The effect of khat chewing on gallbladder motility in a group of volunteers

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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“…Effects on the gal bladder Khat chewing has no clinically significant effect on gal bladder motility [62].…”

Section: Subjective Effectsmentioning

confidence: 97%

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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“…An increase in the prevalence of gallstones has been reported in the Middle East and Yemen but whether this is due to khat consumption is not known. However, gallbladder motility was found to be unaffected by acute khat chewing in healthy volunteers (Murugan et al, 2003). Khat leaves are traditionally considered to be a herbal remedy to alleviate respiratory disease symptoms and therefore may have effects on the airways (Al-Meshal et al, 1985).…”

Section: Khat Chewing and Other Peripheral Systemsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Khat chewing, cardiovascular diseases and other internal medical problems: The current situation and directions for future research

Al‐Motarreb

Al‐Habori

Broadley

2010

Journal of Ethnopharmacology

174

150

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The leaves of khat (Catha edulis Forsk.) are chewed as a social habit for the central stimulant action of their cathinone content. This review summarizes the prevalence of the habit worldwide, the actions, uses, constituents and adverse health effects of khat chewing. There is growing concern about the health hazards of chronic khat chewing and this review concentrates on the adverse effects on health in the peripheral systems of the body, including the cardiovascular system and gastrointestinal tract. Comparisons are made with amphetamine and ecstasy in particular on the detrimental effects on the cardiovascular system. The underlying mechanisms of action of khat and its main constituent, cathinone, on the cardiovascular system are discussed. Links have been proposed between khat chewing and the incidence of myocardial infarction, dilated cardiomyopathy, vascular disease such as hypertension, cerebrovascular ischaemia and thromboembolism, diabetes, sexual dysfunction, duodenal ulcer and hepatitis. The evidence, however, is often based on limited numbers of case reports and only few prospective controlled studies have been undertaken. There is therefore an urgent need for more thorough case-control studies to be performed. This review outlines the current knowledge on the adverse health effects of khat chewing on the cardiovascular system and other internal medical problems, it assesses the evidence and the limitations of the studies and identifies the questions that future studies should address.

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“…Also, various controversial reports have been made on khat concerning health (Ihunwo et al, 2004;Toennes, Harder, Schramm Niess & kauert, 2003;Murugan, Burkhill, Williams, Padley & Murray-Lyon, 2003;Nencini & Ahmed, 1989); psychosocial implications (Hassan, Gunaid , El Khally & Murray-Lyon, 2002;Alem & Shibre, 1997;Stefan & Mathew, 2005); economic effects (Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs, 2005;Feyisa & Aune, 2003;Balint & Balint, 1994;Kalix, 1994), academic achievement (Ihunwo et al, 2004;Widler, Mathys, Brenneisen, Kalix & Fisch, 1994), moral implications and the legality of khat (Elmi, 1983;Goudie, 1987). More so, there have been many controversial statements concerning the use of this substance (Abbink, 1992;Weir, 1985;Varisco, 1986; Ministry of Information and National Guidance, 1983;Cassanelli, 1986;Abbink, 1992;National Drug Intelligence Center, 2007;Kalix, Geisshuster & Brenneisen, 1987;Smith, 1994;Beekhuis, 1996;Nencini, Ahmed & Aminconi, 1984).…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Khat (Catha edulis): academic, health and psychosocial efects on “mature” students

Lamina¹,

Babu²

2010

ajdas

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The leaves of the plant khat (Catha edulis) are commonly chewed in certain countries of East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Chewing of khat leaves has a deep-rooted religious and sociocultural tradition and has a peculiarity of certain influences on the physical, physiological and psychosocial well-being of those involved in the habit of chewing the leaves. The objective of this study was to investigate psychosocial, academic and health implications and reasons for students' involvement in khat chewing habit. A cross-sectional survey of students aged 22 years and above was studied; Five hundred and twenty eight subjects participated. They were summer school students of Jimma University, Ethiopia. A self structured questionnaire was used in data collection on the socio-demographic, academic, economic and health effects of khat. Results clearly indicated that males dominated in chewing khat (63.52%); 54.9% of khat chewers were Muslims; 46.3% of the students reported focus and concentration on their studies as the reason for chewing khat. Insomnia was the major health problem indicated by 50% of the students; while 71% of the study participants reported being more sociable following khat chewing. Self acclaimed positive academic achievements were reported by 89% of the participants but there were no reported significant effects on objective academic results. It was concluded that to gain concentration and focus was the main reason for students' khat chewing habit. However, there was no evidence of subjective academic achievement.

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The effect of khat chewing on gallbladder motility in a group of volunteers

Cited by 4 publications

References 16 publications

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

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

Khat chewing, cardiovascular diseases and other internal medical problems: The current situation and directions for future research

Khat (Catha edulis): academic, health and psychosocial efects on “mature” students

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