Memory deficits associated with khat (Catha edulis) use in rodents

Abstract

Khat products and chewing practices are common in East Africa, Middle East for centuries with concomitant socio-economic and public health repercussions. We assessed memory deficits associated with khat use in rodents. Young male CBA mice, 5-7 weeks old (n = 20), weighing 25-35 g were used. Mice were treated with either 40, 120 or 360 mg/kg body weight (bw) methanolic khat extract, or 0.5 ml saline for 10 days. Spatial acquisition, reversal and reference memory were assessed using modified Morris Water maze (MMWM). Mice treated with 40 mg/kg khat extract had longer (t4 = 4.12 p = 0.015) and t4 = 2.28 p = 0.065) escape latency on first and second day during reversal relative to the baseline. Under 120 mg/kg khat dose, the escape latency was shorter (t4 = -2.49 p = 0.05) vs (t3 = -2.5 p = 0.05) on third and fourth day. Further, treatment with 360 mg/kg khat extract resulted in significantly longer time (49.13, 33.5, 40.2 and 35.75) vs. (23.5 s), compared to baseline. Mice treated with khat or control preferred the target quadrant post acquisition while differential pattern was seen during reversal phase. Mice treated with 40 or 120 mg/kg khat showed significant preference for target quadrant. Substantial time (19.9) was spent in the old target compared to the new (16.9 s) by animals treated with highest dose however, the difference was not significant. There is a biological plausibility that chronic khat use may induce memory deficits and impair cognitive flexibility. The differential patterns of memory deficits may reflect the differences in dose effect as well as time dependent impairment.

Toxic effect of khat (Catha edulis) on memory: Systematic review and meta-analysis

“…However, it does not have any effect on long-term memory. [23][24][25][30][31][32] Some limited studies and single case reports suggest long-term effects of khat on behavioral and cognitive functions. These effects range from minor to major psychiatric problems.…”

“…Variety in comparison interventions was shown in the present meta-analysis. These included effects of single daily khat (C. edulis) extract on spatial learning and memory in Albino mice, [29] C. edulis deteriorates spatial working memory in rats but spares reference memory, [30] khat extract administered on acute and subacute basis impaired short-term memory with no effect on long-term memory using spatial memory testing battery, [23,24] neuropsychological functioning among chronic khat users in Jazan Region, Saudi Arabia, [31] memory deficits associated with khat (C. edulis) use in rodents, [32] and khat use impairs memory and flexibility. [33] Primary outcomes Studies analyzed in this review revealed that khat (C. edulis) shows a significant effect on short-term memory or working memory but not long-term memory.…”

Phytochemical Screening and Cytotoxic Properties of Ethanolic Extract of Young and Mature Khat Leaves

“…Khat (Catha edulis) has culturally been used in many parts of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, including Saudi Arabia and Yemen, but it is believed to be a globally growing problem [1][2][3]. Khat is mainly used to increase mental capacity [4], physical strength [5], and social entertainment [6] and enhance cheerfulness [7] and sexual orgasms [8]. e World Health Organization considers khat a drug of abuse since it causes a range of health problems [9].…”

Prediction of Post-Concussive Behavioral Changes in a Rodent Model Based on Head Rotational Acceleration Characteristics

“…As indicated above, the protocol consisted of changing the platform location between MWM sets, with four trials per set. Longer latencies following platform relocation would be indicative of an inability to adjust to the new platform location, an effect identified in other investigations involving sleep apnea and drug abuse 24,46. Additionally, although our group has not previously identified late-developing cognitive deficits following rotational acceleration injury, our prior blast TBI studies in rodents identified cognitive changes during chronic assessments that were either not present at the acute assessment41 or persisted and advanced from those identified at the acute assessment 6.…”