Khat extract mediated morphological and histochemical alterations in rat liver

The habit of Khat-chewing has prevailed for centuries among populations in the horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. The biological effects of Khat on liver are inadequately investigated. The aim of this study is to investigate the histological and morphological changes in liver of rats after crude Khat extract treatment. The present study was carried out on 60 male rats for one month. They were divided into two groups (Control and treated groups). Half of each group was sacrificed after two week from the beginning of the experiment. The mean body weight of the Khat treated rats as well as their liver weights showed a significant increment (P< 0.01). Hematoxylin and Eosin staining of the liver parenchyma of Khat treated group showed abnormal architecture and widening of the central veins and portal system. The hepatic cells showed the signs of apoptosis and fatty degeneration. Immunohistochemistry by using TACS® 2 TdT DAB apoptosis detection kit indicates many apoptotic liver cells in the Khat treated group compared to the control one. In conclusion, Khat consumption could be associated with hepatic hypertrophy and hepatic disease.