Toxicological Features ofCatha edulis(Khat) on Livers and Kidneys of Male and Female Sprague-Dawley Rats: A Subchronic Study

Abstract

Hepato- and nephrotoxicity of Khat consumption (Catha edulis Forskal) have been evoked. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate such possible hepatorenal toxicity in female and male Sprague-Dawley rats (SD rats) focusing primarily on liver and kidney. In addition, female and male rats were investigated separately. Accordingly, forty-eight SD-rats (100–120 g) were distributed randomly into four groups of males and female (n = 12). Normal controls (NCs) received distilled water, whereas test groups received 500 mg/kg (low dose (LD)), 1000 mg/kg (medium dose (MD)), or 2000 mg/kg (high dose (HD)) of crude extract of Catha edulis orally for 4 weeks. Then, physical, biochemical, hematological, and histological parameters were analyzed. Results in Khat-fed rats showed hepatic enlargement, abnormal findings in serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) of male and female SD-rats and serum albumin (A) and serum creatinine (Cr) of female as compared to controls. In addition, histopathological abnormalities confirmed hepatic and renal toxicities of Khat that were related to heavy Khat consumption. In summary, Khat could be associated with hepatic hypertrophy and hepatotoxicity in male and female SD-rats and nephrotoxicity only in female SD-rats.

Khat chewing increases the risk for developing chronic liver disease

“…In previous case reports, resolution of the liver injury has been recorded following cessation of khat, while relapse following reexposure has also been documented . Moreover, khat has been shown to be hepatotoxic in animals, manifesting as a spectrum of liver injury . Evidence from the present study, together with previous case reports and animal studies, supports a strong association and suggests a causal relationship between khat chewing and the development of CLD.…”

Khat use and appetite: An overview and comparison of amphetamine, khat and cathinone

“…Sickness behaviors such as fatigue, nausea and changes in both appetite and thirst are common symptoms of liver and kidney disease (Strid et al, 2002). Experimental evidence in Sprague-Dawley rats indicates that minor use of khat (subchronic) can lead to impaired liver and kidney functioning (Alsalahi et al, 2012). Changes in weight and leptin levels were seen after 4 weeks of use in male but not female rats but impaired renal function was evident in female but not male rats in response to subchronic use (Alsalahi et al, 2012).…”

“…Experimental evidence in Sprague-Dawley rats indicates that minor use of khat (subchronic) can lead to impaired liver and kidney functioning (Alsalahi et al, 2012). Changes in weight and leptin levels were seen after 4 weeks of use in male but not female rats but impaired renal function was evident in female but not male rats in response to subchronic use (Alsalahi et al, 2012). Hepatotoxicity in this study was evident in both male and female rats.…”

Renal Diseases and Use of Medicinal Herbal Extracts: A Concise Update of Reported Literature in Africa

“…Such changes were characterized by atypical tubules, amorphous Malpighian corpuscles, and invasive infiltrative inflammatory cells. The glomerular capillaries in Malpighian corpuscles were destructed and hypertrophied [29]. In the other study, high dose Khat was shown to induce mild to moderate renal damage and significantly accentuated the gentamicin-induced renal damage in rats [30].…”