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Association Between Khat (Catha edulis) Consumption and Hepatocellular Enzyme Elevation: A Hospital-Based
Ahmed Ibrahim Farah1,2,3, Jama Mohamed4, Nega Berhe5
1College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Hargeisa, Hargeisa, Somaliland.
Biomarker Insights
|August 10, 2026
Summary
Active khat consumption is linked to liver damage in males. Cessation may allow liver stabilization, but further research is needed to confirm causality and assess long-term effects.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Public Health
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Khat (Catha edulis) is a widely used stimulant in East Africa.
- Its impact on liver health (hepatocellular alterations) is not well-established.
- This study investigates the link between khat use and liver injury.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the association between khat consumption patterns and subclinical liver injury.
- To compare liver enzyme and bilirubin levels in current, past, and non-khat chewers.
- To identify risk factors for khat-associated liver injury in males.
Main Methods:
- A hospital-based case-control study involving 260 participants in Somaliland.
- Biochemical markers (AST, ALT, bilirubin) were analyzed.
- Multivariable logistic regression was used for males (n=188) due to absence of khat use in females.
Main Results:
- Current khat chewers showed significantly higher AST, ALT, and total bilirubin levels compared to non-chewers (p < 0.001).
- Past khat chewers did not exhibit significant differences from controls (p > 0.05).
- Higher frequency of ALT >3× ULN and increased odds of liver injury were observed with increased khat consumption (dose-response pattern).
Conclusions:
- Active khat consumption in males is associated with dose-dependent subclinical liver injury.
- Cessation of khat use may lead to liver stabilization.
- Further prospective studies are recommended to establish causality and comprehensively assess hepatobiliary effects.
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