Muna A Ibrahim^1,2, Amin A Seleem^1,3 , Rayan M Alansari¹, Moustafa A Gouda^4,5,

Abstract

Purpose: To identify the chemical constituents of Catha edulis (khat) and evaluate its embryotoxicity in chicks. Methods: The methanol extract of Catha edulis was analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). One hundred fertile chicken eggs of Gallus gallus were divided into ten groups and injected in the air chamber with different concentrations of methanolic extract of Catha edulis (control, 1.21, 2.43, 3.63, 4.86, 6.08, 7.30, 8.51, 9.73, and 10.95 mg/mL). On the 7th day of incubation, the eggs were opened to determine the median lethal dose (LD50) and embryotoxicity. Results: An analysis of the methanolic extract from khat leaves revealed the presence of thirty-one chemical constituents, collectively comprising 76.66 % of the extract. These constituents include alkaloids, terpenoids, fatty acids and their derivatives, fatty alcohols and their derivatives, glycosides, and vitamins. Notably, cathine and cathinone emerge as the key contributors to the pharmacological and toxic effects linked to khat consumption. The median lethal dose (LD50) for chicken embryos was 5.573 mg/mL. The results showed a teratogenic effect at concentrations of 4.86, 6.08 and 7.30 mg/mL. Embryo deformation and hematomas were noted at concentrations of 8.51, 9.73 and 10.95 mg/mL. Conclusion: Catha edulis is toxic to chicken embryos and has a negative impact on fetal organization that might be due to cathine and cathinone.