (Catha edulis Forsk) chewing habit is being a hot issue of discussion nation wide. This habit is spreading at an alarming rate among the young generation, especially in high schools and higher institutions, where there are intensive academic activities. Students in colleges and universities commonly use khat, hoping that it improves their academic performance. The main aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and socio-demographic correlates of khat chewing and its impact on academic performance. A cross sectional study was conducted, in January 2002, on a representative sample of 500 students selected by systematic random sampling technique from a total of 2073 students who stayed in the university at least two years. Out of these, 76.91% were males, 59.53% were Orthodox believers, 70.98% were between 16 and 25 years old, and 49.15% were Amhara in their ethnic background. The current prevalence of khat chewing was estimated to be 24.79%. In this study, 27% of male students, 46.74% of Muslim students and 31.30% of Oromo students were found to be khat chewers. Khat chewing has a significant association with high income (p < 0.001), with smoking habit (p < 0.05) and with coffee drinking habit (p < 0.001). The presence of khat chewers in the family and among friends have also a positive association with khat chewing habit. The mean cummulative grade point average (CGPA) of non-chewers was found to be significantly higher (p < 0.001) than that of chewers. In conclusion, the present study depicts that gender, age, religion, ethnicity and income have a positive association with the habit of khat chewing. The t-test value showed a significant difference between the mean CGPA of Khat chewers and non chewers in favor of the later. This indicates that Khat chewing may not help to improve academic performance.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1988

Polydrug abuse among Ethiopian university students with particular reference to khat (Catha edulis).

The pattern of use of khat (Catha edulis Forsk), alcohol, cigarettes and tranquillizers among 479 medical and paramedical students in a boarding college in northwestern Ethiopia was studied by an anonymous self-administered questionnaire. The survey coverage rate was 98.8%. The majority of students were males (82.6%) and their average age was 21.2 years. The prevalence rate of current use of alcohol, cigarettes, khat and tranquillizers was 31.1%, 26.3%, 22.3% and 7.7%, respectively. These substances were also used in combinations, the most frequent involved khat, alcohol and cigarettes. Use of khat varied by the type of training (medical/paramedical) and by phase of medical education (preclinical/clinical). These variations were also apparent when data were analysed by sex and frequency of khat use. It appears that the pattern of khat use among university students is similar to that reported for substance abuse in other countries. Because of the economic importance of khat in the Ethiopian economy, its control may be difficult at present.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1980

Behavioural effects of cathinone, an amine obtained from Catha edulis Forsk.: comparisons with amphetamine, norpseudoephedrine, apomorphine and nomifensine.

The effect of khat (Catha edulis Forsk., family Celastraceae), a plant used for its stimulant effects in eastern Africa and southern Arabia, has until recently been attributed to the pharmacological action of d-norpseudoephedrine, also known as cathine. The isolation in 1975 of cathinone revived an earlier suggestion that the fresh leaves contained a substance more potent than cathine. The pharmacological assays reported on in this paper appear to confirm the higher stimulant capacity of cathinone. This substance produces qualitatively similar locomotor stimulation in mice and comparable stereotypy in rats as amphetamine does, although it is approximately half as active. The results obtained after pre-treatment with reserpine or alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine, which interfere with the catecholamine system, strongly suggest that cathinone interacts with brain catecholamines by an indirect mechanism and, most probably, by affecting neurotransmitter release of the labile pool.

Alkaloids↗
PubMed1975

Excretion of the active principle of of Catha edulis (Miraa) in human urine.

d-Norpseudoephedrine, a central stimulant present in Catha edulis, is excreted unchanged in human urine. The alkaloid was detected in urine 30-50 min after ingestion of synthetic d-norpseudoephedrine, and trace amounts of the drug could still be detected 24 hr later. Approximately 40% of ingested d-norpseudoephedrine was recovered in urine in the first 6 hr.

Alkaloids↗
PubMed1980

Anorexigenic effects of two amines obtained from Catha edulis Forsk. (Khat) in rats.

The anorexigenic effects of cathine (phenylpropanolamine) and cathinone (alpha-aminopropiophenone), both amines obtained from Catha edulis Forsk. (Khat) were investigated by acute and chronic experiments in rats. Amphetamine was included for comparison purposes. Both khat amines reduced food intake when administered acutely and body weight when given chronically. Cathinone was more effective than cathine, and both were less active than amphetamine. Partial or total cross-tolerance was observed among the 3 drugs.

Alkaloids↗
PubMed1982

A manic-like psychosis due to khat (Catha edulis Forsk.).

A case is presented of a 23-year-old male who displayed symptoms of manic psychosis and increased sympathetic activity following ingestion of khat (Catha edulis Forsk.). The causal role of khat was verified by visual inspection of the plant and chemical identification of phenylpropanolamine in the urine. The active constituents and possible abuse potential of khat are discussed.

Adult↗