Abstract
The purpose of this study was to identify the sub-acute toxic effects of Khat (Catha edulis) on hemopoiesis and hematological indices of white albino rats. Two groups, each of 10 rats, were used. In the experimental group, a hydro-ethanol extract of C. edulis was administered orally to rats, daily, in single doses of 500 mg/kg body weight, for for weeks. The control group received equivalent amounts of normal saline. Our results show, for the first time, that oral administration of C. edulis hydro-ethanol extract caused significant derangement in hemopoiesis and in gross hematological indices in rats, characterized by macrocytic anemia and leucopenia. Our data show statistically significant decreases in total leukocytes count (TLC) in which, hemoglobin concentration (Hb. conc.), packed cell volume (PCV), and red cell count (RCC), accompanied by significant increases in mean cell volume (MCV), red blood cell distribution width (RDW) and platelets count with no change in mean hemoglobin concentration (MHC). In peripheral blood smears (PBS) of treated rats, there were evidences of dyserythropoiesis- impaired hemoglobinization, macrocytosis, poikilocytosis and anisocytosis, and dysgranulopoiesis- giant forms, hypersegmented neutrophils and bizarre nuclear shapes. In conclusion, our results indicate that oral administration of a hydro-ethanol extract of C. edulis adversely affected blood cell formation and induced macrocytic anemia and leukopenia in rats. However, the exact mechanisms of these hematological changes produced by Khat are still in need for further studies. Key words: Catha edulis, hemopoiesis, anemia, leukopenia, rats.
Highlights
Khat refers to the young leaves and shoots of the plant Catha edulis, a flowering evergreen tree or shrub native to East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula
For the first time, that oral administration of C. edulis hydro-ethanol extract caused significant derangement in hemopoiesis and in gross hematological indices in rats, characterized by macrocytic anemia and leucopenia
Our data show statistically significant decreases in total leukocytes count (TLC) in which, hemoglobin concentration (Hb. conc.), packed cell volume (PCV), and red cell count (RCC), accompanied by significant increases in mean cell volume (MCV), red blood cell distribution width (RDW) and platelets count with no change in mean hemoglobin concentration (MHC)
Summary
Khat refers to the young leaves and shoots of the plant Catha edulis (a species of the Celestracecae family), a flowering evergreen tree or shrub native to East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Its local names include qat (Yemen), eschat (Ethiopia) and miraa (Kenya). The habit of Khat chewing has prevailed for centuries among populations in the horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. The leaves and shoots are chewed and the juice swallowed to induce a stimulant and euphorigenic effect in the user (Kalix, 1984). Khat chewing plays a significant role in traditional culture. It is used to stay alert and overcome fatigue, hunger and thirst, similar to the use of Coca leaves by inhabitants of Central and parts of South America. The most widely reported adverse side effects of Khat chewing include anorexia, insomnia, mydriasis, hyperthermia and endo-
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