Evaluation of the reversibility and possible mechanisms of antifertility of Catha edulis F. (khat) extract following subacute administration in rodents

The study of antifertility mechanisms of khat can be used to counteract the possible toxicities during pregnancy as abuse of khat is common in all segments of female population. The present study was initiated to assess the reversibility of antifertility effect and to evaluate the possible mechanisms of antifertility of the chloroform diethyl ether extract of Catha edulis. K300 exhibited significant decrease in the mean number of litters and mean birth weight of live litters compared to K100 and control group (CON) (p<0.01 in both cases). The anti-implantation and antifertility effects were reversible after a 21 day washout period. Post-implantation losses for K200 and K400 were 27% (p<0.01) and 30% (p<0.01), respectively. Maternal mortality in pregnant mice and morphological changes like massive leukocyte infiltration, necrosis and haemorrhage in rat uterus were observed in K400. No morphological changes were shown in ovary at all doses of the extract. Khat has antifertility effect with possibility of complete sterility in higher dose treated groups. The possible mechanisms include decreased serum estradiol concentration and massive leukocyte infiltration in uterus stroma cells. Khat use should be discouraged in female population especially during pregnancy.