Khat Chewing and Lipid Profile in Human and Experimental Animals

The effects of plum products consumption on lipid profile in adults: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis

Consumption of plum does not yet clearly affect the lipid profile. To ascertain the advantages of plum consumption on adult lipid profiles, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis. We used pertinent keywords to search the databases of PubMed, Scopus, and ISI Web of Science up to November 10th, 2022, in order to find trials that were eligible. According to the analyses, eating plum significantly lowers LDL levels compared to controls (WMD: -12.50 mg/dL, 95% CI: -22.06, -2.94, p = .010). Although plum consumption did not result in significant changes in TG (WMD: 0.56 mg/dL, 95% CI: -6.02, 7.15, p = .866), TC (WMD: -12.35 mg/dL, 95% CI: -25.05, 0.37, p = .057), and HDL concentrations (WMD: -0.39 mg/dL, 95% CI: -4.69, 3.89, p = .855) compared to the control group. Intake of plums, particularly the intervention type of dried plums, significantly decreased TC levels in unhealthy subjects, according to subgroup analysis. The consumption of plums had a notably statistically significant effect on LDL levels when the intervention type was dried plum and unhealthy subjects were enrolled. Due to the very low to moderate quality of meta-evidence, to show how eating plum improves lipid profile, further high-quality research are still essential.

Adverse Effects of Chewing Khat (Catha edulis): A Community-based Study in Ethiopia

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of habitual chewing of khat (Catha edulis) on blood pressure, body mass index, and physiological aspects of sexuality among residents of an Ethiopian town.

Methods

A statistically determined and randomly selected sample of khat-chewing individuals in the town of Hosanna in Southern Ethiopia were included in the study. We used physical measurements and a self-administered questionnaire to collect the data, which was statistically analyzed.

Results

The participants comprised a total of 420 with mean age = 28.7±5.7 years; 336 (80.0%) were male. Nearly half (201; 47.9%) were in the age-group 30-34 years. The adverse effects of khat use were assessed from the median score of each outcome, namely, physical problems, abuse potential, and social effects. Having a score above the median on each of the three target outcomes was equated with the presence of adverse effects. Adverse effects were reported among 341 of 420 (81.2%) participants, of whom 277 of 341 (81.2%) were male and 64 of 341 (18.8%) were female. The reported adverse effects were significantly higher among those who co-used tobacco, coffee, or tea with khat, with adjusted odds ratio = 4.8; CI: 2.86-8.22.

Conclusions

Khat chewing was found to have a significant adverse effect on the health of individuals who indulged in it. This finding implies the need for urgent intervention from health authorities.