The effect of Khat (Catha edulis) as an appetite suppressant is independent of ghrelin and PYY secretion

Abstract

Background: The leaves of the khat plant (Catha edulis) are chewed for their pleasurable effects. Chewing releases cathinone which may decrease appetite through an unknown mechanism. Levels of the peptide ghrelin increase with hunger and decrease immediately post-prandially, while peptide YY is released following a meal. We hypothesised that the anorexigenic effects of khat may be mediated through changes in these hormones. Materials and methods: Six habitual khat chewers attended on two separate occasions. For a period of 3 h they chewed either khat leaves or lettuce. Blood pressure (BP) and pulse rate (PR) were monitored throughout, as were subjective assessments of hunger and fullness. Pl..