Effect of chronic toxicity of Kat [catha edulis] extract on some physiological parameters of male rats

ABSTRACT

The effects of chronic administration of kat [Calha edulis] on several physiological and biochemical parameters of the male rats [Rattus norvegicus] were studied. Cholesterol and ascorbic acid contents of the adrenals were found to be gradually declined as a result of kat-administration. Neurotransmitters in the brain appeared to be affected by kat-administration. Norepinephrine content was significantly decreased and acetylcholine significantly increased in kat-treated than in control rats. However, no significant changes in serotonin level were found. Kat administration also affected the plasma testosterone level; an initial rise occurred during the first four months probably as a result of the stimulating effect of kat, then a general decrease was observed until the termination of the experiment. On the other hand, kat-treated rats appeared to have no significant changes in the urinary 17-ketosteroid level throughout the experiment