Biochemical effects of Catha edulis, cathine and cathinone on adrenocortical functions

Ahmed, Mahmoud M.; El-Qirbi, A.B.

doi:10.1016/0378-8741(93)90039-8

Cited by 24 publications

(10 citation statements)

References 12 publications

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“…The significant increase in the neutrophils, and the associated concomitant significant decreases in the other types of leukocytes seen in the current study could be explained by the fact that C. edulis have stimulating effect on adrenocortical function in animals (Ahmed and El-Qirbi, 1993). It is well reported that glucocorticoids increase the concentration of neutrophils and decreases the concentration of lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils and basophils (Al-Hegami, 2001).…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 66%

Derangement of hemopoiesis and hematological indices in Khat (Catha edulis) - treated rats

Bin-Jaliah

Dallak²,

Al‐Hashem³

et al. 2014

Afr. J. Biotechnol.

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The purpose of this study was to identify the sub-acute toxic effects of Khat (Catha edulis) on hemopoiesis and hematological indices of white albino rats. Two groups, each of 10 rats, were used. In the experimental group, a hydro-ethanol extract of C. edulis was administered orally to rats, daily, in single doses of 500 mg/kg body weight, for for weeks. The control group received equivalent amounts of normal saline. Our results show, for the first time, that oral administration of C. edulis hydro-ethanol extract caused significant derangement in hemopoiesis and in gross hematological indices in rats, characterized by macrocytic anemia and leucopenia. Our data show statistically significant decreases in total leukocytes count (TLC) in which, hemoglobin concentration (Hb. conc.), packed cell volume (PCV), and red cell count (RCC), accompanied by significant increases in mean cell volume (MCV), red blood cell distribution width (RDW) and platelets count with no change in mean hemoglobin concentration (MHC). In peripheral blood smears (PBS) of treated rats, there were evidences of dyserythropoiesis-impaired hemoglobinization, macrocytosis, poikilocytosis and anisocytosis, and dysgranulopoiesis-giant forms, hypersegmented neutrophils and bizarre nuclear shapes. In conclusion, our results indicate that oral administration of a hydro-ethanol extract of C. edulis adversely affected blood cell formation and induced macrocytic anemia and leukopenia in rats. However, the exact mechanisms of these hematological changes produced by Khat are still in need for further studies.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 66%

Derangement of hemopoiesis and hematological indices in Khat (Catha edulis) - treated rats

Bin-Jaliah

Dallak²,

Al‐Hashem³

et al. 2014

Afr. J. Biotechnol.

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“…These results have been interpreted as a stimulating effect of khat on adrenocortical function. This effect was also seen after oral administration of cathinone and cathine (6.5 mg/kg) [52].…”

Section: Animal Studies Behavioral Effectsmentioning

confidence: 67%

“…Effects on the adrenocortical function In rabbits, a khat extract given orally for 30 successive days induced a decrease in adrenal cholesterol, glycogen, ascorbic acid and an increase in adrenal phosphorylase activity, serum free fatty acids and urinary 17-hydroxycorticosteroids [52]. These results have been interpreted as a stimulating effect of khat on adrenocortical function.…”

Section: Animal Studies Behavioral Effectsmentioning

confidence: 96%

What science says about khat (Catha edulis Forsk)? Overview of chemistry, toxicology and pharmacology

Wabe

Mohammed²

2012

J Exp Integr Med

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Catha edulis (khat) is a plant grown commonly in the horn of Africa. The leaves of khat are chewed by the people for its stimulant action. Khat is an evergreen shrub, which is cultivated as a bush or small tree. The leaves have an aromatic odour. The taste is astringent and slightly sweet. The plant is seedless and hardy, growing in a variety of climates and soils. Khat contains more than 40 alkaloids, glycosides, tannins, amino acids, vitamins and minerals. Many different compounds are found in khat including alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids, sterols, glycosides, tannins, amino acids, vitamins and minerals. The phenylalkylamines and the cathedulins are the major alkaloids which are structurally related to amphetamine. The major effects of khat include those on the gastro-intestinal system and on the nervous system. Constipation, urine retention and acute cardiovascular effects may be regarded as autonomic (peripheral) nervous system effects; increased alertness, dependence, tolerance and psychiatric symptoms as effects on the central nervous system. The main toxic effects include increased blood pressure, tachycardia, insomnia, anorexia, constipation, general malaise, irritability, migraine and impaired sexual potency in men. The purpose of this review is to summarize the chemistry, pharmacology, toxicology of khat (Catha edulis Forsk).

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“…These results have been interpreted as a stimulating effect of khat on adrenocortical function [37]. Animal data on the effect of khat on the reproductive system are conflicting.…”

Section: Animal Studiesmentioning

confidence: 92%

Khat – a controversial plant

Bálint

Falkay

Balint

2009

Wien Klin Wochenschr

157

139

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Khat (Catha edulis) is a shrub or tree whose leaves have been chewed for centuries by people who live in the Eastern part of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. It has recently turned up in North America and Europe, particularly among emigrants and refugees from countries such as Somalia, Ethiopia and Yemen. Khat contains a number of chemicals, among which are two controlled substances, cathinone (Schedule I) and cathine (Schedule IV). Both chemicals are stimulant drugs with effects similar to amphetamine. Chewing the leaves makes people feel more alert and talkative, and suppresses appetite. Chewing khat leaves releases cathinone, a stimulant that produces the feeling of euphoria. When cathinone is broken down in the body, it produces chemicals including cathine and norephedrine, which have a similar structure to amphetamine and adrenaline (epinephrine). Regular khat use is associated with a rise in arterial blood pressure and pulse rate, corresponding with levels of cathinone in the plasma. Moreover, regular khat chewers have gingivitis and loose teeth, but there appears to be no convincing unusual incidence of oral cancer. Among khat users in Yemen there is, however, a higher incidence of esophageal cancer compared with gastric cancer. Long term use or abuse can cause insomnia, anorexia, gastric disorders, depression, liver damage and cardiac complications, including myocardial infarction. Manic and delusional behavior, violence, suicidal depression, hallucinations, paranoia and khat-induced psychosis have also been reported. On the basis of the scientific data it seems clear that khat use has negative consequences on the economic development of a country and on the health of the society.

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Biochemical effects of Catha edulis, cathine and cathinone on adrenocortical functions

Cited by 24 publications

References 12 publications

Derangement of hemopoiesis and hematological indices in Khat (Catha edulis) - treated rats

Derangement of hemopoiesis and hematological indices in Khat (Catha edulis) - treated rats

What science says about khat (Catha edulis Forsk)? Overview of chemistry, toxicology and pharmacology

Khat – a controversial plant

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