Al-Akwa Ahmed A, Shaher Monira, Al-Akwa Sameeha, Aleryani Samir L
Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sana'a University, Yemen.
J Ethnopharmacol. 2009 Sep 25;125(3):471-3. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2009.07.012. Epub 2009 Jul 18.
Khat (Catha edulis Forsk) is a naturally occurring drug with an amphetamine-like structure and action. It has been postulated that amphetamine induces free radical formation. On this basis, we have hypothesized that Khat may promote synthesis of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species in the same way that amphetamine promotes free radical production.
Forty male subjects were enrolled in two groups: those with a chronic Khat chewing habit (n=20), and those without a chewing habit (controls; n=20). Both groups were matched with regard to age. Total antioxidant capacity and cholinesterase (AChE) activity were assayed.
This study showed that Khat consumption inhibited serum free radical scavenging enzymes, resulting in significant elevations in free radical loads (p=0.01; n=20). We also showed that serum acetyl cholinesterase (AChE) was significantly inhibited in the Khat chewing group (p=0.002; n=20).
These results show for the first time that Khat may contribute to high levels of free radicals. In addition, the presence of pesticides in Khat leaves is implicated in the inhibition of AChE activity.
巧茶（Catha edulis Forsk）是一种具有类似苯丙胺结构和作用的天然药物。据推测，苯丙胺会诱导自由基形成。基于此，我们假设巧茶可能以与苯丙胺促进自由基产生相同的方式促进活性氧和氮物种的合成。
40名男性受试者被分为两组：有长期嚼食巧茶习惯的（n = 20）和无嚼食习惯的（对照组；n = 20）。两组在年龄方面相匹配。测定了总抗氧化能力和胆碱酯酶（AChE）活性。
本研究表明，食用巧茶会抑制血清自由基清除酶，导致自由基负荷显著升高（p = 0.01；n = 20）。我们还表明，嚼食巧茶组的血清乙酰胆碱酯酶（AChE）受到显著抑制（p = 0.002；n = 20）。
这些结果首次表明巧茶可能导致高水平的自由基。此外，巧茶叶片中农药的存在与AChE活性的抑制有关。
