Khat (Catha edulis) is a shrub or tree whose leaves have been chewed for centuries by people who live in the Eastern part of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. It has recently turned up in North America and Europe, particularly among emigrants and refugees from countries such as Somalia, Ethiopia and Yemen. Khat contains a number of chemicals, among which are two controlled substances, cathinone (Schedule I) and cathine (Schedule IV). Both chemicals are stimulant drugs with effects similar to amphetamine. Chewing the leaves makes people feel more alert and talkative, and suppresses appetite. Chewing khat leaves releases cathinone, a stimulant that produces the feeling of euphoria. When cathinone is broken down in the body, it produces chemicals including cathine and norephedrine, which have a similar structure to amphetamine and adrenaline (epinephrine). Regular khat use is associated with a rise in arterial blood pressure and pulse rate, corresponding with levels of cathinone in the plasma. Moreover, regular khat chewers have gingivitis and loose teeth, but there appears to be no convincing unusual incidence of oral cancer. Among khat users in Yemen there is, however, a higher incidence of esophageal cancer compared with gastric cancer. Long term use or abuse can cause insomnia, anorexia, gastric disorders, depression, liver damage and cardiac complications, including myocardial infarction. Manic and delusional behavior, violence, suicidal depression, hallucinations, paranoia and khat-induced psychosis have also been reported. On the basis of the scientific data it seems clear that khat use has negative consequences on the economic development of a country and on the health of the society.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
---|---|
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00508-009-1259-7 | DOI Listing |
Front Public Health
January 2025
Department of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Adigrat University, Adigrat, Ethiopia.
Background: Khat chewing has become a global phenomenon, resulting in significant physical and mental health issues as well as socioeconomic crises. However, evidence is scarce on Ethiopian youths' behavioral intentions toward khat chewing, particularly in the Raya-Azebo district of the southern zone of the Tigray region. As a result, this study aimed to assess the intention to chew among youths in Raya-Azebo district, Southern Tigray, Ethiopia.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCureus
December 2024
Neurology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, USA.
Khat is a native plant of Eastern Africa that is widely utilized for its stimulant-like effects. It is known to have effects similar to those of amphetamine and has a comparable side effect profile, including tachycardia, hypertension, and insomnia. In this case report, we present a 45-year-old Somali gentleman with a history of more than eight years of chronic Khat use, presenting with progressive cognitive decline.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCurr Probl Cardiol
January 2025
School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Hargeis, Hargeisa 25263, Somaliland, Somalia.
Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are leading contributors to global morbidity and mortality, with low- and middle-income countries experiencing disproportionately high burdens. In Somaliland, urbanization and lifestyle transitions have increased the prevalence of CVDs, necessitating an in-depth exploration of associated risk factors.
Objective: This study investigated the relationship between lifestyle factors and CVD prevalence among adult patients in Somaliland using data from the Hargeisa Group Hospital in 2024.
Cureus
December 2024
Acute Medicine, Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, Southend on Sea, GBR.
Cardiovascular disease (CVDs) is the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Corporate workplaces have been identified as important environmental factors that can increase the risk and severity of CVDs. Evidence indicates that the risk and severity of CVDs can be effectively reduced by mitigating modifiable behavioural and intermediate risk factors.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPLoS One
January 2025
National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia.
Introduction: Smokeless tobacco use is a growing public health concern, with potential adverse implications for foetal outcomes if consumed during pregnancy. Birth weight is an important predictive measure for health outcomes of a child throughout their lifespan. Despite extensive literature, it is unclear whether smokeless tobacco consumption during pregnancy has an adverse effect on birth weight.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEnter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!