The potential adverse effects of habitual use of<i>Catha edulis</i>(khat)

Al‐Habori, Molham

doi:10.1517/14740338.4.6.1145

Cited by 167 publications

(144 citation statements)

References 99 publications

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“…Although current scientific evidence in the field is limited, the available epidemiological studies suggest that, while associations between moderate or socially regulated use of khat and health problems is weak, excessive use may lead to the development of severe somatic and mental disorders Al-Habori, 2005). Main features of problematic khat use are shown in Table 1.…”

Section: Khat: the Bitter Sweet Leavesmentioning

confidence: 99%

The stimulant khat—Another door in the wall? A call for overcoming the barriers

Odenwald

Warfa²,

Bhui³

et al. 2010

Journal of Ethnopharmacology

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a b s t r a c tAim: In this article, we comment on the current international discourse on khat, we highlight pitfalls and and suggest balanced national international regulatory actions. Method: A brief an focussed review of the available literature on khat and health and examples from our own research are provided. Results: The use patterns of catha edulis (khat) have changed throughout the last decades. During this period khat has had a remarkable economic boom and developed from a niche crop to the backbone of the regional economy. Now it contributes to the livelihoods of millions of people. Today, khat use is often the proverbial "Door in the wall" for large parts of the populations in African and Arab countries beyond the traditional user groups. Its use is often excessive and not restricted by social regulation mechanisms. Under such conditions, problematic khat use patterns develop rapidly, exemplified by the growing group of binge users, and it gets even prevalent among especially vulnerable groups such as children, people with mental disorders or pregnant women. The currently existing scientific evidence suggests that problematic use patterns not the use per se can be linked to numerous health consequences. Conclusion: This paper argues that changed patterns of khat use are a burden for some of the most underdeveloped countries in the world. But the debate around khat is stuck between extreme poles arguing for prohibition or for de-regulation. Here, we call for a balanced action of governments and international organizations leaving behind the decades of debilitating debate pro vs. contra scheduling and banning khat leaves. Instead, regulation and harm-reduction measures are urgently needed. We suggest a number of steps that should be taken immediately to better understand current khat use patterns, to address noxious excesses and to relieve suffering.

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Section: Khat: the Bitter Sweet Leavesmentioning

confidence: 99%

The stimulant khat—Another door in the wall? A call for overcoming the barriers

Odenwald

Warfa²,

Bhui³

et al. 2010

Journal of Ethnopharmacology

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“…It has been claimed that continuous mechanical friction and exposure to the chemical content in khat [46] may result in adverse consequences in the oral cavity. Continuous exposure of the oral mucosa to a high concentration of the alkaloids in khat [47] could account for the effects on the oral mucosa observed. Date et al [48] have suggested that pesticides on khat may cause acute and chronic adverse health outcomes, implying that pesticides applied to khat in the process of production could constitute an additional insult to the oral cavity.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The association of khat (Catha edulis) chewing and orodental health: A systematic review and meta-analysis

2014

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Background. It has been claimed that chewing khat (Catha edulis), a plant common in parts of eastern and southern Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, is associated with a range of orodental problems. Objective. To provide a synthesis of the evidence on the association between khat chewing and orodental health. Method. A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies that reported on the association of khat chewing and outcomes related to orodental health identified through a systematic search using web-based electronic search engines. Results. Nineteen studies were found suitable for this review. Of these, between two and five (based on the type of outcome measured) were suitable for meta-analysis. The rest were used only for qualitative synthesis. A meta-analysis of the association of khat chewing with mucosal white lesions, gum recession, periodontal pocketing and gum bleeding showed that chewing increased the odds of the respective oral problems. However, qualitative synthesis of the findings on the effect of khat chewing on oral micro-organisms showed no evidence that the practice favours the presence of pathogenic micro-organisms in the oral cavity -instead, it seems to favour the proliferation of micro-organisms compatible with orodental health. Conclusion. Khat chewing is associated with adverse orodental health outcomes. While literature on the topic is scarce and there is a need for generation of more evidence from different countries, on the basis of the evidence accumulated to date, public health officials and health practitioners should consider khat a threat to orodental health and take appropriate action.

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“…[30][31][32][33][34][35] These include: hypertension, tachycardia, anorexia, insomnia, euphoria, loss of appetite, gastrointestinal disturbances and weak stream of micturition. There are studies that have looked at whether qat chewing is a risk factor for ischaemic heart disease and diabetes.…”

Section: Systemic Effects Of Qatmentioning

confidence: 99%