The Journal of Phytopharmacology, 2015;4(3):176-182 DOI:10.31254/phyto.2015.4309

Research Article

A preliminary study on the effects of Khat (Catha edulis) on liver of mice

Godfrey Mutuma Gitonga¹ , Joseph Ngeranwa² , Alex King’ori Machocho³ , Allan Mgutu⁴ , Ann Wanjiru Gitonga⁵ , Titus Muhihu⁶

Godfrey Mutuma Gitonga,Joseph Ngeranwa,Alex King’ori Machocho,Allan Mgutu,Ann Wanjiru Gitonga,Titus Muhihu

1. Kenyatta University, Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Nairobi, Kenya
2. Professor, Kenyatta University Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Nairobi, Kenya
3. Professor, Kenyatta University Department of Chemistry, Nairobi, Kenya
4. Kenyatta University, Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology Nairobi, Kenya
5. Kenyatta University, Department of Zoological Sciences, Nairobi, Kenya
6. Moi University, Department of Public Health, Eldoret, Kenya

*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.

Abstract

Khat is a psychostimulant and its use is gradually expanding worldwide. Khat is associated with health problems affecting the cardiovascular, respirator, reproductive and gastrointestinal systems. Effects of Khat on liver are not well documented. The study aim was to evaluate Khat extract effects on liver of mice. Khat alkaloids were extracted from fresh Khat shoots and leaves. The Khat extract were administered orally through intubation to seven groups of male albino mice, six weeks old with an average weight of 20-25g. Khat extract was administered in combination of 2ml tea, 2ml water, 2ml milk, 2ml coffee, 2ml coke, 2g patico sweet and 2g groundnut. To each group Khat extract was administered at a dosage of 2000mg/Kg/day. Two other groups were used as a negative and positive control. The negative control group consumed only rodent pellet and water. The positive control group was administered with indomethacin at a dosage of 2mg/Kg/day (as a twice dose per day). Before, during and at the end of the study, animal were monitored for morbidity and mortality. After thirty days of Khat extract oral administration, blood samples were collected from all animals for hematological and biochemical analysis. The biochemical analysis included the liver function tests such as serum aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and serum total bilirubin. The histological and cytological studies were done using H & E staining technique. There was an increased level of hepatorenal biochemical markers in all albino mice serum into which Khat extract was administered. The hepatorenal biochemical enzyme markers were more elevated in the positive control groups. The levels of hepatorenal biomarkers were within the normal range in the negative control group. There was a significant different between levels of hepatorenal biochemical enzymes biomarkers at p?