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Al-Duais MA, Al-Awthan YS. Khat Chewing and Lipid Profile in Human and Experimental Animals. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 2021:6001885. [PMID: 34977243 PMCID: PMC8719995 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6001885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Catha edulis, also known as khat or qat, is a plant that grows in East Africa and southern Arabia. Several millions of people chew the leaves and twigs of khat plant for their central stimulating amphetamine-like effects. Khat chewing is becoming more common in Europe and the United States, owing to worldwide migration. OBJECTIVE This review examines the khat ingredients, global prevalence, and legal status as well as its effects on lipid profile. Methodology. A literature search was performed using PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar to collect information within articles published up to April 2021 with the goal of identifying relevant studies. The proposed mechanisms of cathinone effects on total cholesterol and triglyceride were also discussed. CONCLUSION The khat chewing habit is considered as a serious economic and health issue that needs specialized programs to assist those people to quit or reducing this habit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed A. Al-Duais
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
- Biochemistry Unit, Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Ibb University, Ibb, Yemen
| | - Yahya S. Al-Awthan
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ibb University, Ibb, Yemen
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Leminie AA, Dugul TT, Eshetu EM, Melka DS. Catha edulis Forsk and Ascorbic Acid Effects on Hematological Indices in Rat. J Blood Med 2021; 12:855-862. [PMID: 34602828 PMCID: PMC8480916 DOI: 10.2147/jbm.s328703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of chewing Catha edulis Forsk and the use of ascorbic acid is increasing from time to time. Their subchronic effects on hematological indices are not well examined. The present study was aimed to investigate their subchronic effects on hematological indices in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 36 adult (7-8 weeks) wild-type rats weighing between 213 and 229g were used in this study. They received Catha edulis Forsk extract (Ce) (100 milligrams/kilogram, 200 milligram/kilogram and 300 milligram/kilogram b.w), Catha edulis Forsk juice (2.5 mL/kg), ascorbic acid (AA 200 milligram/kilogram), and 2% tween 80 in distilled water (T80W- v/v) for twelve weeks. Hematological indices were measured with Sysmex KX-21. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 21.0 and Microsoft Excel. RESULTS Neutrocytes (p < 0.01), lymphocytes (p < 0.05), plateletcrit (p < 0.05), average size of platelets (p < 0.05), platelet size variability (p < 0.01), platelet-large cell ratio (p < 0.05) and neutrocytes/lymphocytes ratio (p < 0.001) were significantly greater, while hemoglobin concentration per red blood cell (p < 0.05) and hemoglobin concentration per volume of red blood cells were significantly reduced (p < 0.05) in rats received khat. The red cell distribution width (p < 0.05), platelet size variability (p < 0.05) and platelet-large cell ratio (p < 0.01) were significantly greater in rats received ascorbic acid. CONCLUSION Crude Catha edulis Forsk extract and juice changed some hematological indices and increased platelet activities. The platelet activity was also increased by ascorbic acid. The mechanisms for these changes need to be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abebaye Aragaw Leminie
- Department of Physiology, Addis Ababa University, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Tesfaye Tolessa Dugul
- Department of Physiology, Addis Ababa University, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Eyasu Makonnen Eshetu
- Department of Pharmacology, Addis Ababa University, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Daniel Seyifu Melka
- Department of Biochemistry, Addis Ababa University, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Kennedy C, Okanya P, Nyariki JN, Amwayi P, Jillani N, Isaac AO. Coenzyme Q 10 nullified khat-induced hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity and inflammation in a mouse model. Heliyon 2020; 6:e04917. [PMID: 32984611 PMCID: PMC7498867 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e04917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Ethnopharmacological relevance The consumption of khat (Catha Edulis, Forsk) is on the rise despite the much publicized associated deleterious health effects. How chemicals present in khat, affect various physiological and biochemical processes requires further scrutiny. A clear understanding of these processes will provide an avenue for countering khat-driven negative effects using appropriate pharmacological and/or nutritional interventions. Aim of the study The current study investigated the effect of khat on vital physiological and biochemical processes such as oxidative stress, inflammation and immune responses and the role of Coenzyme-Q10 (CoQ10), a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, in modulating any negative effects due to khat exposure. Methodology Three (3) weeks old forty (40) Swiss albino mice were randomly assigned into four treatment groups (n = 10). The first group was the control that was not administered with khat or CoQ10. The second group received 200 mg/kg body weight (b/w) of CoQ10, while the third group received 1500 mg/kg b/w of khat extract and finally the forth group was co-treated with 200 mg/kg b/w of CoQ10 and 1500 mg/kg b/w of khat extract. The experiment was conducted for 90 days after which samples were collected for physiological and biochemical analyses. Results The effects of khat and CoQ10 on the weights of brain, liver, kidney and spleen was determined. Administration of khat decreased the levels of RBCs and its subtypes (MCV, MCH, RDW-SD and RDW-CV), a clear indicator of khat-induced normochromic microcytic anemia. White blood cells (lymphocytes, monocytes, neutrophils and eosinophil) which are vital in responding to infections were markedly elevated by khat. Moreover, these results provide evidence for khat-induced liver and kidney injury as shown by increased biomarkers; AST, ALT, GGT and creatinine respectively. Standard histopathological analysis confirmed this finding for khat-driven liver and kidney injury. Further studies showed evidence for khat-induced inflammation and oxidative stress as depicted by increased levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-alpha and elevation of GSH in the brain, liver and spleen. Remarkably, this is the first study to demonstrate the potential of CoQ10 in ameliorating khat-induced negative effects as outlined. CoQ10 supplementation restored the khat-induced reduction in RBC subtypes, and was protective against liver and kidney injury as shown by the appropriate biomarkers and standard histopathology analysis. The other significant finding was the CoQ10-driven normalization of GSH and TNF-α levels, indicating a protective effect from khat-driven oxidative stress and inflammation respectively. Conclusion From this study, we conclude that CoQ10 may be useful in nullifying khat-driven deleterious events among chronic khat users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chepukosi Kennedy
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Technical University of Kenya, P. O. Box 52428, 00200 Nairobi, Kenya.,School of Biological and Life Sciences, Technical University of Kenya, P. O. Box 52428, 00200 Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Patrick Okanya
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Technical University of Kenya, P. O. Box 52428, 00200 Nairobi, Kenya.,School of Biological and Life Sciences, Technical University of Kenya, P. O. Box 52428, 00200 Nairobi, Kenya
| | - James Nyabuga Nyariki
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Technical University of Kenya, P. O. Box 52428, 00200 Nairobi, Kenya.,School of Biological and Life Sciences, Technical University of Kenya, P. O. Box 52428, 00200 Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Peris Amwayi
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Technical University of Kenya, P. O. Box 52428, 00200 Nairobi, Kenya.,School of Biological and Life Sciences, Technical University of Kenya, P. O. Box 52428, 00200 Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Ngalla Jillani
- Institute of Primates Research, P.O. Box 24481, Karen, 00502, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Alfred Orina Isaac
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Technical University of Kenya, P. O. Box 52428, 00200 Nairobi, Kenya.,School of Health Sciences and Technology, Technical University of Kenya, P. O. Box 52428, 00200 Nairobi, Kenya
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Amin AR, Kassab RB, Abdel Moneim AE, Amin HK. Comparison Among Garlic, Berberine, Resveratrol,Hibiscus sabdariffa, GenusZizyphus, Hesperidin, Red Beetroot,Catha edulis,Portulaca oleracea, and Mulberry Leaves in the Treatment of Hypertension and Type 2 DM: A Comprehensive Review. Nat Prod Commun 2020. [DOI: 10.1177/1934578x20921623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension are 2 of the most prevalent diseases with poor impact on health status worldwide. In most cases, they coexist with other metabolic disorders as well as cardiac, micro- and macrovascular complications. Many plants are known for their hypotensive, cardioprotective, and/or antidiabetic activities. Their active ingredients either identified and isolated or still utilized as herbal preparations of certain plant parts. The use of medicinal plants comprises the main basis for most of the traditional medicine (TM) systems and procedures. As conventional medicines seem insufficient to control such progressive diseases, herbal agents from TM could be used as adjuvant with good impact on disease control and progression as well as other concomitant health conditions. The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy of 10 different herbal medicines of botanical origin or herbal preparations in the management of hypertension and its cardiovascular complications and type 2 DM along with various coexisting health disorders. These herbal medicines are garlic, berberine, resveratrol, Hibiscus sabdariffa, Zizyphus ( oxyphylla, mucronate, jujube, rugosa), hesperidin, red beetroot, Catha edulis, mulberry leaves, and Portulaca oleracea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amira R. Amin
- Cardiology and Oncology Section, Nasser Institute for Research and Treatment, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Rami B. Kassab
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ahmed E. Abdel Moneim
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hatem K. Amin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Helwan University, Egypt
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Tarboush NA, Al Masoodi O, Al Bdour S, Sawair F, Hassona Y. Antioxidant capacity and biomarkers of oxidative stress in saliva of khat-chewing patients: a case-control study. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol 2018; 127:49-54. [PMID: 30121165 DOI: 10.1016/j.oooo.2018.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2018] [Revised: 06/16/2018] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to investigate the antioxidant levels and biomarkers of oxidative stress in saliva from khat-chewing patients compared with controls. STUDY DESIGN Saliva samples were collected from 51 chronic khat chewers and 46 age- and sex-matched controls. Concentrations of oxidative stress biomarkers (malonyl-dialdehyde [MDA], protein carbonyl, and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine) and antioxidant defense (total antioxidant capacity [TAC], superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase [CAT) were analyzed. RESULTS Salivary MDA level in the khat users group (45 ± 9.2 nmol/mL) was significantly increased in comparison with controls (13 ± 2.1 nmol/mL; P < .001), but there were no significant differences between the 2 groups regarding the levels of salivary protein carbonyl and oxidized guanine species. Salivary TAC was significantly reduced in khat users (0.25 ± 0.028 mmol/L) in comparison with controls (0.34 ± 0.037 mmol/L). Salivary CAT level was significantly reduced in khat users (6.0 ± 0.47 U/mL) in comparison with controls (7.7 ± 0.43 units/mL; P <.05), but no significant differences were observed between the 2 groups with regard to salivary superoxide dismutase or glutathione peroxidase levels. CONCLUSIONS Chronic khat chewing is associated with increased levels of salivary MDA and reduced levels of TAC and CAT among a population of adult men in comparison with non-khat-chewing controls. These findings suggest that the pro-oxidative effect of khat chewing may be a contributing mechanism for various oral diseases associated with khat use, including cancer, periodontitis, and caries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nafez Abu Tarboush
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Osama Al Masoodi
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Oral Medicine, and Periodontics, School of Dentistry, the University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Suzan Al Bdour
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Faleh Sawair
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Oral Medicine, and Periodontics, School of Dentistry, the University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Yazan Hassona
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Oral Medicine, and Periodontics, School of Dentistry, the University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan.
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Al-Serori H, Ferk F, Angerer V, Mišík M, Nersesyan A, Setayesh T, Auwärter V, Haslinger E, Huber W, Knasmüller S. Investigations of the genotoxic properties of two synthetic cathinones (3-MMC, 4-MEC) which are used as psychoactive drugs. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2016; 5:1410-1420. [PMID: 30090445 PMCID: PMC6060679 DOI: 10.1039/c6tx00087h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2016] [Accepted: 07/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Synthetic cathinones (SCAs) are consumed worldwide as psychostimulants and are increasingly marketed as surrogates of classical illicit drugs via the internet. The genotoxic properties of most of these drugs have not been investigated. Results of earlier studies show that amphetamines which are structurally closely related to these compounds cause damage to the genetic material. Therefore, we tested the genotoxic properties of two widely consumed SCAs, namely, 3-MMC (2-(methylamino)-1-(3-methylphenyl) propan-1-one) and 4-MEC (2-(ethylamino)-1-(4-methylphenyl) propan-1-one) in a panel of genotoxicity tests. We found no evidence for induction of gene mutations in Salmonella/microsome assays, but both drugs caused positive results in the single cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE) assay which detects single and double strand breaks of DNA in a human derived buccal cell line (TR146). 3-MMC induced similar effects as 4-MEC and also caused significant induction of micronuclei which are formed as a consequence of structural and chromosomal aberrations. Negative results obtained in SCGE experiments with lesion specific enzymes (FPG and Endo III) show that these drugs do not cause oxidative damage of DNA. However, moderate induction of TBARS (which leads to the formation of DNA-reactive substances) was observed with 4-MEC, indicating that the drug causes lipid peroxidation while no clear effect was detected with 3-MMC. Results obtained with liver homogenate in SCGE-experiments show that phase I enzymes do not lead to the formation of DNA reactive metabolites. Taken together, our findings indicate that consumption of certain SCAs may cause adverse health effects in users as a consequence of damage to the genetic material.
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Affiliation(s)
- Halh Al-Serori
- Institute of Cancer Research , Department of Internal Medicine 1 , Medical University of Vienna , 1090 Vienna , Austria . ; ; Tel: +43-1-40160-57562
| | - Franziska Ferk
- Institute of Cancer Research , Department of Internal Medicine 1 , Medical University of Vienna , 1090 Vienna , Austria . ; ; Tel: +43-1-40160-57562
| | - Verena Angerer
- Institute of Forensic Medicine , Medical Center - University of Freiburg , Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg , 79104 Freiburg , Germany
| | - Miroslav Mišík
- Institute of Cancer Research , Department of Internal Medicine 1 , Medical University of Vienna , 1090 Vienna , Austria . ; ; Tel: +43-1-40160-57562
| | - Armen Nersesyan
- Institute of Cancer Research , Department of Internal Medicine 1 , Medical University of Vienna , 1090 Vienna , Austria . ; ; Tel: +43-1-40160-57562
| | - Tahereh Setayesh
- Institute of Cancer Research , Department of Internal Medicine 1 , Medical University of Vienna , 1090 Vienna , Austria . ; ; Tel: +43-1-40160-57562
| | - Volker Auwärter
- Institute of Forensic Medicine , Medical Center - University of Freiburg , Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg , 79104 Freiburg , Germany
| | - Elisabeth Haslinger
- Institute of Cancer Research , Department of Internal Medicine 1 , Medical University of Vienna , 1090 Vienna , Austria . ; ; Tel: +43-1-40160-57562
| | - Wolfgang Huber
- Institute of Cancer Research , Department of Internal Medicine 1 , Medical University of Vienna , 1090 Vienna , Austria . ; ; Tel: +43-1-40160-57562
| | - Siegfried Knasmüller
- Institute of Cancer Research , Department of Internal Medicine 1 , Medical University of Vienna , 1090 Vienna , Austria . ; ; Tel: +43-1-40160-57562
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Olorunnisola OS, Afolayan AJ, Adetutu A. Sub-chronic Administration of Methanolic Whole Fruit Extract of Lagenaria breviflora (Benth.) Roberty Induces Mild Toxicity in Rats. Pharmacogn Mag 2016; 11:S516-21. [PMID: 27013788 PMCID: PMC4787082 DOI: 10.4103/0973-1296.172955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The effect of the methanolic whole fruit extract from Lagenaria breviflora on vital organs and antioxidant enzymes was investigated in this study. MATERIALS AND METHODS L. breviflora (250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg/b.w.t./day/rat) was fed orally with the cannula to male albino rats for 28 days. At the end of the treatment, the rats were sacrificed and the effect of the extract on histology of the liver, heart, lipid peroxidation, tissue and serum antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione-s-transferase, glutathione peroxidase) activities, glutathione, myocardial marker enzymes (creatine kinase [CK], lactate dehydrogenase [LDH], alanine transaminase [ALT], and aspartate transaminase [AST]) in serum, and heart homogenate were assessed. RESULTS The extract demonstrated mild organ doses dependent (500 and 1000 mg/kg) pathological alterations in the architectural section of the liver and heart. At 250 mg/kg/b.w.t., the extract caused a significant (P < 0.05) increase in the level of thiobarbituric reacting acids substance and antioxidant enzyme activities, but causes (P < 0.05) decrease in serum and tissue antioxidant capacity at 500 and 1000 mg/kg/b.w.t., respectively. Also on these two doses, a significant (P < 0.05) increase in serum activity of CK, LDH, ALT, and AST and concomitantly decrease (P < 0.05) in heart homogenate were also observed. CONCLUSION The results suggested that the Fruit of L. breviflora may contain phytotoxic Substances(s) which may be hepatotoxic, cardiotoxic or able to induce oxidative stress at high concentration. Hence, the consumption of the plant should be taken with caution. SUMMARY Methanolic whole fruit extract from Lagenaria breviflora demonstrate dose dependent mild toxicity on vital organs (Heart and liver) and anti-oxidant enzymes. The fruit of Lagenaria breviflora may contain Phyto-toxic substance (s) which may be hepatotoxic, Cardio-toxic or able to induce oxidative stress at high concentration. Hence, the consumption of the plant should be taken with caution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olubukola Sinbad Olorunnisola
- Medicinal Plant and Economic Development Research Center, University of Fort Hare, Alice, 5700 South Africa; Department of Biochemistry, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - Anthony Jide Afolayan
- Medicinal Plant and Economic Development Research Center, University of Fort Hare, Alice, 5700 South Africa
| | - Adewale Adetutu
- Department of Biochemistry, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho, Oyo State, Nigeria
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Masoud A, Al-Qaisy A, Al-Faqeeh A, Al-Makhadri A, Al-Awsh D, Al-Madhagi H, Qrabish M, Muharram R, Mujalli Y, Al-Hebsi Z. Decreased antioxidants in the saliva of Khat chewers. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.sjdr.2015.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Effect of Daily Chewing Soft Buds and Leaves of Catha edulis (Khat) on the Antioxidant Defense System and Oxidative Stress Markers in Blood. ARABIAN JOURNAL FOR SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s13369-014-1492-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Safhi MM, Alam MF, Hussain S, Hakeem Siddiqui MA, Khuwaja G, Jubran Khardali IA, Al-Sanosi RM, Islam F. Cathinone, an active principle of Catha edulis, accelerates oxidative stress in the limbic area of swiss albino mice. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2014; 156:102-106. [PMID: 25153022 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2014.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2014] [Revised: 06/11/2014] [Accepted: 08/09/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Cathinone hydrochloride is an active principle of the khat plant (Catha edulis) that produces pleasurable and stimulating effects in khat chewers. To the best of our knowledge no data of cathinone on oxidative stress in limbic areas of mice is available. This is the first study of cathinone on oxidative stress in limbic areas of the brain in Swiss albino male mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS The animals were divided into four groups. Group-I was the control group and received vehicle, while groups-II to IV received (-)-cathinone hydrochloride (0.125, 0.25 and 0.5 mg/kg body wt., i.p.) once daily for 15 days. RESULTS The level of lipid peroxidation (LPO) was elevated dose-dependently and was significant (p<0.05, p<0.01) with doses of 0.25 and 0.5mg/kg body wt. of cathinone as compared to control group. In contrast, the content of reduced glutathione (GSH) was decreased significantly (p<0.01, p<0.001) with doses of 0.25 and 0.5mg/kg body wt. of cathinone as compared to control group. The activity of antioxidant enzymes (GPx, GR, GST, CAT, and SOD) was also decreased dose-dependently: the decreased activity of GPx, GR, catalase and SOD was significant with doses of 0.25 and 0.5 mg of cathinone as compared to control group, while the activity of GST was decreased dose-dependently and was significant with 0.5mg of cathinone as compared to control group. CONCLUSIONS The results indicate that the cathinone generated oxidative stress hampered antioxidant enzymes, glutathione and lipid peroxidation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed M Safhi
- Neuroscience and Toxicology Unit, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Ministry of Higher Education, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad Firoz Alam
- Neuroscience and Toxicology Unit, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Ministry of Higher Education, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sohail Hussain
- Neuroscience and Toxicology Unit, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Ministry of Higher Education, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Abdul Hakeem Siddiqui
- Neuroscience and Toxicology Unit, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Ministry of Higher Education, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Gulrana Khuwaja
- Neuroscience and Toxicology Unit, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Ministry of Higher Education, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Rashad Mohammed Al-Sanosi
- Substance Abuse Research Center, Jazan University, Ministry of Higher Education, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fakhrul Islam
- Neuroscience and Toxicology Unit, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Ministry of Higher Education, Jazan, Saudi Arabia.
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Shewamene Z, Engidawork E. Subacute administration of crude khat (Catha edulis F.) extract induces mild to moderate nephrotoxicity in rats. BMC COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2014; 14:66. [PMID: 24555719 PMCID: PMC3933508 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6882-14-66] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2013] [Accepted: 02/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although various studies have been conducted to shed light on the pharmacological actions of khat, little or no data are available regarding khat's effect on the renal redox system. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate the potential of nephrotoxicity associated with khat exposure in rats. METHODS Sprague Dawely rats were randomly assigned into eight experimental groups. Animals were treated with Tween80, gentamicin 100 mg/kg and khat at various doses (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) alone or in combination with gentamicin for ten days. The animals were then sacrificed to obtain blood and renal tissues for subsequent analysis. Renal markers, including creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, antioxidant enzymes as well as markers for lipid peroxidation were determined using established protocols. In addition, histopathological changes were evaluated with hematoxilin and-eosin staining technique. RESULTS Lower and moderate doses of khat did not alter the measured parameters compared to controls. By contrast, higher dose (400 mg/kg) of khat not only increased levels of serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (p < 0.001) but also levels of malondialdehyde (p < 0.01). Moreover, 400 mg/kg of khat significantly decreased enzymatic activities of superoxide dismutase (p < 0.01) and catalase (p < 0.001). When khat was administered with gentamicin, it was again the higher dose that significantly accentuated gentamicin-induced alterations in the renal system. CONCLUSIONS Khat treatment at high dose is demonstrated to induce mild to moderate renal damage. Moreover, it creates synergy when combined with nephrotoxic drugs such as gentamicin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zewdneh Shewamene
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Addis Ababa University, P.O, Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Ephrem Engidawork
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Addis Ababa University, P.O, Box 1176, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Yuliana ND, Jahangir M, Korthout H, Choi YH, Kim HK, Verpoorte R. Comprehensive review on herbal medicine for energy intake suppression. Obes Rev 2011; 12:499-514. [PMID: 20659298 DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-789x.2010.00790.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The obesity drug development is present not a bright and successful story. So far, drugs reported to be effective, either from synthetic or natural sources, mostly stimulated controversy because of serious adverse effects, which ended with stopping clinical trials or even withdrawal from the market. However, obesity and its comorbidities have become rapidly a major problem in both developed and developing countries. This has encouraged pharmaceutical companies and academia to keep on struggling on developing novel effective but safe obesity drugs, and on characterizing novel obesity drug targets. From existing scientific work on obesity drug discovery and commercial slimming preparations, compounds originating from nature, especially from plants, seem to be the first choice. Traditional belief that herbal medicine is safer than synthetic ones is one of the classical arguments, although scientifically this is not always true (e.g. ban on Ephedra). But in general, it has been widely acknowledged that a plant compound, with its unique scaffolds and rich diversity is an unlimited source of novel lead compounds. This paper aims to summarize all works focused on screening plant materials by targeting important pathways related to energy intake regulation, either by in vivo or in vitro experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- N D Yuliana
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Section of Metabolomics, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Aleryani SL, Aleryani RA, Al-Akwa AA. Khat a drug of abuse: roles of free radicals and antioxidants. Drug Test Anal 2010; 3:548-51. [PMID: 21132679 DOI: 10.1002/dta.224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2010] [Revised: 10/10/2010] [Accepted: 10/10/2010] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Many articles have reviewed the health impact of Khat consumption; however the role of free radicals in the pathogenesis associated with short- and long-term consumption of Khat is absent in the literature. As free radicals and antioxidants converge across various mechanisms in normal physiological function and in disease, this review attempts to uncover the role of endogenous free radicals and the mechanism of cellular injury associated with Khat consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samir L Aleryani
- Vanderbilt University, The Vanderbilt Clinic, Nashville, TN 37232-5310, USA.
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Feyissa AM, Kelly JP. A review of the neuropharmacological properties of khat. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2008; 32:1147-66. [PMID: 18561890 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2007.12.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2007] [Revised: 12/21/2007] [Accepted: 12/23/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The psychostimulant khat (Catha edulis Forsk), is a herbal drug cultivated and chewed as a recreational and socializing drug in East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula for centuries. Due to increasing air transportation and the loosening of customs restrictions, it is now readily available in the Western Countries mainly used by immigrants from khat growing areas causing a concern to policy-makers. OBJECTIVE We conducted this review to further gain an insight to the neuropharmacological effects of khat. METHODOLOGY PubMed search engine with key terms 'khat' or 'qat' or 'mirra' or'qaad/jaad' or 'cathinone' was used to obtain articles relevant to khat chewing. In total 284 English written articles published from 1959 to 2007 were screened. RESULTS Most of the studies focused on cathinone, the postulated active psychostimulant alkaloid in khat. There were few studies which investigated the entire plant extract in either in vitro or animal studies. In the majority of the studies it was reported that both cathinone and cathine, another psychoactive constituent, have actions that are similar to those of amphetamine. CONCLUSIONS It seems that the well investigated khat alkaloids have many features similar to amphetamines; however there is a need for a more thorough examination of khat itself in well designed in vitro, animal and human studies with a range of comparator drugs before confirming the claim that khat is a "natural amphetamine".
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Affiliation(s)
- Anteneh M Feyissa
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, NUI Galway, Galway, Ireland
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Mahmood SA, Lindequist U. A pilot study on the effect of Catha edulis Frosk., (Celastraceae) on metabolic syndrome in WOKW rats. AFRICAN JOURNAL OF TRADITIONAL, COMPLEMENTARY, AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINES 2008; 5:271-7. [PMID: 20161948 DOI: 10.4314/ajtcam.v5i3.31283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated the effect of Catha edulis (khat) on some important parameters of the metabolic syndrome in Wistar Ottawa Karlsburg W (WOKW) rat. The animals were fed with the standard chow containing 5% air dried pulverized khat leaves for 14 days; followed by the standard chow for 16 days. The khat leaves were sorted into green (khat light; KL) and crimson (khat dark; KD) leaves. The control rats were fed on standard chow. Blood glucose (G), serum insulin, serum leptin and serum lipids (triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL-, LDL-, and VLDL cholesterol) were determined. Feeding with khat leaves reduced the body weight and the triglyceride level of the animals. The effect of KD on these parameters was stronger than that of KL. KD lowered the blood glucose concentration and the leptin content whereas KL was inactive. The khat intake had no significant influence on serum insulin, total serum cholesterol, HDL-, LDL- and VLDL-cholesterol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samira Abdulla Mahmood
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Aden University, Aden, Yemen.
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Abstract
Khat chewing is deeply rooted in the every day life of people living in the Horn of Africa and in South Arabia, where Catha edulis is endemic. Considered little more than an exotic habit producing just mild pharmacological effects, systematic investigations on its active principles have instead lead to the isolation and chemical characterization of cathinone, a compound structurally related to amphetamine. Three decades of intense experimental and clinical research on khat have depicted a consistently clear picture of its pharmacological and toxicological effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Graziani
- Department of Human Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Rome, La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
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Al-Dubai W, AL-Habori M, Al-Geiry A. Human khat (Catha edulis) chewers have elevated plasma leptin and nonesterified fatty acids. Nutr Res 2006. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nutres.2006.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Abstract
The habit of Catha edulis Forsk (khat) chewing has prevailed for centuries among populations in the horn of Africa and the Arabian peninsula. Fresh leaves of Catha edulis are customarily chewed to attain a state of stimulation. The fact that cathinone has a closer structural similarity with amphetamine, and both share common pharmacodynamic features, led to the conclusion that cathinone is the most important active ingredient of Catha edulis, which causes the major pharmacological effects. Problems associated with repeated consumption of Catha edulis leaves are becoming evident. Literature surveys and clinical diagnostic studies revealed an association with prevalence of psychiatric morbidity. Repeated intermittent oral administration of Catha edulis to laboratory animals lead to development and expression of locomotor sensitisation. Catha edulis also leads to several peripheral effects that include increases in blood pressure and has been associated with the increased incidence of acute coronary vasospasm and myocardial infarction. Catha edulis also accounts for a number of gastrointestinal tract problems, oesophagitis, gastritis and delay intestinal absorption, as well as the development of oral keratotic white lesions at the site of chewing. Administration of Catha edulis extracts showed a deranged systemic capacity to handle oxidative radicals and induces cytotoxic effects in cells of liver and kidney, as well as induction of cell death in various human leukaemia cell lines and in peripheral human blood leukocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molham Al-Habori
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Sana'a, P.O. Box 19065, Sana'a, Republic of Yemen.
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