The Effect of Khat on the Levels of Cortisol and Lipid Profile in Healthy Khat Chewres

Abstract

Effect of khat chewing on the levels of cortisol, total-cholesterol, triglyceride and lipoproteins cholesterol (HDLc and LDLc), in healthy khat chewers were studied in fifty healthy Yemeni male adults. After 12 hours fasting (in controls) or after 12 hours from the last session for khat chewing , serum concentration of these parameters were determined. The results showed that the mean levels of serum cortisol as well as the serum concentration of HDL-cholesterol were decreased as compared to non khat chewer individuals (control group) (p<0.05), while the serum triglyceride mean level was consistently higher after chewing khat and differences were statistically significant (p-value<0.05) as compared to the control group. On the other hands the mean concentration of total cholesterol and LDL-c in serum of khat consumers showed a non-significant change, as compared to the control group (non khat chewers).

Khat Chewing and Lipid Profile in Human and Experimental Animals

“…It has been estimated by many authors that khat reduces HDL-C levels. For example, a study established in 2009 reported significant decreased in HDL-C level in khat chewers compared to nonkhat chewers (24:72 ± 4:48 mg/dl versus 33:34 ± 1:83 mg/dl) [37]. A similar finding was obtained by Alam et al who demonstrated the presence of hypoalphalipoproteinemia among Saudi khat users [38].…”

“…They also found the same effects after 2 hrs of khat chewing session in khat chewers comparing with nonkhat chewers [36]. Additionally, the study of Al-Akwa (n = 60) reported similar reducing effects among healthy male khat users [37]. Moreover, a study carried out in Jazan region in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (n = 100) confirmed the decreased effects of khat chewing on TC and LDL-C among Saudi khat consumers [38].…”

“…Additionally, Ali et al demonstrated higher serum TG levels in ACS khat user patients than nonkhat user patients (288:7 ± 525:0 mg/dl vs. 210:0 ± 787:5 mg/dl; P < 0:003) [44]. In the same manner, the study conducted by Al-Akwa established a significant increase of TG levels in nonkhat users concerning nonkhat users [37]. Furthermore, one Saudi study reported a two times increase in TG levels among khat chewers than nonkhat chewers [38].…”