Acute and sub-chronic effects of purified cathinone from khat (Catha edulis) on behavioural profiles in vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus aethiops)

Abstract

We investigated the cumulative effects of cathinone on behavioural alterations in single-caged vervet monkeys. Fourteen adult vervets were divided into tests (12 animals) and controls (2 animals), and exposed to escalating doses of cathinone at alternate days of each week for 4 months in presence and absence of cage enrichment. One month of pre-treatment phase served to establish baseline values. Composite behavioural scores of aggression, anxiety, abnormal responses, withdrawal and appetite loss were done. A series of repeated measures analysis of variances were conducted to examine the extent to which cathinone administration was associated with patterns of changes in behavioural data. Results indicate a dose-dependent effect of cathinone on increases of aggression, anxiety, abnormal responses, withdrawal, and appetite loss. The findings demonstrate that at high doses and long-term exposure, cathinone causes behavioural alterations probably via changes in presynaptic striatal dopamine system.

Effect of Khat (Catha edulisForsk) extract on testicular maturation in pre‐pubertal and pubertal rats: A morphological and biochemical study

“…These findings concur with those of Islam et al (1990), who reported a reduction By contrast, others reported that khat induces up-regulation of plasma testosterone in olive baboons (Mwenda et al, 2006). In addition, Nyongesa (2013) mentioned that testosterone increased with lower doses and peaked with medium dose then decreased with high dose of Khat in monkey. Abdulwaheb et al (2007) concluded that Khat has an aphorizing effect at a low dose, while it inhibits sexual behaviour at higher doses.…”

“…Moreover, the adverse effects of tannins from forages include reduced palatability, low rate of evacuation of digesta out of the rumen (stomach), gastritis and other toxic effects (Silanikove et al, 1996). (Nyongesa, 2013). As revealed in the present study, the treated groups that administered higher doses of Khat extract (groups II and III) recorded a significantly lower serum testosterone level compared with control animals.…”

“…studies provided evidence for a differential control of LH and FSH secretion (Burger, 1989;Hall et al, 1988). Hall et al (1988) including Leydig cells, which produce testosterone (Nyongesa, 2013).…”

“…By contrast, others reported that khat induces up‐regulation of plasma testosterone in olive baboons (Mwenda et al., 2006). In addition, Nyongesa (2013) mentioned that testosterone increased with lower doses and peaked with medium dose then decreased with high dose of Khat in monkey. Abdulwaheb et al.…”

Do the risks of khat-induced dependence and psychosis warrant the 2014 UK ban?

“…However, an underestimate is equally possible; most studies use racemic mixtures of cathinone, rather than the naturally occurring enantiomer, which is several times more potent (Sulzer et al., 2005). Furthermore, chronic drug use is difficult to mimic because animal studies are carried out within a short time frame (Nyongesa et al., 2013).…”