Khat (Catha edulis) lowers plasma luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone secretion, but increases cortisol levels in male rabbits.

AIM This study investigated the effects of fresh khat extract on specific circulating hormones in male rabbits. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 25 male New Zealand White rabbits were divided into five groups each comprising five animals. The first four groups were fed four doses (1.5 g/kg, 4.5 g/kg, 13.5 g/kg and 40.5 g/kg body weight) of khat extract twice a week for 5 weeks while the last group, serving as control, was fed only normal saline via intragastric tube. Blood samples were collected at 15 min interval for up to 3 h after khat extract administration and plasma assayed for luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone and cortisol levels using radioimmunoassay technique. RESULTS Khat extract at all doses significantly lowered (P<0.05) LH pulse frequency, area under LH curve, mean plasma LH and mean plasma testosterone levels. Plasma cortisol levels were significantly elevated (P<0.05) in khat-treated rabbits in a dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates that khat may impair reproductive function in male rabbits by interfering with sex hormone profiles.