Abstract
Khat (Catha edulis Forsk) is a plant consumed by many people in Eastern Africa, including Ethiopia, and Southern Arabia to be stimulated. There are several human and animal studies on khat that provide information about its toxic effects. However, the potential toxic effects of khat on embryos and fetuses have not been elucidated. The aim of the present study was to investigate the embryotoxic and fetotoxic effects of khat exposure during the earliest period of gestation in rats. Pregnant Wistar albino rats were treated with khat extract at 250, 500, and 750 mg/kg doses from day 6 through day 12 of gestation. The treatment was delivered by gavage. Embryos and fetuses were recovered on gestational day 12 or day 20, respectively, and were quantitatively and qualitatively assessed for developmental anomalies. Placentae from the treatment and control groups were investigated for histopathological effects. Results of the present study showed that khat exposure during pregnancy had dose-dependent toxic effects in rat embryos and fetuses. Prenatal growth retardation such as reduced fetal weight and crown-rump length was observed in near-term fetuses, especially, in animals treated with the highest dose of khat (p < 0.05). Growth retardation and developmental anomalies were also observed in day 12 embryos of khat-treated rats. Maternal weight gain of the khat-treated group was also significantly lower than the control group. Cytolysis, decidual hypoplasia, and atrophy were observed in the placenta of the khat-treated rats. Findings of the present study revealed, for the first time, that exposure of pregnant rat to crude extract of khat causes embryotoxic and fetotoxic effects.
Highlights
The consumption of khat (Catha edulis Forsk) is extensive in Ethiopia
In Ethiopia, the productive age group of the population is the most consumer of khat
The findings of the present study showed that exposure to hydroalcoholic khat extract causes embryotoxic/fetotoxic effects in rats, and the effects were dose-related
Summary
The consumption of khat (Catha edulis Forsk) is extensive in Ethiopia. It is widely consumed in eastern Africa, including the Horn of Africa [1]. In Ethiopia, the productive age group of the population is the most consumer of khat. Khat is found in different parts of Ethiopia. Recent studies indicate that there was a significant increase in the number of Ethiopians that chew khat [2]. Khat has been grown primarily in the eastern part of Ethiopia; currently, it is commonly cultivated in most parts of the country. Traditionally restricted to a certain group of the population, had become accepted among all segments of the population. Khat chewing often leads to the use of illegal substances [2]
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