Abstract
Catha edulis of the plant family Celastraceae commonly named as Khat in Ethiopia is a stimulant plant containing amphetamine-like substances. Fresh Khat leaves described to contain some 60 different constituents. Consumers chew leaves and masticate it for hours. Some users make a paste from dried leaf powder, mixing with sugar and water which is easily chewed and swallowed. In some areas, dried leaves are used as a tea, and also crushed and rolled into cigarettes. Less attention has been directed toward possible chemical and microbial contamination and risky pathways. The aims of this study are 1.Identify the actual Khat production-consumption process from farm to use. 2. Detect chemical and microbial contamination risk of consumable Khat leaf in process 3. Assess the microbiological qualities chewable Khat leaf. Descriptive statistics from the main dataset, for Khat consumption, showed that out of 1169, 564 household heads were Khat consumers and out of these consumers, 347 (62.52%) consume daily. Majority of the pilot study participants (retailers and consumers) confirmed that pesticide chemicals are sprayed on Khat bushes and trees, and Khat farmers disclosed the use of Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and Malathion on their farm. The mean CFU/gm was 1.69*10^5 which indicate poor hygiene /handling. Our observation showed that the processes from farming, Transporting, collection, distribution (whole-sellers, retailers) to consumption indicate a potential risk for Khat leaf to become contaminated with Chemicals/ microorganisms.
Highlights
Catha edulis Forsk of the plant family Celastraceae (Spindle-tree) commonly named as Khat in Ethiopia is an amphetamine-like stimulant plant widely consumed in Eastern Africa and southern Arabian region [1, 2]
Our observation showed that the processes from farming, Transporting, collection, distribution to consumption indicate a potential risk for Khat leaf to become contaminated with Chemicals/ microorganisms
[32] Estimated daily intake (EDI) of pesticides from consumable Khat leaf was assessed by extrapolating pesticides database [33] and from previous studies conducted in Ethiopia on pesticide residues from Khat leaf
Summary
Catha edulis Forsk of the plant family Celastraceae (Spindle-tree) commonly named as Khat in Ethiopia is an amphetamine-like stimulant plant widely consumed in Eastern Africa and southern Arabian region [1, 2]. Research findings indicated illness and death case reports associated with Khat consumption. Diazinon levels from Khat analysis, grown from South West Ethiopia (Jimma) detected 173.9-751.4 μg/kg, which is high compared to the level of 10 μg/kg set for vegetables and fruit by the European Union (EU) [23]. A study was done in Yemen (around Sana'a), from 30 samples of chewable Khat leaves, and eleven mycotoxigenic fungi from which Aspergillus, Alternaria, Penicillium, and Cladosporium were the most frequent genera. This finding was considered to be a threat to public health [27]. By revealing case reports, actual practices and processes of the plant cultivation and use, it is hoped that this information will be noted by agricultural extension experts, Khat using communities, and health professionals
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