Khat Research Articles

Experimental Processes and Diffusion among Qat Farmers in Yemen

Production of qat in Yemen is not supported by any commercial or public sector research and advisory programs. Nonetheless, production continues to expand rapidly and farmers have developed technologies to solve production problems and to adapt traditional and nontraditional practices to new areas. These developments occur through systematic experimentation and observation. A study in monocrop and mixed cropping qat production areas of the Central Highlands identified twelve instances of technology developed by farmers. Using a grounded theory approach and a methodology adapted to the sensitive nature of the enquiry, the study elicits models of farmer experimentation. It also explores the rich network of informal communication channels through which new information is exchanged among qat producers, traders and consumers. The role of itinerant labourers in the information system is highlighted. While the study confirms the dynamism of farming systems in the absence of formal research and development programs, it also raises concerns about health and environmental issues.

Effect of khat leaves extract (Catha edulis) on the excitability of frog gastrocnemius.

This study was held on the isolated excitable tissue of frog's gastrocnemius muscle. Experiments were down by determining the dose dependent of leaves of khat extract. Work down in accordance with personal presupposition since reported that khat have psycho stimulant effects accordingly we thought khat might have effects on systemically biology that mediated by chticol amines. Results showed the effect of khat leaves extract on excitability of muscle contraction that was easily attested when the electrical stimuli were applied either through the nerve or directly to the muscle. Whereas khat treatment showed a significant increase in the contraction period of the gastrocnemius muscle and both of the relaxation periods and half relaxation time were shortened. Also it was found that pretreatment by khat leaves extract caused changes in the tension output, increased the height of effect intensity with prolonged the contraction period, while the latent period was decreased and reduced slightly the half relaxation period of the twitch comparison with the normal control muscle. These experimental results indicated that khat had highly stimulant effects on muscle, whereas caused liberation of thermoenzymatic and chemical energy during contraction which converted into mechanical energy, which manifested its self as work.

Chronic Qat Chewing Effects on Nasopharynx, Oropharynx, and Laryngopharynx

Background Qat (also known as Khat, Kat, Miraa) is a green plant Catha edulis planted mainly in East and South Africa, and The Arabian Peninsula. It is widely and traditionally consumed by people in some regions. It has general effects on different systems such as cardiovascular and nervous system. Local effects were mainly described in the oral cavity such as periodontitis and white keratotic lesions. Scarce studies proved its relationship with cancer development. To date, there is a literature gap in reporting other local manifestations. In this study, the authors discuss additional local manifestations noted with chronic qat chewing. Aim In this study, the pharyngeal effects of chronic qat consumption were described. Material and methods This study is a retrospective study retrieved from an Ear, Nose, and Throat clinic records. All patients attending the clinic with history of chronic qat chewing more than 10 years were included in the study. Patients’ complaints were analyzed for the presence of voice change, stridor, and dysphagia. Nasopharyngeal and laryngeal endoscopy were used to assess the velopharynx, oropharynx, epiglottis, aryepiglottic folds, and pyriform sinuses. Results This study included 22 patients. Most patients presented with muffled voice and stridor on exertion. More than half of the cases developed velopharyngeal stenosis. All cases had uvular edema and associated deformity of the posterior pillar and the laryngeal structure were described. Conclusion Changes in the nasopharynx, oropharynx, larynx, and hypopharynx were noted in patients with chronic qat consumption.

Parental khat use and early childhood growth status in Eastern Ethiopia.

Adult chewing of the stimulant plant khat (Catha edulis) has an unclear relationship with child growth outcomes. Contradictory study conclusions because habitual khat chewing covary with increased household income from khat production. Disentangling the association of parental khat use, household khat production, and child nutritional status and growth markers. Bayesian analysis was applied to survey data for 2340 households containing 2760 children aged 24-60 months in a population-representative geographic sampling of two districts in Eastern Ethiopia, a khat chewing and producing region. Stunting effects were more evident than wasting; the negative child growth effect of khat chewing persisted regardless of household khat production; maternal chewing particularly mattered for child growth delays. This exploratory analysis suggests that future studies should target the interactions of khat chewing practices with gendered performances of child care/feeding responsibilities.

Reducing Khat use among Somalis living in Kenya: a controlled pilot study on the modified ASSIST-linked brief intervention delivered in the community

BackgroundDuring recent decades, the consumption of the stimulant khat (catha edulis) has profoundly changed in countries around the Horn of Africa, and excessive use patterns have emerged—especially evident among displaced Somalis. This is related to the development of severe somatic and psychiatric disorders. There are currently no preventive or interventional studies targeting khat use. This study’s aim was to test screening and brief intervention (SBI) to reduce khat use among urban Somali refugees living in Kenya with limited access to public healthcare.MethodsIn this controlled study, 330 male Somali khat users from the community were either assigned to SBI (161) or an assessment-only control condition (AC; 169); due to field conditions a rigorous experimental design could not be implemented. The World Health Organization’s (WHO) Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST)-linked brief intervention was adapted to khat and Somali culture. Trained local counselors administered the intervention. The amount and frequency of khat use was assessed using the time-line-follow-back method. We compared the month before the intervention (t1) to the two months after it (t2, t3). Baseline differences in khat use frequency were corrected by partial matching and mixed effect models used to evaluate intervention effects.ResultsSBI was well accepted and feasible for khat users. Over the complete observation period and from t1 to t2, khat use amount and frequency decreased (p < .001) and the intervention group showed a greater reduction (group x time effects with p ≤ .030). From t2 to t3, no further reduction and no group differences emerged.ConclusionThe results provide preliminary evidence that khat use amount and frequency can be reduced in community settings by SBI, requiring little resources. Thorough assessment alone might have intervention-like effects. The non-treatment-seeking community sample and the non-professional counselors are distinct from SBI studies with other substances in other countries, but support the feasibility of this approach in khat use countries and especially in Somali populations with limited access to healthcare. Future studies that employ rigorous experimental design are needed.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02253589. Date of first registration 01/10/2014, retrospectively registered https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02253589. First participant 16/09/2014:

Assessment of chromium contamination in the soil and khat leaves (Catha edulis Forsk) and its health risks located in the vicinity of tannery industries; A case study in Bahir Dar City, Ethiopia

Industrial effluents containing trace metals can contaminate water, soil and plants, as well as can cause serious human health impacts. The aim of this study was to assess the concentration of chromium in the soil and khat leaves using spectroscopic methods and to evaluate its potential human health risk on the consumers. The average concentrations of total chromium in the soil samples ranged from 71.01 ± 12.05 to 317.55 ± 23.14 mg kg−1. These values were greater than the control (7.6 ± 0.47 mg kg−1). The average concentrations of total Cr in the khat leaves ranged of 6.5 ± 1.76 to 30.01 ± 2.91 (mg kg−1). These values were higher than the maximum permissible Limits in vegetables 2.3 mg kg−1. The estimated daily intake (EDI) of an adult man weighing 70 kg and consuming on average 100 g of khat leaves per day was found in the range of 0.200–0.454 mg kg−1 body weight day−1. The target hazard quotient (THQ) of Cr from khat leaves consumption was found in the range of 0.001–0.076, which were <1, indicating no potential non-carcinogenic harmful health risk to the consumers in the society. Despite this, the regional EPA must pay close attention to controlling the use of irrigation water contaminated with tannery effluents in order to safeguard khat consumers. Furthermore, consumers must be aware of the health risks and refrain from consuming khat leaves cultivated in the study areas.

Impact of Khat (Catha Edulis Forsk), During Chewing Session, on Serum RBG Level in T2DM Patients Treated with Metformin

Background: Despite its detrimental effects on health, chewing khat appears to be becoming more commonplace globally as a daily habit, particularly in the nations where it originated. As a result, it is very possible that khat users will take drugs while they chew the drug. That is high among them, increasing the likelihood of harmful khat-drug interactions. In these situations, it is critical to assess the impact of simultaneous khat and clinical medication delivery.Objective: As a preliminary study to evaluate the effect of khat (Catha edulis Forsk) chewing on serum Random Blood Sugar (RBG) level in Type 2 Diabetic Mellitus (T2DM) patients treated with metformin.Material and Method: Seventy-six male participants between the ages of 25 and 70 were included in the trial, 38 of them were already metformin-treated T2DM patients with a prior diagnosis. The remaining 38 people had no family history of diabetes, were healthy, and were not diabetic. Whether the individuals in the aforementioned two groups regularly chewed khat or not was used as a supplementary criterion for division. Using a drop of blood taken from each patient, a calibrated glucometer was used to take three readings of RBG levels.Results: The findings showed that healthy persons (non-khat chewers) had RBG levels at 4 hours after lunch that were significantly different from their corresponding values at 2 hours earlier. Using an independent sample t-test to compare the RBG levels of healthy khat chewers to healthy non-khat chewers, it was discovered that khat chewers had significantly higher RBG levels 3 and 4 hours after lunch (P = 0.042 and 0.000, respectively). RBG levels at 4 h after lunch (2 h after khat chewing) were significantly lower by -54.36 when compared to the level at 2 h after lunch of the same group of diabetic khat chewers taking metformin, whereas levels at 3 h after launch (1 h after khat chewing) were not statistically different.Conclusion: When khat was consumed, healthy volunteers' serum RBG levels went up, whereas diabetic patients receiving metformin saw no change in their RBG levels.

Green gold: refining crude Miraa (Catha edulis) into a real green gold

Miraa (Catha edulis) is a very lucrative psychoactive crop for the farmers in lower parts of Meru county and Embu county. However, its handling is unhygienic and it’s a perishable crop. Withering and drying leads to conversion of the stimulating compound; cathinone to a less stimulating compound; cathine. Therefore, it has to be transported to the market within the shortest time possible. This has led to culture of high speed driving of miraa delivery pick-ups and lorries. This is both unsafe to the miraa transporters as well as other road users leading to high records of fatal road accidents. Once in the market, the twigs are chewed raw without any value addition. This form of presentation and chewing makes it look unaesthetic, archaic and primitive. The objective of this study was to determine microbial load and evaluate the possibility of extending the shelf-life and development of various processed products from miraa while retaining the active ingredients. The miraa twigs for all the studies were purchased from the local vendors in Meru. Microbial load of miraa from different miraa vending points around Meru town, these are; Nchiru, Kianjai, Ruiri, Makutano and Meru town was studied. Shelf-life of miraa was studied by storing miraa at ambient temperature, refrigerated conditions (4-8 °C) and humidity chamber. Weight loss and total phenolic compounds were monitored. Miraa was processed into unflavoured and flavoured infusion bags. Miraa sourced from Meru town exhibited the highest microbial load compared to the other vending points. This is associated to environmental contaminants and high number of handlers. Miraa stored at ambient temperature exhibited the highest weight loss and reduction in total phenolic compounds while that stored in humidity chamber showed the lowest weight loss and highest retention of phenolic compounds after 72 hours. Consumer tests preferred miraa infusion bags as hygienic with moderate stimulation effects. The results showed that it’s possible to store miraa for up to 72 hours and to prepare miraa infusion bag with stimulatory effects.

Anti-corrosive properties of Catha Edulis leaves extract on C38 steel in 1 M HCl media. Experimental and theoretical study

Anti-corrosive properties of Catha Edulis leaves extract on C38 steel in 1 M HCl media. Experimental and theoretical study

‘If there was no jaad’: poetics of khat and remembering the future in a London Somali community

AbstractThe Somali people have suffered from a devastating civil war and large‐scale forced displacement since the late 1980s. This article is based on ethnographic fieldwork with Northwest London Somalis during the khat (Catha edulis) control debates that led to the prohibition of the substance in June 2014. It argues that diaspora poetics can become an expression of a deeply divisive past offering ways to rearticulate ruptured interpersonal and community relationships in terms of their restorative potential. When Somali diaspora people in the United Kingdom used poetry to engage in the khat prohibition debates, the anti‐khat poems entangled this mild stimulant with the Somali history of state collapse and displacement. This revealed that, for Somalis, the stakes of the prohibition vastly exceeded concerns about potential social and health harms of khat in the United Kingdom. The poetics of khat situate acts of remembering within a distinctive conception of ideas about Somali nationhood, the need for conciliation, and visions of a common future. Yet remembering proved to be less about nostalgic longing for the past and more about enacting new moral and political relations enabled by the momentum of the khat prohibition.

Glycemic effects of &lt;em&gt;Catha edulis&lt;/em&gt;

More than 20 million people in the East African horn and the southern Arabian Peninsula chew khat (Catha edulis) on a daily basis. The glycemic effect of khat chewing, regardless of diabetes status, is still being debated. Using studies from countries where chewing khat is common, we attempted to discuss the potential glycemic effects of Catha edulis in humans and some animal models. This review included a thorough search in PubMed and the Cochrane Library using PRISMA guidelines, with words like (Khat) and (Qat) serving as query indicators for (diabetes) and (glucose), with no language or species restrictions. Khat is chewed for its stimulating and enjoyable properties. Despite a relatively small number of studies on khat’s glycemic effect, the debate continues. Many studies have linked the glycemic effect of khat leaves to their freshness and the duration of the stimulant effect. Although only in animal models, khat’s destructive effect on pancreatic -cells could cause some dysglycemic effects. The cathinone cannot be blamed for the glycemic effect.

Evaluation of dried Khat (Catha Edulis) leaf as natural additives on egg quality, embryonic mortality, and chick quality of white leghorn layers

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of supplementation of Khat leave as a natural feed additive on egg quality, fertility, embryonic mortality, hatchability, and chick quality of White Leghorn (WL) layers. One hundred fifty-six hens and twenty-four cocks of WL at twenty-four weeks of age were randomly dis-tributed to four treatments, each replicated three times with thirteen layers and two cocks per replication and kept on a deep litter system. Treatment rations were formulated by the addition of Khat leave on layers ration with the proportion of 0% (T1), 0.2% (T2), 0.4% (T3), and 0.6% (T4). All data were subjected to analysis of variance. The egg weight of layers in T3 (54.1) was higher (P&lt;0.05) than that of layers in T4 (51.5) and T1 (51.8). Roche color reading was significantly higher for T4 (4.7±0.19) than T3 (3.4±0.19), T2 (2.2±0.19), and T1 (1.7±0.19). There were no significant differences (P &gt; 0.05) among treatments in yolk height, yolk index, yolk diameter, albumen height, Haugh unit, fertility, hatchability, chick weight, and visual score. Embryonic mortality percentage was significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher for T1 than for other treatments. Chick length was significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher in T2, T4, and T3 than in T1. Finally, this study can be concluded that the use of dried Khat leaves as an additive up to 0.6% in ration of White Leghorn layers increased eggshell weight and yolk coulor and reduced embryonic mortality.

Studies on the ethnopharmacology, antimicrobial activity, and toxicity of Catha edulis (Vahl.) Endl., in Sprague Dawley rats.

Background: The Mbeere South community of Embu County consume leaves of Catha edulis for its stimulant and euphoretic actions. Other indigenous uses of the plant are undocumented. Information on the pharmacology and safety of this plant is also scanty. This study aimed to document the ethnopharmacology, antimicrobial properties, and toxicity of C. edulis leaves collected from the Mbeere South community in Kenya. Methods: Ethnopharmacological data was collected from 35 informants using semi-structured questionnaires. Leaf extracts of C. edulis were prepared using acetone, water, and methanol. The antimicrobial properties of these extracts were evaluated against Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans. The toxicity of the aqueous extract was determined using hematological, biochemical, and histopathological parameters in male and female Sprague Dawley rats at 250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg, and 1000 mg/kg doses over 28 days. p<0.05 was considered significant. Results: All informants were male, most were married, >50 years old, with >10 years of experience. The sources, local names, preparation, storage conditions, indications, frequency of use, dosage, and side effects of C. edulis were documented. All extracts were ineffective against E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and C. albicans. They had limited efficacy against B. cereus and S. aureus. Significant differences were observed in the hematological and biochemical parameters of rats at the tested doses. Low, intermediate, and high doses of the aqueous extract of C. edulis produced local congestion of the cardiac and hepatic vessels. Localized interstitial connective tissue proliferation, multifocal kidney interstitial hemorrhage, and localized tubular epithelium necrosis were also observed in female rats. Conclusions: The ethnobotanical uses of C. edulis among the Mbeere South community were documented for the first time. Limited antimicrobial efficacy and toxicity at high doses limit the use of leaves of C. edulis.

Khat (Catha Edulis) Plant Abuse in Saudi Arabia

Background: The khat (Catha edulis) shrub is cultivated in both the Arabian Peninsula and North Africa. The citizens of this region have carried the tradition of chewing khat leaves since the 15th century. This plant is a natural stimulant which contains two main substances, cathine and cathinone, which cause excitement, euphoria, and loss of appetite. Moreover, the khat trade is considered a source of income within countries of these regions. However, khat holds both benefits and negative aspects for mankind, society, and the environment. This article focuses on the issue of khat smuggling to Saudi Arabia, which has increased over between 2010 and 2016 according to the recent statistics.

Protein-Ligand Identification and In Vitro Inhibitory Effects of Cathine on 11 Major Human Drug Metabolizing Cytochrome P450s.

Cathine is the stable form of cathinone, the major active compound found in khat (Catha edulis Forsk) plant. Khat was found to inhibit major phase I drug metabolizing cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzyme activities in vitro and in vivo. With the upsurge of khat consumption and the potential use of cathine to combat obesity, efforts should be channelled into understanding potential cathine-drug interactions, which have been rather limited. The present study aimed to assess CYPs activity and inhibition by cathine in a high-throughput in vitro fluorescence-based enzyme assay and molecular docking analysis to identify how cathine interacts within various CYPs’ active sites. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of cathine determined for CYP2A6 and CYP3A4 were 80 and 90 μM, while CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, CYP2E1, CYP2J2 and CYP3A5 showed no significant inhibition. Furthermore, in Ki analysis, the Lineweaver-Burk plots depicted non-competitive mixed inhibition of cathine on both CYP2A6 and CYP3A4 with Ki value of 63 and 100 μM, respectively. Cathine showed negligible time-dependent inhibition on CYPs. Further, molecular docking studies showed that cathine was bound to CYP2A6 via hydrophobic, hydrogen and π-stacking interactions and formed hydrophobic and hydrogen bonds with active site residues in CYP3A4. Both molecular docking prediction and in vitro outcome are in agreement, granting more detailed insights for predicting CYPs metabolism besides the possible cathine-drug interactions. Cathine-drug interactions may occur with concomitant consumption of khat or cathine-containing products with medications metabolized by CYP2A6 and CYP3A4.

Green synthesis of Size‐Controlled copper oxide nanoparticles as catalysts for H 2 production from industrial waste aluminum

Extensive research and development in the processes of production and generation of hydrogen are needed to make renewable hydrogen cost-competitive with fossil hydrogen. As a result, developing hydrogen energy from low-cost components and synthesizing it from renewable resources is an important issue that can be considered a global challenge. The current research provided a continuous H2 energy production from waste aluminum in a water medium using copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) as catalysts in the reaction. CuO NPs have been prepared by a green, easy, inexpensive, and systematic method using Catha edulis L. (Khat) extract as reducing and capping agents. Separately, CuO NPs prepared in an alkaline media using the conventional hydrothermal process have been described and reported for comparison. Multidisciplinary tools were used to characterize the powders for structural, morphological, and surface aspects. CuO NPs were homogeneous, well-dispersed, and have fine diameters with an average of 6 nm, owing to the abundant biomolecules in the plant extract. The synthesized samples were utilized as catalysts for H2 production from industrial waste aluminum with a 1/0.02 ration of Al/CuO by weight. The primary results revealed a higher H2 production yield and rapid rate in alkaline than acidic mediums. Under all conditions, the CuO NPs prepared from the extract had better catalytic activity than those prepared by a conventional method. The results proved that the reaction temperature prompts the reaction kinetics more than other parameters. The optimum H2 yield could be optimized at a temperature of 70°C, 1/50 ratio of CuO/waste Al, and near-neutral solutions. The above conditions are ideal for designing a continuous production reactor. The hydrogen generated using industrial waste aluminum in the present system is a cost-effective and sustainable approach.

Optimization of fermentation condition for production of lactic acid from khat (“Catha edulis”) waste by using immobilized Lactobacillus plantarum

Optimization of fermentation condition for production of lactic acid from khat (“Catha edulis”) waste by using immobilized Lactobacillus plantarum

Importance of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L) to smallholder farmers in the case of Eastern and Southern Ethiopia

Information on the diversity of landraces, cultivation practices, and feeding habits is necessary to improve the crops through selection and/or hybridization. This study was conducted to generate information to document cropping practices, values, and socio-cultural aspects of fenugreek. A study was conducted in five districts of Oromia and one yem special districts at Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples’ Regional States, and data were collected using structured and semi-structured interviews from 144 general and 24 key informants. Assessment of data was conducted through interviews with informants regarding cropping systems of the specific landraces, plant nomenclature of traditional landraces, distinctive criteria of each landrace, and use of fenugreek. R software version 4.1.2 and MS Excel 2010 were used to analyze qualitative data, quantify, sort, determine proportions and draw figures, percentages, means, and tables. The result indicated that Hulbata guracha and Hulbata Dima in Eastern Hararghe and Abesha abish and Orome abish in Yem Special district were reported as popular farmers’ cultivars. The farmers named the cultivars mainly based on seed color, seed source, and taste. Sole cropping of fenugreek was more common in Yem special district (65.3%), whereas intercropping with sorghum and Catha edulis (khat) was common in East Hararghe (27.3%) and crop rotation was practiced in both East Hararghe (97.2%) and Yem especial district (88.8%). The farmers in the study area use fenugreek mainly as food in East Hararghe (100%) while in Yem special district used mainly as a spice (100%). This is due to socio-cultural and knowledge differences on the importance of fenugreek in the study area that influence feeding habits, cultivation practice, and uses.

Towards a better understanding of the psychosocial determinants associated with adults\u2019 use of smokeless tobacco in the Jazan Region of Saudi Arabia: a qualitative study

BackgroundMost diagnosed oral cancer cases in Saudi Arabia are in the Jazan region. A common type of smokeless tobacco "Shammah" is prevalent in this region. This study aimed to gain an in-depth understanding of the possible psychosocial determinants of Shammah consumption among adult Shammah users in Jazan region.MethodsA qualitative study was conducted by means of one-on-one interviews among thirty adult Shammah users. Participants were recruited by means of a purposive sampling technique. Data were collected using a semi-structured interview guide utilizing face-to-face and phone-call interviews. Thematic analysis with hybrid approach was used to analyze the dataset.ResultsTwenty-four sub-codes within four overarching themes were generated. Participants revealed uncertainty related to Shammah composition, how to quit knowledge and Shammah prevention/cessation programs. Shammah use identified as a normal phenomenon in society. Its use was frequently reported in participants’ close network but most users faced family and peers’ disapproval. Some users expressed joy, happiness and focused when using Shammah. Others were disgusted or neutral. Many users believed Shammah causes cancer and tears oral tissues. Others believed it relieves toothache or has no effect. Majority of users were confident to quit and recalled some quitting aids. Toothache, craving, drinking tea and chewing Khat (leaves of Catha edulis plant that causes moderate euphoria) perceived to be triggers to use Shammah. Availability of Shammah, withdrawal symptoms, stress, lack of support, seeing others using Shammah, losing part of routine and toothache were barriers to quit.ConclusionsShammah use was associated with uncertainty about Shammah composition and quitting knowledge, social acceptability, influence from family/friends, a range of positive and negative attitudinal beliefs toward its use and high quitting efficacy beliefs. Future interventions targeting Shammah should address the acknowledged triggers and barriers in the present study including the dual use of Shammah and Khat.

Studies on the ethnopharmacology, antimicrobial activity, and toxicity of Catha edulis (Vahl.) Endl., in Sprague Dawley rats

Background: The Mbeere South community of Embu County consume leaves of Catha edulis for its stimulant and euphoretic actions. Other indigenous uses of the plant are undocumented. Information on the pharmacology and safety of this plant is also scanty. This study aimed to document the ethnopharmacology, antimicrobial properties, and toxicity of C. edulis leaves collected from the Mbeere South community in Kenya. Methods: Ethnopharmacological data was collected from 35 informants using semi-structured questionnaires. Leaf extracts of C. edulis were prepared using acetone, water, and methanol. The antimicrobial properties of these extracts were evaluated against Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans. The toxicity of the aqueous extract was determined using hematological, biochemical, and histopathological parameters in male and female Sprague Dawley rats at 250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg, and 1000 mg/kg doses over 28 days. p&lt;0.05 was considered significant. Results: All informants were male, married, &gt;50 years old, with &gt;10 years of experience. The sources, local names, preparation, storage conditions, indications, frequency of use, dosage, and side effects of C. edulis were documented. All extracts were ineffective against E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and C. albicans. They had limited efficacy against B. cereus and S. aureus. Significant differences were observed in the hematological and biochemical parameters of rats at the tested doses. Low, intermediate, and high doses of the aqueous extract of C. edulis produced local congestion of the cardiac and hepatic vessels. Localized interstitial connective tissue proliferation, multifocal kidney interstitial hemorrhage, and localized tubular epithelium necrosis were also observed in female rats. Conclusions: The ethnobotanical uses of C. edulis among the Mbeere South community were documented for the first time. Limited antimicrobial efficacy and toxicity at high doses limit the use of leaves of C. edulis.