Khat (Catha edulis) extract increases oxidative stress parameters and impairs renal and hepatic functions in rats

Result: There was statistically significant increase in the activities of hepatic enzymes in treated rats compared to the control group. In addition, serum urea, bilirubin and phosphorous concentrations were significantly increased compared to a decreased serum total protein and albumin concentrations. Oral administration of the extract induced lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress in hepatic and renal tissues as shown by significant increases in lipid peroxidation biomarkers thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and significant decreases in levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione (GSH). Histological examination of Catha edulis treated rats revealed marked hepato-renal pathological changes compared to the control group.