HEALTH EFFECTS OF KHAT (CATHA EDULIS) PLANT: AN OVERVIEW

Abstract

Khat is a leafy plant with various names in Ethiopia and the horn of Africa. Khat is a member of the Celastraceae family. The planting of Khat dates back to the past of Yemen, Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa. Khat chewing began in the seventh century and its prominence increased in most of the countries of Eastern Africa. Though Khat has a temporary positive impact on users, it is also a source of several health risks associated with organ failures. Similar findings have also been confirmed in the laboratory that cause a biphasic effect on the sexual motivation of rats. Khat leaves contain many chemical compounds such as alkaloids, terpenoids, sterols, glycosides, flavonoids, tannins and 10 amino acids, including glutamic acid, tryptophan, alanine, glycine and threonine. Some vitamins, including ascorbic acid, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin and carotene, are present in trace quantities. Calcium iron, manganese, zinc, copper and toxic metals such as lead, and cadmium and a rare amount of fluoride are components of khat. Persistent Khat consumers face severe socio-economic crises such as loss of relationships, abuse, extra-family violence, marital breakup, income attrition, domestic violence and economic dependence. Although the health harm alluded to above, some studies have suggested that Khat 's prescription be optional in medical cases such as depression, fatigue, obesity and gastric ulcers.