Catha edulis
Catha edulis
Catha edulis, commonly known as khat, is a traditional plant used in East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. It has been traditionally chewed for its stimulant effects, but no specific traditional uses have been documented. Scientific evidence suggests a possible link between long-term khat chewing and temporomandibular disorders, hypertension, elevated liver enzymes, and higher fasting blood glucose levels, though these findings are based on studies with low evidence quality due to heterogeneity. Khat use has also been associated with oral white lesions, but no conclusive evidence linking it to oral or esophageal squamous cell carcinoma exists. No major safety issues have been reported, nor have any significant drug interactions been recorded.
- Best evidence
- A
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- The pooled analysis suggests a possible association between long-term khat chewing and temporomandibular disorders, though evidence quality is low due to heterogeneity among studies.
- Khat chewers were 2.4 times more likely to have hypertension compared to non-chewers (OR 2.4, 95%CI 1.48-3.88).
- Khat chewers showed higher aminotransferase levels and fasting blood glucose compared to non-chewers, with correlations to dose, duration, and frequency of use.
- The study found a significant positive association between khat chewing and oral white lesions, but no conclusive association with oral or esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.
- The study found that Catha edulis showed neuroprotective activities in Parkinson's disease models, among other plant investigations.
Frequently asked questions
What is Catha edulis?
Catha edulis (Catha edulis) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about Catha edulis?
5 sourced findings are recorded for Catha edulis; the strongest carries evidence grade A. For example: The pooled analysis suggests a possible association between long-term khat chewing and temporomandibular disorders, though evidence quality is low due to heterogeneity among studies.
How strong is the evidence for Catha edulis?
The strongest finding for Catha edulis carries evidence grade A — strong evidence. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Catha edulis safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Catha edulis in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Catha edulis interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Catha edulis in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Catha edulis?
Catha edulis is also known as: Кат, Khat.
Is Catha edulis a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 Does regular Khat (Catha edulis) chewing in adults increase the risk of hypertension compared to non-use? A systematic review and meta-analysis. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Khat chewing and its association with oral/esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and oral white lesions: A systematic review and meta-analysis. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Association between khat chewing and temporomandibular disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Impact of chronic khat chewing on liver function tests and fasting blood glucose levels among adult male khat chewers. literature abstract metadata
- T2 The footprint of ethnopharmacology in drug discovery (ISE-APSS2024). literature abstract metadata