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

Abstract

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.

Coenzyme Q10 nullified khat-induced hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity and inflammation in a mouse model

“…Khat had remarkable effects on the red blood cells. Notably, it induced anemia as depicted by the depletion of RBC and HCT ( Figure 2 ) in concert with findings in other studies on khat ( Ismaeel et al., 2014 ; Ketema et al., 2015 ). These results suggest the possibility of khat-induced RBC hemolysis and/or khat induced impairment of liver iron recycling function due to increased total bilirubin levels ( Figure 9 ) and histopathological findings ( Figure 13 ).…”

“…Khat-induced derangement of blood components has been observed in previous studies ( Alsalahi et al., 2012 ; Ismaeel et al., 2014 ); such derangements potentially lead to blood related syndromes. Khat had remarkable effects on the red blood cells.…”

“…Next, 0.2 mL (concentration of 1500 mg/kg body weight) of the filtrate was used for gavage intra-gastric administration into each mouse under khat treatment for 90 days. The choice of this dose (1500 mg/kg body weight) was informed by the average quantity chewers consume and dosages used in similar studies ( Al-Zubairi et al., 2008 ; Alsalahi et al., 2012 ; Gitonga et al., 2017 ; Ismaeel et al., 2014 ).…”

“…Hematological derangements have been used as a major test in assessing the toxicity of plant extracts ( Ismaeel et al., 2014 ). Experimental studies in rodents and primates have demonstrated that khat and its components reduce the red blood cells (RBCs) and consequently affect its indices leading to anemic conditions ( Alsalahi et al., 2012 ; Ismaeel et al., 2014 ). Moreover, khat affects White Blood Cells (WBCs) and its indices in a similar fashion ( Alsalahi et al., 2012 ; Ketema et al., 2015 ).…”

Evaluation of immunomodulatory activities of methanolic extract of khat (Catha edulis, Forsk) and cathinone in Swiss albino mice

“…Based on the extraction protocol followed, doses administered and model animal used, different authors reported the direct effect of khat on hematological parameters [23,24]. In our case, using methanol as extraction solvent and dose from 50-200 mg/kg in Swiss albino mice, khat has shown negative effect on total WBC and platelet counts, but not on other hematological parameters.…”