Level of Fluoride in Khat Leaves and Tips Collected from Local Markets of Jimma Town, Ethiopia

Abstract

The level of fluoride in selected Khat (Catha edulis Forsk) samples available in Jimma Town local markets, Ethiopia was investigated using Fluoride Ion Selective Electrode (FISE). The samples were collected from different Khat local markets in the Town. Chewable parts, i.e., the youngest leave and tip of the samples were considered for the analysis of both water soluble and total fluoride contents. The fluoride content of fresh unwashed andwashed leaves samples were in the range of 0.056 – 0.046 µg/g and 0.041 – 0.049 µg/g, respectively. In fresh unwashed and washed tips samples, the fluoride content were found to be 0.037 – 0.045 μg/g and 0.034 – 0.041 μg/g, respectively. In dried leave and tip samples, the fluoride was inthe range of 3.35 – 5.30 µg/g and 2.66 – 3.87 µg/g, respectively. Recovery studies were also performed to test the suitability of the method used and was found in the range of 88 – 112%. Statistical t-test at p ≤ 0.05 demonstrated the presence of significant differences between the fluoride content of unwashed and washed leaves and as well between leaves and tips. But, no significant difference was observed between unwashed and washed tips in terms of water-exchangeable (soluble) fluoride content. The observed concentrations of both water soluble and total fluoride in the studied Khat samples were below the guideline for human daily safe intake of fluoride. However, should aware that Khat contains some amount of fluoride which may cause problems through long and excessive daily use.