Khat (Catha edulis): health aspects of khat chewing.
Catha edulis Forsk leaves (khat) are chewed daily by a high proportion of the adult population in Yemen for the mild stimulant effect. Cathinone is believed to be the main active ingredient in fresh khat leaves and is structurally related and pharmacologically similar to amphetamine. The habit of khat chewing is widespread with a deep-rooted sociocultural tradition in Yemen and as such poses a public health problem. The objective of this literature review was to examine studies on khat, particularly human studies, with special reference to its effect on the central nervous system, cardiovascular, digestive and genitourinary systems, oral-dental tissues, diabetes mellitus and cancer.
Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Al-Thawra Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Sana'a, Sana'a, Yemen.
N A G M
NA
Hassan
A A
AA
Gunaid
I M
IM
Murray-Lyon
D000328:Adult; D000470:Alkaloids / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis; D002319:Cardiovascular System / Q000187:drug effects; D029754:Catha / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000737:chemistry; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000187:drug effects; D048909:Diabetes Complications / Q000150:complications; D004064:Digestive System / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D005333:Fetus / Q000187:drug effects; D006287:Health Planning Guidelines; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D007229:Infant Welfare; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008409:Mastication; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000453:epidemiology; D009909:Oral Health; D018515:Plant Leaves / Q000009:adverse effects; D011247:Pregnancy; D011634:Public Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D018456:Reproductive Medicine; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D014566:Urogenital System / Q000187:drug effects; D015006:Yemen / Q000453:epidemiology
D000470:Alkaloids; C023665:cathinone