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Nilesh Patel - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • khat Catha edulis forsk and now there are three
    Brain Research Bulletin, 2019
    Co-Authors: Nilesh Patel
    Abstract:

    Abstract For centuries, a large number of people living in the southwestern part of the Arabian Peninsula and eastern Africa have chewed the fresh leaves and twigs of the plant Catha edulis Forsk, more commonly known as khat, for its psychostimulatory effect. The main active compound in khat is cathinone, whose synthetic derivatives form a part of the new psychoactive substances list. This review summaries the prevalence of khat use, its harvesting and consumption, the biosynthetic pathway in khat, the mechanism of action, the results from animal and human studies, and its dependence potential. It is unlikely that khat use will be prohibited in countries where it is traditionally consumed and socially acceptable unlike in other countries of the world where both the importation and the consumption of khat and cathinone is banned. Khat users being mainly Muslims prohibited from using alcohol or other drugs probably represent the largest global number of mono-drug users of an amphetamine-like stimulant. Thus, khat use represents a unique situation and a neglected area of research in Africa.

  • proconvulsant effect of khat Catha edulis in sprague dawley rats
    Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2009
    Co-Authors: Eren Oyungu, P G Kioy, Nilesh Patel
    Abstract:

    Abstract Ethnopharmacological relevance Catha edulis (khat) is a plant whose fresh young leaves are used by an estimated five million people in eastern Africa and the Arabian Peninsula as a drug of recreation. The fresh leaves and shoots are rich in cathinone, a psychostimulant with effects similar to those of amphetamines. Psychostimulants produce a dose-related excitation of the central nervous system which can lead to seizures and convulsions. However there are no reports on studies of the effect of this herb on brain excitability and seizures. This knowledge is useful for doctors who may prescribe drugs whose side effects include lowering seizure threshold because there could be additive proconvulsant effect among khat users. Aim of the study to determined whether khat lowers pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) seizure threshold. Methodology Male Sprague dawley rats were given fresh aqueous khat extract, old aqueous khat extract (3 g/kg bw), methylphenidate or saline and the timed intravenous (PTZ) seizure threshold test was used to study its effect on seizure threshold. Results Fresh khat (3 g/kg) and methylphenidate (4 mg/kg) lowered PTZ seizure threshold. Conclusion Khat lowers seizure threshold.

  • in vitro study of the effects of khat Catha edulis forsk extract on isolated mouse interstitial cells
    Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2007
    Co-Authors: Albert W Nyongesa, Nilesh Patel, D W Onyango, E O Wango, H Odongo
    Abstract:

    Abstract Isolated mouse interstitial cells were incubated with different concentrations of khat (Catha edulis) extract (0.06 mg/ml, 0.6 mg/ml, 6 mg/ml, 30 mg/ml and 60 mg/ml) and cell viability as well as testosterone concentration measured at 30 min intervals over a 3 h incubation period. High concentrations of khat extract (30 mg/ml and 60 mg/ml) significantly inhibited testosterone production while low concentrations (0.06 mg/ml, 0.6 mg/ml and 6 mg/ml) significantly stimulated (P

Mohammed A Alshawsh - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • conflicting reports on the role of the glycemic effect of Catha edulis khat a systematic review and meta analysis
    Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2016
    Co-Authors: Abdulsamad Alsalahi, Mohammed A Alshawsh, Rosmawati Mohamed, Naelah A Alyousefi, Mustafa Ahmed Alshagga, Abdrabuh N Shwter, Ali Almaqtari, Radwan H Ahmed, Zahurin Mohamed
    Abstract:

    Abstract Ethnopharmacological relevance Traditionally, the leaves of Catha edulis Forsskal (Khat) are consumed by the people of Yemen primarily for its recreational effect, and secondarily, for achieving certain tasks. Additionally, Yemeni diabetics chew such leaves in the belief that this can control their elevated blood glucose level. Aims This review focuses on outlining the findings of studies that have been conducted to display the glycemic effect of Catha edulis , while trying to balance it with findings of the association of its chewing with the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). Materials and methods The search strategy adopted was based on a comprehensive research in Medline, PubMed, Web of Science, JSTOR, Scopus and Cochrane for articles, proceeding abstracts and theses to identify complete reports written in the English language about the glycemic effect of Catha edulis in humans and animals from 1976 to 2016. In addition, bibliographies were also reviewed to find additional reports not otherwise published. Thirty seven records were identified of which, 25 eligible studies were included in the meta-analysis using blood glucose as an outcome measurement. Studies were divided into four subgroups according to the experimental model, namely; non-diabetic animals, diabetic animals, non-diabetic humans and diabetic humans. The pooled mean difference (MD) of blood glucose between experimental and control were calculated using random effects model of the weighted mean difference of blood glucose with 95% confidence interval (CI). Heterogeneity between studies was tested using I 2 statistic and a value of P Results The scientific reports in the literature prevailed that the glycemic effect of Catha edulis were greatly conflicting with the majority of studies indicating that Catha edulis has a mild hypoglycemic effect. However, the meta-analysis indicted that the overall result showed an insignificant reduction in blood glucose (MD=−9.70, 95% CI: −22.17 to 2.76, P =0.13, with high heterogeneity between subgroups, I 2 =88.2%, P P P =0.07 and MD=−2.71%, 95% CI: −19.19 to −13.77, P =0.75) respectively. Conversely, a significant elevation in the pooled mean difference of blood glucose in diabetic humans was indicated (MD=67.18, 95% CI: 36.93–97.43, P Catha edulis is thought to be cultivar-related, while demographic and epidemiological reports suggested that chewing Catha edulis might be a predisposing factor contributing to the development of type 2 DM. Conclusion It was difficult to draw a meaningful conclusion from both the systematic and the meta-analysis with respect to the glycemic effect of Catha edulis since the meta-analysis results were insignificant with high heterogeneity among subgroups and are greatly conflicting. The variation is most likely due to unadjusted experimental factors or is related to Catha edulis itself, such as the differences in the phytochemical composition. Therefore, it is highly recommended that further studies of the glycemic effect of the cultivar of Catha edulis being studied should come with the identification and quantification of phytochemical content so that a meaningful assessment can be made with regard to its hypoglycemic properties. In addition, well-controlled clinical studies should be conducted to confirm whether or not chewing Catha edulis is associated with the development of type 2 DM, since this would be a source of concern seeing that the plant is widely consumed in certain populations.

  • Conflicting reports on the role of the glycemic effect of Catha edulis (Khat): A systematic review and meta-analysis.
    Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2016
    Co-Authors: Abdulsamad Alsalahi, Mohammed A Alshawsh, Rosmawati Mohamed, Naelah A Alyousefi, Mustafa Ahmed Alshagga, Abdrabuh N Shwter, Radwan H Ahmed, Ali Abdullah Alwan Al-maqtari, Zahurin Mohamed
    Abstract:

    Abstract Ethnopharmacological relevance Traditionally, the leaves of Catha edulis Forsskal (Khat) are consumed by the people of Yemen primarily for its recreational effect, and secondarily, for achieving certain tasks. Additionally, Yemeni diabetics chew such leaves in the belief that this can control their elevated blood glucose level. Aims This review focuses on outlining the findings of studies that have been conducted to display the glycemic effect of Catha edulis, while trying to balance it with findings of the association of its chewing with the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). Materials and methods The search strategy adopted was based on a comprehensive research in Medline, PubMed, Web of Science, JSTOR, Scopus and Cochrane for articles, proceeding abstracts and theses to identify complete reports written in the English language about the glycemic effect of Catha edulis in humans and animals from 1976 to 2016. In addition, bibliographies were also reviewed to find additional reports not otherwise published. Thirty seven records were identified of which, 25 eligible studies were included in the meta-analysis using blood glucose as an outcome measurement. Studies were divided into four subgroups according to the experimental model, namely; non-diabetic animals, diabetic animals, non-diabetic humans and diabetic humans. The pooled mean difference (MD) of blood glucose between experimental and control were calculated using random effects model of the weighted mean difference of blood glucose with 95% confidence interval (CI). Heterogeneity between studies was tested using I2 statistic and a value of P Results The scientific reports in the literature prevailed that the glycemic effect of Catha edulis were greatly conflicting with the majority of studies indicating that Catha edulis has a mild hypoglycemic effect. However, the meta-analysis indicted that the overall result showed an insignificant reduction in blood glucose (MD=−9.70, 95% CI: −22.17 to 2.76, P=0.13, with high heterogeneity between subgroups, I2=88.2%, P Conclusion It was difficult to draw a meaningful conclusion from both the systematic and the meta-analysis with respect to the glycemic effect of Catha edulis since the meta-analysis results were insignificant with high heterogeneity among subgroups and are greatly conflicting. The variation is most likely due to unadjusted experimental factors or is related to Catha edulis itself, such as the differences in the phytochemical composition. Therefore, it is highly recommended that further studies of the glycemic effect of the cultivar of Catha edulis being studied should come with the identification and quantification of phytochemical content so that a meaningful assessment can be made with regard to its hypoglycemic properties. In addition, well-controlled clinical studies should be conducted to confirm whether or not chewing Catha edulis is associated with the development of type 2 DM, since this would be a source of concern seeing that the plant is widely consumed in certain populations.

  • toxicological features of Catha edulis khat on livers and kidneys of male and female sprague dawley rats a subchronic study
    Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2012
    Co-Authors: Abdulsamad Alsalahi, Abdrabuh N Shwter, Siddig Ibrahim Abdelwahab, Mahmood Ameen Abdulla, Mohammed Almamary, Mohamed Ibrahim Noordin, Aied M Alabsi, Mohammed A Alshawsh
    Abstract:

    Hepato- and nephrotoxicity of Khat consumption (Catha edulis Forskal) have been evoked. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate such possible hepatorenal toxicity in female and male Sprague-Dawley rats (SD rats) focusing primarily on liver and kidney. In addition, female and male rats were investigated separately. Accordingly, forty-eight SD-rats (100-120 g) were distributed randomly into four groups of males and female (n = 12). Normal controls (NCs) received distilled water, whereas test groups received 500 mg/kg (low dose (LD)), 1000 mg/kg (medium dose (MD)), or 2000 mg/kg (high dose (HD)) of crude extract of Catha edulis orally for 4 weeks. Then, physical, biochemical, hematological, and histological parameters were analyzed. Results in Khat-fed rats showed hepatic enlargement, abnormal findings in serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) of male and female SD-rats and serum albumin (A) and serum creatinine (Cr) of female as compared to controls. In addition, histopathological abnormalities confirmed hepatic and renal toxicities of Khat that were related to heavy Khat consumption. In summary, Khat could be associated with hepatic hypertrophy and hepatotoxicity in male and female SD-rats and nephrotoxicity only in female SD-rats.

Abdulsamad Alsalahi - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • conflicting reports on the role of the glycemic effect of Catha edulis khat a systematic review and meta analysis
    Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2016
    Co-Authors: Abdulsamad Alsalahi, Mohammed A Alshawsh, Rosmawati Mohamed, Naelah A Alyousefi, Mustafa Ahmed Alshagga, Abdrabuh N Shwter, Ali Almaqtari, Radwan H Ahmed, Zahurin Mohamed
    Abstract:

    Abstract Ethnopharmacological relevance Traditionally, the leaves of Catha edulis Forsskal (Khat) are consumed by the people of Yemen primarily for its recreational effect, and secondarily, for achieving certain tasks. Additionally, Yemeni diabetics chew such leaves in the belief that this can control their elevated blood glucose level. Aims This review focuses on outlining the findings of studies that have been conducted to display the glycemic effect of Catha edulis , while trying to balance it with findings of the association of its chewing with the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). Materials and methods The search strategy adopted was based on a comprehensive research in Medline, PubMed, Web of Science, JSTOR, Scopus and Cochrane for articles, proceeding abstracts and theses to identify complete reports written in the English language about the glycemic effect of Catha edulis in humans and animals from 1976 to 2016. In addition, bibliographies were also reviewed to find additional reports not otherwise published. Thirty seven records were identified of which, 25 eligible studies were included in the meta-analysis using blood glucose as an outcome measurement. Studies were divided into four subgroups according to the experimental model, namely; non-diabetic animals, diabetic animals, non-diabetic humans and diabetic humans. The pooled mean difference (MD) of blood glucose between experimental and control were calculated using random effects model of the weighted mean difference of blood glucose with 95% confidence interval (CI). Heterogeneity between studies was tested using I 2 statistic and a value of P Results The scientific reports in the literature prevailed that the glycemic effect of Catha edulis were greatly conflicting with the majority of studies indicating that Catha edulis has a mild hypoglycemic effect. However, the meta-analysis indicted that the overall result showed an insignificant reduction in blood glucose (MD=−9.70, 95% CI: −22.17 to 2.76, P =0.13, with high heterogeneity between subgroups, I 2 =88.2%, P P P =0.07 and MD=−2.71%, 95% CI: −19.19 to −13.77, P =0.75) respectively. Conversely, a significant elevation in the pooled mean difference of blood glucose in diabetic humans was indicated (MD=67.18, 95% CI: 36.93–97.43, P Catha edulis is thought to be cultivar-related, while demographic and epidemiological reports suggested that chewing Catha edulis might be a predisposing factor contributing to the development of type 2 DM. Conclusion It was difficult to draw a meaningful conclusion from both the systematic and the meta-analysis with respect to the glycemic effect of Catha edulis since the meta-analysis results were insignificant with high heterogeneity among subgroups and are greatly conflicting. The variation is most likely due to unadjusted experimental factors or is related to Catha edulis itself, such as the differences in the phytochemical composition. Therefore, it is highly recommended that further studies of the glycemic effect of the cultivar of Catha edulis being studied should come with the identification and quantification of phytochemical content so that a meaningful assessment can be made with regard to its hypoglycemic properties. In addition, well-controlled clinical studies should be conducted to confirm whether or not chewing Catha edulis is associated with the development of type 2 DM, since this would be a source of concern seeing that the plant is widely consumed in certain populations.

  • Conflicting reports on the role of the glycemic effect of Catha edulis (Khat): A systematic review and meta-analysis.
    Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2016
    Co-Authors: Abdulsamad Alsalahi, Mohammed A Alshawsh, Rosmawati Mohamed, Naelah A Alyousefi, Mustafa Ahmed Alshagga, Abdrabuh N Shwter, Radwan H Ahmed, Ali Abdullah Alwan Al-maqtari, Zahurin Mohamed
    Abstract:

    Abstract Ethnopharmacological relevance Traditionally, the leaves of Catha edulis Forsskal (Khat) are consumed by the people of Yemen primarily for its recreational effect, and secondarily, for achieving certain tasks. Additionally, Yemeni diabetics chew such leaves in the belief that this can control their elevated blood glucose level. Aims This review focuses on outlining the findings of studies that have been conducted to display the glycemic effect of Catha edulis, while trying to balance it with findings of the association of its chewing with the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). Materials and methods The search strategy adopted was based on a comprehensive research in Medline, PubMed, Web of Science, JSTOR, Scopus and Cochrane for articles, proceeding abstracts and theses to identify complete reports written in the English language about the glycemic effect of Catha edulis in humans and animals from 1976 to 2016. In addition, bibliographies were also reviewed to find additional reports not otherwise published. Thirty seven records were identified of which, 25 eligible studies were included in the meta-analysis using blood glucose as an outcome measurement. Studies were divided into four subgroups according to the experimental model, namely; non-diabetic animals, diabetic animals, non-diabetic humans and diabetic humans. The pooled mean difference (MD) of blood glucose between experimental and control were calculated using random effects model of the weighted mean difference of blood glucose with 95% confidence interval (CI). Heterogeneity between studies was tested using I2 statistic and a value of P Results The scientific reports in the literature prevailed that the glycemic effect of Catha edulis were greatly conflicting with the majority of studies indicating that Catha edulis has a mild hypoglycemic effect. However, the meta-analysis indicted that the overall result showed an insignificant reduction in blood glucose (MD=−9.70, 95% CI: −22.17 to 2.76, P=0.13, with high heterogeneity between subgroups, I2=88.2%, P Conclusion It was difficult to draw a meaningful conclusion from both the systematic and the meta-analysis with respect to the glycemic effect of Catha edulis since the meta-analysis results were insignificant with high heterogeneity among subgroups and are greatly conflicting. The variation is most likely due to unadjusted experimental factors or is related to Catha edulis itself, such as the differences in the phytochemical composition. Therefore, it is highly recommended that further studies of the glycemic effect of the cultivar of Catha edulis being studied should come with the identification and quantification of phytochemical content so that a meaningful assessment can be made with regard to its hypoglycemic properties. In addition, well-controlled clinical studies should be conducted to confirm whether or not chewing Catha edulis is associated with the development of type 2 DM, since this would be a source of concern seeing that the plant is widely consumed in certain populations.

  • toxicological features of Catha edulis khat on livers and kidneys of male and female sprague dawley rats a subchronic study
    Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2012
    Co-Authors: Abdulsamad Alsalahi, Abdrabuh N Shwter, Siddig Ibrahim Abdelwahab, Mahmood Ameen Abdulla, Mohammed Almamary, Mohamed Ibrahim Noordin, Aied M Alabsi, Mohammed A Alshawsh
    Abstract:

    Hepato- and nephrotoxicity of Khat consumption (Catha edulis Forskal) have been evoked. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate such possible hepatorenal toxicity in female and male Sprague-Dawley rats (SD rats) focusing primarily on liver and kidney. In addition, female and male rats were investigated separately. Accordingly, forty-eight SD-rats (100-120 g) were distributed randomly into four groups of males and female (n = 12). Normal controls (NCs) received distilled water, whereas test groups received 500 mg/kg (low dose (LD)), 1000 mg/kg (medium dose (MD)), or 2000 mg/kg (high dose (HD)) of crude extract of Catha edulis orally for 4 weeks. Then, physical, biochemical, hematological, and histological parameters were analyzed. Results in Khat-fed rats showed hepatic enlargement, abnormal findings in serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) of male and female SD-rats and serum albumin (A) and serum creatinine (Cr) of female as compared to controls. In addition, histopathological abnormalities confirmed hepatic and renal toxicities of Khat that were related to heavy Khat consumption. In summary, Khat could be associated with hepatic hypertrophy and hepatotoxicity in male and female SD-rats and nephrotoxicity only in female SD-rats.

Abdrabuh N Shwter - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • conflicting reports on the role of the glycemic effect of Catha edulis khat a systematic review and meta analysis
    Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2016
    Co-Authors: Abdulsamad Alsalahi, Mohammed A Alshawsh, Rosmawati Mohamed, Naelah A Alyousefi, Mustafa Ahmed Alshagga, Abdrabuh N Shwter, Ali Almaqtari, Radwan H Ahmed, Zahurin Mohamed
    Abstract:

    Abstract Ethnopharmacological relevance Traditionally, the leaves of Catha edulis Forsskal (Khat) are consumed by the people of Yemen primarily for its recreational effect, and secondarily, for achieving certain tasks. Additionally, Yemeni diabetics chew such leaves in the belief that this can control their elevated blood glucose level. Aims This review focuses on outlining the findings of studies that have been conducted to display the glycemic effect of Catha edulis , while trying to balance it with findings of the association of its chewing with the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). Materials and methods The search strategy adopted was based on a comprehensive research in Medline, PubMed, Web of Science, JSTOR, Scopus and Cochrane for articles, proceeding abstracts and theses to identify complete reports written in the English language about the glycemic effect of Catha edulis in humans and animals from 1976 to 2016. In addition, bibliographies were also reviewed to find additional reports not otherwise published. Thirty seven records were identified of which, 25 eligible studies were included in the meta-analysis using blood glucose as an outcome measurement. Studies were divided into four subgroups according to the experimental model, namely; non-diabetic animals, diabetic animals, non-diabetic humans and diabetic humans. The pooled mean difference (MD) of blood glucose between experimental and control were calculated using random effects model of the weighted mean difference of blood glucose with 95% confidence interval (CI). Heterogeneity between studies was tested using I 2 statistic and a value of P Results The scientific reports in the literature prevailed that the glycemic effect of Catha edulis were greatly conflicting with the majority of studies indicating that Catha edulis has a mild hypoglycemic effect. However, the meta-analysis indicted that the overall result showed an insignificant reduction in blood glucose (MD=−9.70, 95% CI: −22.17 to 2.76, P =0.13, with high heterogeneity between subgroups, I 2 =88.2%, P P P =0.07 and MD=−2.71%, 95% CI: −19.19 to −13.77, P =0.75) respectively. Conversely, a significant elevation in the pooled mean difference of blood glucose in diabetic humans was indicated (MD=67.18, 95% CI: 36.93–97.43, P Catha edulis is thought to be cultivar-related, while demographic and epidemiological reports suggested that chewing Catha edulis might be a predisposing factor contributing to the development of type 2 DM. Conclusion It was difficult to draw a meaningful conclusion from both the systematic and the meta-analysis with respect to the glycemic effect of Catha edulis since the meta-analysis results were insignificant with high heterogeneity among subgroups and are greatly conflicting. The variation is most likely due to unadjusted experimental factors or is related to Catha edulis itself, such as the differences in the phytochemical composition. Therefore, it is highly recommended that further studies of the glycemic effect of the cultivar of Catha edulis being studied should come with the identification and quantification of phytochemical content so that a meaningful assessment can be made with regard to its hypoglycemic properties. In addition, well-controlled clinical studies should be conducted to confirm whether or not chewing Catha edulis is associated with the development of type 2 DM, since this would be a source of concern seeing that the plant is widely consumed in certain populations.

  • Conflicting reports on the role of the glycemic effect of Catha edulis (Khat): A systematic review and meta-analysis.
    Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2016
    Co-Authors: Abdulsamad Alsalahi, Mohammed A Alshawsh, Rosmawati Mohamed, Naelah A Alyousefi, Mustafa Ahmed Alshagga, Abdrabuh N Shwter, Radwan H Ahmed, Ali Abdullah Alwan Al-maqtari, Zahurin Mohamed
    Abstract:

    Abstract Ethnopharmacological relevance Traditionally, the leaves of Catha edulis Forsskal (Khat) are consumed by the people of Yemen primarily for its recreational effect, and secondarily, for achieving certain tasks. Additionally, Yemeni diabetics chew such leaves in the belief that this can control their elevated blood glucose level. Aims This review focuses on outlining the findings of studies that have been conducted to display the glycemic effect of Catha edulis, while trying to balance it with findings of the association of its chewing with the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). Materials and methods The search strategy adopted was based on a comprehensive research in Medline, PubMed, Web of Science, JSTOR, Scopus and Cochrane for articles, proceeding abstracts and theses to identify complete reports written in the English language about the glycemic effect of Catha edulis in humans and animals from 1976 to 2016. In addition, bibliographies were also reviewed to find additional reports not otherwise published. Thirty seven records were identified of which, 25 eligible studies were included in the meta-analysis using blood glucose as an outcome measurement. Studies were divided into four subgroups according to the experimental model, namely; non-diabetic animals, diabetic animals, non-diabetic humans and diabetic humans. The pooled mean difference (MD) of blood glucose between experimental and control were calculated using random effects model of the weighted mean difference of blood glucose with 95% confidence interval (CI). Heterogeneity between studies was tested using I2 statistic and a value of P Results The scientific reports in the literature prevailed that the glycemic effect of Catha edulis were greatly conflicting with the majority of studies indicating that Catha edulis has a mild hypoglycemic effect. However, the meta-analysis indicted that the overall result showed an insignificant reduction in blood glucose (MD=−9.70, 95% CI: −22.17 to 2.76, P=0.13, with high heterogeneity between subgroups, I2=88.2%, P Conclusion It was difficult to draw a meaningful conclusion from both the systematic and the meta-analysis with respect to the glycemic effect of Catha edulis since the meta-analysis results were insignificant with high heterogeneity among subgroups and are greatly conflicting. The variation is most likely due to unadjusted experimental factors or is related to Catha edulis itself, such as the differences in the phytochemical composition. Therefore, it is highly recommended that further studies of the glycemic effect of the cultivar of Catha edulis being studied should come with the identification and quantification of phytochemical content so that a meaningful assessment can be made with regard to its hypoglycemic properties. In addition, well-controlled clinical studies should be conducted to confirm whether or not chewing Catha edulis is associated with the development of type 2 DM, since this would be a source of concern seeing that the plant is widely consumed in certain populations.

  • toxicological features of Catha edulis khat on livers and kidneys of male and female sprague dawley rats a subchronic study
    Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2012
    Co-Authors: Abdulsamad Alsalahi, Abdrabuh N Shwter, Siddig Ibrahim Abdelwahab, Mahmood Ameen Abdulla, Mohammed Almamary, Mohamed Ibrahim Noordin, Aied M Alabsi, Mohammed A Alshawsh
    Abstract:

    Hepato- and nephrotoxicity of Khat consumption (Catha edulis Forskal) have been evoked. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate such possible hepatorenal toxicity in female and male Sprague-Dawley rats (SD rats) focusing primarily on liver and kidney. In addition, female and male rats were investigated separately. Accordingly, forty-eight SD-rats (100-120 g) were distributed randomly into four groups of males and female (n = 12). Normal controls (NCs) received distilled water, whereas test groups received 500 mg/kg (low dose (LD)), 1000 mg/kg (medium dose (MD)), or 2000 mg/kg (high dose (HD)) of crude extract of Catha edulis orally for 4 weeks. Then, physical, biochemical, hematological, and histological parameters were analyzed. Results in Khat-fed rats showed hepatic enlargement, abnormal findings in serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) of male and female SD-rats and serum albumin (A) and serum creatinine (Cr) of female as compared to controls. In addition, histopathological abnormalities confirmed hepatic and renal toxicities of Khat that were related to heavy Khat consumption. In summary, Khat could be associated with hepatic hypertrophy and hepatotoxicity in male and female SD-rats and nephrotoxicity only in female SD-rats.

W. J. Schmidt - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Repeated Catha edulis oral administration enhances the baseline aggressive behavior in isolated rats
    Journal of Neural Transmission, 2006
    Co-Authors: M. Y. Banjaw, K. Miczek, W. J. Schmidt
    Abstract:

    The effects of repeated oral administration of the psychostimulant plant, Catha edulis and its active principle, cathinone on rats were studied using isolation induced aggression paradigm. The behavioral responses were videotaped and scored later by offline data analyses. Rats were decapitated at the end of the behavioral experiment and in the relevant brain regions, monoamines were assessed. The results demonstrate that isolation of male rats produces a baseline aggression. Treatments with the psychostimulant plant, Catha edulis or commercial S-(−)-cathinone enhanced significantly: The locomotor activities and the baseline aggression behaviors compared with vehicle treated rats. Neurochemical correlates revealed a significant depletion of serotonin (5-HT) and its corresponding metabolites (5-HIAA) in both the anterior and posterior striatum. There was also a reduction in the level of homovanillic acid (HVA) in the hippocampus. Additionally, elevation of dopamine level was observed in the nucleus accumbens, especially, in those rats treated with Catha edulis extract. Cathinone, on the other hand, increased the level of HVA in the posterior striatum and decreased HVA in the nucleus accumbens. In conclusion, the present data demonstrate that repeated administration of Catha edulis or S-(−)-cathinone enhances aggression in rats, presumably by decreasing the level of serotonin and its corresponding metabolites. Besides, the data obtained do not rule out the involvement of dopamine in aggression behavior.

  • behavioural sensitisation following repeated intermittent oral administration of Catha edulis in rats
    Behavioural Brain Research, 2005
    Co-Authors: M. Y. Banjaw, W. J. Schmidt
    Abstract:

    Abstract A prolonged use of psychostimulants has been suggested to induce long-lasting behavioural sensitisation which plays a role in the acquisition and maintenance of addictive behaviour. A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of repeated oral administration of Catha edulis in rats. Male Sprague–Dawley rats divided into five groups received: saline, S -(−)-cathinone (1.5 mg/kg), d -(+)-amphetamine (1.5 mg/kg) and standardized C. edulis extract (50 or 200 mg/kg) once daily for nine consecutive days and later challenged with the same psychostimulants after five abstinence days. Then, 2 weeks later, rats were decapitated and the level of neurotransmitters were assessed. Behavioural activities were monitored using activity and sniffing boxes. The results demonstrated that the three psychostimulants induced strong behavioural sensitisation in rats. Whereas, neurotransmitters analyses showed no significant changes in the basal level of dopamine in most of the regions except that C. edulis extract (200 mg/kg) significantly reduced the level of DA, DOPAC and HVA in the anterior caudate putamen ( P C. edulis to elicit a long-lasting behavioural sensitisation support the anecdotal literatures about psychiatric problems associated with C. edulis chewing.