This and what has been said about khat incited me to carry out a research on this subject to answer some definite questions, inter alia:

 

1. Does khat actually affect the body?

2. Does quantity play a role... and is there a threshold or fatal dose?

3. Does khat really affect the heart?

4. What is the influence of khat on energy? Is it increased or diminished?

 

As I mentioned, many research studies have been carried out, some of them answering these questions, but although they are not very accurate on the scientific level, they are very important in the understanding of this substance.

 

Before talking about research, I shall mention some informative surveys carried out at the University of Aden, some of which answer these questions. The survey concerned 116 cases: 86 men, 26 women chosen from among daily consumers of khat. The survey used the following scientific methods:

 

1. Questionnaire

2. Psychological tests

3. Physiological measures

 

First of all, we must show that the physiological influence of khat on the body depends on many factors that prevent this influence from being accurate in view of the fact that these same factors are not precise since they differ from one person to the other. It is possible to enumerate these factors.

 

1. Constitutional differences between individuals;

 

2. Psychological aptitude of the khat chewers whereby certain effects show in some and not in others or show to a lesser degree;

 

3. Type of khat chewed.

 

In answer to the question whether khat actually affects the body, the survey says:

 

1. While chewing:

Symptoms Number of cases

- Rest and relaxation of body 89

- Polyuria 59

- Thirst and dryness of mouth 51

- High teMperature 42

- Tachycardia 31

 

2. After chewing:

Symptoms Number of cases

- Anorexia 76

- Sexual desire 72

- Rest and relaxation of body 69

- High temperature and perspiration 47

- Fatigue and exhaustion 40

- Difficulty in urinating 31

 

I am only quoting here the results as they are, the reader will judge.

 

The following survey shows the influence of khat on the cardio-vascular system.

 

 

SUMMARY

 

We can make the following observations:

 

1. That khat procures rest and relaxation to the body (that is it - at least - diminishes the muscular activity).

 

2. As to the cardio-vascular system it is clear that khat increases blood pressure even in those whose blood pressure before chewing appears to be normal and quickens the pulse.

 

After these informations I shall deal with applied research in an attempt that might be useful in the future to establish the relationship between the physiological influences of khat on men and animals.