Understanding Khat: Its Sociocultural and Health Implications in Saudi Arabia.

Abstract

This review offers an insight into the historical background, utilization, chemical composition, health impacts, processes, and cultural aspects associated with the usage of khat, a psychoactive, mind-altering plantindigenous to the Arabian Peninsula and the Horn of Africa. It further explores the cultural importance of khat in nations such as Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Ethiopia, and Somalia, detailing its chemical makeup containing alkaloids and other compounds, its physiological impact on the body, and its potential health risks like cardiovascular complications, mental health disorders, and dental problems. The cultural, economic, and religious aspects that affect perceptions and consumption of khat were also considered while emphasizing its usage despite legal bans in many nations.