Psychopharmacosocial Aspects of Catha edulis Forsk (Fam. Celastraceae)

Abstract

Khat [Catha edulis Forsk (Celastraceae)], is an ancient plant associated with psychological, health and socioeconomic issues on humans. Khat (the flower of paradise) is a plant vastly used on the African continent. The khat-chewing aspect of this plant in particular, is one of the most widespread, longstanding, age-old customs in Eastern and Southern Africa, as well as certain areas of the Arabian Peninsula. The chewing of khat leaves probably pre-dates the use of coffee. Since time immemorial, there have been numerous disputes and debates over khat-chewing practices with respect to its positive as well negative impact on society. In recent years, khat-chewing has been observed across all age groups, however its use has been observed to surge in teenagers. As a result of its major health implications and socioeconomic impact on society, there is an urgent need to effectively and efficiently address the use of this plant, not only in Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, but globally. Quite a number of studies have reported khat-chewing as a harmful custom on the basis of its negative impact on health, as well as the resultant and socioeconomic consequences of its use. In contrast, a few studies suggest it is an indispensable, indigenous tradition for social recreation. A number of khatchewers strongly believe that khat-sessions preserve their identity as well as help unite their communities. Nevertheless, by taking cultural legitimacy into consideration, there is reason to appropriately design strategies which could result in the proper communication of the negative impact of this flower of paradise on health and socioeconomic status. Various education programs designed to demonstrate the negative effects of the routine social use of this plant could be developed and implemented, in order to create awareness in the khat-chewing community. Such ventures, which could be carried out via appropriate health education and mass media campaigns, could bring an end to the devastating consequences associated with the use of this product, and certainly, a constructive and positive outcome on this khat-chewing population in the future.