Memory deficits associated with khat (Catha edulis) use in rodents

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Pharmacology
• Toxicology

Background:

• Khat (Catha edulis) chewing is prevalent in East Africa and the Middle East, with significant socio-economic and public health consequences.
• Understanding the neurocognitive effects of khat use is crucial due to its widespread consumption.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of methanolic khat extract on memory deficits in a rodent model.
• To assess dose-dependent effects of khat on spatial learning, memory acquisition, reversal, and reference memory.

Main Methods:

• Young male CBA mice were administered varying doses (40, 120, 360 mg/kg body weight) of methanolic khat extract or saline for 10 days.
• Spatial memory was evaluated using a modified Morris Water Maze (MMWM) to assess acquisition, reversal learning, and reference memory.

Main Results:

• Higher doses of khat extract (360 mg/kg) significantly increased escape latency, indicating impaired spatial learning and memory.
• Lower doses (40 mg/kg) showed impaired reversal learning, while the 120 mg/kg dose demonstrated some improvement on specific days.
• While mice generally preferred the target quadrant post-acquisition, dose-dependent impairments in cognitive flexibility were observed during the reversal phase.

Conclusions:

• Chronic khat consumption may induce memory deficits and impair cognitive flexibility in a dose-dependent manner.
• The findings suggest a biological basis for memory impairment associated with long-term khat use.
• Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms underlying khat-induced neurocognitive effects.