Effect of Catha edulis foresk (khat) extracts on male rat sexual behavior

Khat chewing is a widespread habit that has a deep-rooted socio-cultural tradition in East Africa and in the Middle East. Although a number of investigations have been carried out using cathinone, the psychoactive component of khat, these may not wholly reflect the behavioral effects observed after administering khat in a dosage similar to those used traditionally. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of subchronically administered khat extract with or without alcohol on sexual behavior in male rats. Adult albino wistar male rats were administered either with khat extracts (100, 200, 400 mg/kg), amphetamine (1 mg/kg), sildenafil (1 mg/kg), ethanol (2 ml/kg of 2% and 10%), or a combination of khat and ethanol (2% + 10%) by intragastric gavage orally for 15 days. Khat (400 mg/kg) treated rats demonstrated a statistically significant increase in all sexual parameters except in mounting frequency, intercopulatory interval and copulatory efficiency. Whereas, khat (200 mg/kg) treated rats showed a statistically significant increase only in ejaculation latency (P < 0.01). In marked contrast, low dose (100 mglkg) of khat extract was found to significantly reduce both mount latency (P < 0.05) and intromission latency P < 0.01) thereby enhancing sexual motivation/arousal in male rats. Similar results were obtained when khat extract (200 mg/kg) and ethanol (10%) were administered concomitantly despite the inhibitory effect observed in male sexual behavior when administered alone. From the present study it can be concluded that higher doses of the extract inhibit sexual behavior in male rats. In contrast, low dose of the extract as well as the concurrent administration of the extract followed by ethanol was found to enhance male rat sexual motivation/arousal. (c) 2006 Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.