Abstract
Background Catha edulis, also known as khat or qat, is a plant that grows in East Africa and southern Arabia. Several millions of people chew the leaves and twigs of khat plant for their central stimulating amphetamine-like effects. Khat chewing is becoming more common in Europe and the United States, owing to worldwide migration. Objective This review examines the khat ingredients, global prevalence, and legal status as well as its effects on lipid profile. Methodology. A literature search was performed using PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar to collect information within articles published up to April 2021 with the goal of identifying relevant studies. The proposed mechanisms of cathinone effects on total cholesterol and triglyceride were also discussed. Conclusion The khat chewing habit is considered as a serious economic and health issue that needs specialized programs to assist those people to quit or reducing this habit.
Highlights
Khat (Catha edulis Forsk) is a perennial plant commonly grown in Yemen, Ethiopia, and other horn African countries [1]
A recent study conducted in Saudi Arabia described the high prevalence of khat chewing in Jazan region especially by diabetic patients [8]
Even though there are a huge number of studies reporting the psychological and physiological effects of khat on different body systems, available data exploring khat effects on lipid profile are scarce
Summary
Khat (Catha edulis Forsk) is a perennial plant commonly grown in Yemen, Ethiopia, and other horn African countries [1]. Taking into consideration that several millions of people globally chew khat on daily basis, it is likely that khat adverse health effects including effects on lipid profile will be seen throughout the globe. It is important for physicians with different specialists to know the khat effects on lipid profile. Several millions of people chew the leaves and twigs of khat plant for their central stimulating amphetamine-like effects. This review examines the khat ingredients, global prevalence, and legal status as well as its effects on lipid profile. The khat chewing habit is considered as a serious economic and health issue that needs specialized programs to assist those people to quit or reducing this habit
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