OBJECTIVE: Khat (Catha edulis Forsk) is a naturally occurring drug with an amphetamine-like structure and action. It has been postulated that amphetamine induces free radical formation. On this basis, we have hypothesized that Khat may promote synthesis of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species in the same way that amphetamine promotes free radical production. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty male subjects were enrolled in two groups: those with a chronic Khat chewing habit (n=20), and those without a chewing habit (controls; n=20). Both groups were matched with regard to age. Total antioxidant capacity and cholinesterase (AChE) activity were assayed. RESULTS: This study showed that Khat consumption inhibited serum free radical scavenging enzymes, resulting in significant elevations in free radical loads (p=0.01; n=20). We also showed that serum acetyl cholinesterase (AChE) was significantly inhibited in the Khat chewing group (p=0.002; n=20). CONCLUSION: These results show for the first time that Khat may contribute to high levels of free radicals. In addition, the presence of pesticides in Khat leaves is implicated in the inhibition of AChE activity.
OBJECTIVE: Khat (Catha edulis Forsk) is a naturally occurring drug with an amphetamine-like structure and action. It has been postulated that amphetamine induces free radical formation. On this basis, we have hypothesized that Khat may promote synthesis of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species in the same way that amphetamine promotes free radical production. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty male subjects were enrolled in two groups: those with a chronic Khat chewing habit (n=20), and those without a chewing habit (controls; n=20). Both groups were matched with regard to age. Total antioxidant capacity and cholinesterase (AChE) activity were assayed. RESULTS: This study showed that Khat consumption inhibited serum free radical scavenging enzymes, resulting in significant elevations in free radical loads (p=0.01; n=20). We also showed that serum acetyl cholinesterase (AChE) was significantly inhibited in the Khat chewing group (p=0.002; n=20). CONCLUSION: These results show for the first time that Khat may contribute to high levels of free radicals. In addition, the presence of pesticides in Khat leaves is implicated in the inhibition of AChE activity.
Authors: Abdulsamad Alsalahi; Mahmood Ameen Abdulla; Mohammed Al-Mamary; Mohamed Ibrahim Noordin; Siddig Ibrahim Abdelwahab; Aied M Alabsi; Abdrabuh Shwter; Mohammed A Alshawsh Journal: Evid Based Complement Alternat Med Date: 2012-11-27 Impact factor: 2.629
Authors: Kamaludin Ahmed Sheikh; Maged El-Setouhy; Umar Yagoub; Rashad Alsanosy; Zafar Ahmed Journal: Health Qual Life Outcomes Date: 2014-04-04 Impact factor: 3.186