Khat (Catha edulis) lowers plasma luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone secretion, but increases cortisol levels in male rabbits
View/ Open
Date
2007Author
Nyongesa, A.W.
Patel, N.B.
Onyango, D.W.
Odongo, H.O.
Wango, E.O.
Type
ArticleLanguage
enMetadata
Show full item recordAbstract
This study investigated the effects of fresh khat extract on specific circulating hormones in male rabbits.
Materials and methods: A total of 25 male New Zealand White rabbits were divided into five groups each comprising five animals. The first four
groups were fed four doses (1.5 g/kg, 4.5 g/kg, 13.5 g/kg and 40.5 g/kg body weight) of khat extract twice a week for 5 weeks while the last group,
serving as control, was fed only normal saline via intragastric tube. Blood samples were collected at 15 min interval for up to 3 h after khat extract
administration and plasma assayed for luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone and cortisol levels using radioimmunoassay technique.
Results: Khat extract at all doses significantly lowered (P < 0.05) LH pulse frequency, area under LH curve, mean plasma LH and mean plasma
testosterone levels. Plasma cortisol levels were significantly elevated (P < 0.05) in khat-treated rabbits in a dose-dependent manner.
Conclusion: This study demonstrates that khat may impair reproductive function in male rabbits by interfering with sex hormone profiles.
Citation
Journal of EthnopharmacologyCollections
- Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) [10377]