The pharmacological actions of a crude aqueous extract of khat (MIRAA) on rabbit's duodenum and heart in vitro

In this study a crude aqueous extract from fresh leaves and twigs of khat (Miraa) was investigated for its effects in vitro on rabbit's doudenum and perfused heart preparation. There was a significant reduction in spontaneous contraction of the duodenum in the presence of increasing doses of khat extracts. On the rabbit's heart; khat caused an inhibition of spontaneous contractions. It is therefore suggested that chronic habitual abuse of khat may predispose to gastrointestinal and cardiovascular problems in human subjects