Short-Term Effects of High-Dose Khat on Sperm Parameters and Reproductive Hormonal Levels in Olive Baboons <b><i>(Papio anubis)</i></b>

Abstract

The biological effects of khat (Catha edulis) on reproduction and fertility are inadequately investigated and controversial, hence we determined the effects of oral administration of high-dose khat on sperm parameters and male hormonal levels in olive baboons. In this study, 6 male baboons received a high dose of khat (500 g/week) during 1 month. Electroejaculation for sperm studies (concentration, motility and chromatin integrity) and plasma collection for hormonal analysis (testosterone, prolactin and cortisol) were done weekly during 1 month before and 1 month during khat administration as well as 2 weeks after the last dose of khat administration. Administration of khat extract induced a significant reduction in sperm motility (p = 0.008), sperm count (p = 0.041), sperm chromatin integrity (p = 0.0003), testosterone levels (p = 0.035) and prolactin levels (p = 0.0115), but not in cortisol levels and sperm volume (p > 0.05). The results suggest that high-dose khat decreases sperm quality and testosterone and hence may contribute to male infertility.

Toxicity and Safety of Khat (Catha edulis) Consumption during Pregnancy using Olive Baboons (Papio anubis) as Experimental Models: A Prospective Randomised Study

“…As compared to the controls, the experimental animals had lower body weight. This finding was similar to previous studies in male baboons (Nyachieo et al, 2013) and other rodents (Shewamene and Engidawork, 2014;Dhaifalah and santavy, 2014). The reduced body weight could be due to reduced food absorption as documented elsewhere (Workineh et al, 2010).…”

“…Blood pressure and temperature showed similar results for control and experimental animals. Previously, blood pressure had been shown to increase in khat treated male baboons (Nyachieo et al, 2013). Similarly, the cathinone, found in khat has been shown to elevate diastolic blood pressure (Workineh et al, 2010).…”

“…The difference between our study and previous studies could be due differences in dosage and frequency of administration. Our study used lower dose of 5g/kg body weight/week compared to the previous studies where 500g per animal was used (Nyachieo et al, 2013).…”

“…To overcome the limitations, olive baboon are ideal models of providing insight into the effects of khat usage during pregnancy. This is because olive baboons are similar to humans in phylogenetics, physiology and reproductive biology (Nyachieo et al, 2013;D'Hooghe et al, 2009) and the results can easily be extrapolated and applied in humans. Indeed, the olive baboon reproductive endocrinology reveal similar hormonal profiles as observed in humans with the peak estrogen serum level at the time of ovulation followed by progesterone secretion increase after the onset of LH surge (Steven, 1997).…”

Effect of Khat (Catha edulisForsk) extract on testicular maturation in pre‐pubertal and pubertal rats: A morphological and biochemical study

“…While most users report a positive effect of Khat, which is comparable to that of coffee and also enhances sexual desire, researchers report diverging effects of Khat on male reproductive capabilities (Al‐Mamary et al., 2002; Islam et al. 1990; Balint et al., 1991; Elmi, 1983; Granek et al., 1988; Halbach, 1972; Kalix & Braenden, 1985; Krikorian, 1984; Mekasha et al., 2007; Mwenda et al., 2006; Nyachieo et al., 2013; Pantelis et al., 1989; Tariq et al., 1987; Wabe, 2011). In general, most of the available literature investigating the effect of Khat on humans suggest that chronic use may cause spermatorrhea and may lead to decreased sexual functioning and even impotence (Halbach, 1972; Mwenda et al., 2003).…”