Effect of Khat on apoptosis and related gene Smac/DIABLO expression in the cerebral cortex of rats following transient focal ischemia.

Background: The leaves of the Khat shrub contain the major alkaloid compounds (cathinone) and cathine. These compounds can induce apoptosis and exacerbate the acute cerebral infarction, but the underlying mechanism is poorly understood. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of Khat treatment on the expression and cellular localization of Smac/Diablo (second mitochondrial activator of caspase) in the cortex of ischemic rat brain.

The effect of Khat (Catha edulis) on acute cerebral infarction.

Objective: The aim of this study was to show the effects of Khat on acute cerebral infarction (ACI), specifically regarding blood pressure, age and gender, and to open the door for further neurological research.

Methods: We collected 358 patients with ACI, and 335 volunteers from Al-Thowra Modern General Hospital in Sana`a, Yemen, and Thamar General Hospital, Thamar City, approximately 100 km south of Sana`a. During a one year period, from February 2003 to March 2004, we conducted research regarding blood pressure, age, and gender related to the chewing or not chewing of Khat.