Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 7, 2026

Author Spotlight: Exploring the Antibacterial Effects of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles in Overcoming Antibiotic Resistance
06:42

Author Spotlight: Exploring the Antibacterial Effects of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles in Overcoming Antibiotic Resistance

Published on: September 27, 2024

2.9K

Khat Induced Toxicity: Role on Its Modulating Effects on Inflammation and Oxidative Stability

Siddig Ibrahim Abdelwahab1, Rashad Alsanosy1, Manal Mohamed Elhassan Taha1,2

  • 1Substance Abuse Research Centre, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia.

Biomed Research International
|July 14, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Long-term khat chewing causes cell damage and oxidative stress due to its polyphenolic compounds. This study reveals khat

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Biochemistry
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Long-term khat (Catha edulis) chewing is linked to adverse health effects.
  • Khat constituents may disrupt cellular equilibrium, leading to oxidative damage.
  • Understanding khat's impact on cellular processes is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of khat in cellular toxicity, oxidative stability, and inflammation.
  • To analyze the antioxidant properties of khat extract.
  • To assess khat's effects on macrophage cell lines.

Main Methods:

  • Khat was extracted using 60% methanol.
  • Phenolic and flavonoid content were quantified.
  • Antioxidant capacity was measured using DPPH, ORAC, and FRAP assays.
  • Cellular inflammation, oxidative stability, and viability were assessed in RAW 264.7 cells.

Main Results:

  • Khat extract is rich in polyphenols and flavonoids.
  • Khat demonstrated significant antioxidant potency in DPPH, ORAC, and FRAP assays.
  • Khat reduced nitric oxide production and inhibited reactive oxygen species.
  • Khat induced cytotoxicity in RAW 264.7 cells.

Conclusions:

  • Khat possesses substantial antioxidant properties.
  • Its polyphenolic constituents may contribute to both beneficial antioxidant effects and harmful cytotoxicity.
  • Heavy khat consumption may lead to toxicity due to these compounds.

More Related Videos

Bulk and Thin Film Synthesis of Compositionally Variant Entropy-stabilized Oxides09:41

Bulk and Thin Film Synthesis of Compositionally Variant Entropy-stabilized Oxides

Published on: May 29, 2018

10.0K
Identification and Characterization of Immunogenic RNA Species in HDM Allergens that Modulate Eosinophilic Lung Inflammation08:44

Identification and Characterization of Immunogenic RNA Species in HDM Allergens that Modulate Eosinophilic Lung Inflammation

Published on: May 30, 2020

6.6K

Related Concept Videos

Inflammation01:38

Inflammation

Overview
62.2K
RNA Stability01:53

RNA Stability

Intact DNA strands can be found in fossils, while scientists sometimes struggle to keep RNA intact under laboratory conditions. The structural variations between RNA and DNA underlie the differences in their stability and longevity. Because DNA is double-stranded, it is inherently more stable. The single-stranded structure of RNA is less stable but also more flexible and can form weak internal bonds. Additionally, most RNAs in the cell are relatively short, while DNA can be up to 250 million...
35.8K
Oxidation Numbers03:14

Oxidation Numbers

In redox reactions, the transfer of electrons occurs between reacting species. Electron transfer is described by a hypothetical number called the oxidation number (or oxidation state). It represents the effective charge of an atom or element, which is assigned using a set of rules.
42.9K
Oxidation-Reduction Reactions03:11

Oxidation-Reduction Reactions

Oxidation–Reduction Reactions
75.8K
Nuclear Stability03:18

Nuclear Stability

Protons and neutrons, collectively called nucleons, are packed together tightly in a nucleus. With a radius of about 10−15 meters, a nucleus is quite small compared to the radius of the entire atom, which is about 10−10 meters. Nuclei are extremely dense compared to bulk matter, averaging 1.8 × 1014 grams per cubic centimeter. If the earth’s density were equal to the average nuclear density, the earth’s radius would be only about 200 meters.
To hold positively charged protons together...
23.3K
Pyruvate Oxidation01:15

Pyruvate Oxidation

After glycolysis, the charged pyruvate molecules enter the mitochondria via active transport and undergo three enzymatic reactions. These reactions ensure that pyruvate can enter the next metabolic pathway so that energy stored in the pyruvate molecules can be harnessed by the cells.
First, the enzyme pyruvate dehydrogenase removes the carboxyl group from pyruvate and releases it as carbon dioxide. The stripped molecule is then oxidized and releases electrons, which are then picked up by NAD+...
169.1K