Khat a drug of abuse: roles of free radicals and antioxidants

Drug Test Anal. 2011 Sep;3(9):548-51. doi: 10.1002/dta.224. Epub 2010 Dec 2.

Abstract

Many articles have reviewed the health impact of Khat consumption; however the role of free radicals in the pathogenesis associated with short- and long-term consumption of Khat is absent in the literature. As free radicals and antioxidants converge across various mechanisms in normal physiological function and in disease, this review attempts to uncover the role of endogenous free radicals and the mechanism of cellular injury associated with Khat consumption.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antioxidants / metabolism*
  • Catha / metabolism*
  • Catha / toxicity*
  • Free Radicals / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Illicit Drugs / metabolism*
  • Illicit Drugs / toxicity*
  • Substance-Related Disorders / complications
  • Substance-Related Disorders / metabolism*

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Free Radicals
  • Illicit Drugs