Khat linked to sperm production

[Alfa]

KHAT LINKED TO SPERM PRODUCTION

NAIROBI

Long thought to be linked to male impotence, khat - the succulent
green crop widely grown and chewed in Kenya and locally referred to as
miraa-is now said to boost men's sperm production.

Researchers at King's College in London say they have established that
a chemical found in khat in Kenya could, contrary to the widely held
belief, boost the power of men's sperms.

However, researchers at the British university still maintain that a
prolonged consumption of miraa may actually damage the sperm.

The findings, published by the British Broadcasting Corporation's
(BBC) online health desk, will undoubtedly raise debate within the
local research community, crop growers and drug regulators.

In the study, controlled laboratory tests found that treated sperm
became fertile faster and stayed fertile longer than untreated sperm.

Invariably referred to as the "green gold" for the lucrative trade it
oils in Kenya, miraa is a controversial mild narcotic, producing a


"high" when chewed, but its use has been linked to long-term problems.

[Alfa]

KHAT PLANT 'BOOSTS SPERM POWER'

A chemical found in the khat plant could boost the power of men's
sperm, researchers have found.

Lab tests by King's College London found treated sperm became fertile
faster, and stayed fertile for longer, than untreated sperm.

Khat is mild narcotic, producing a high when chewed, but its use has
been linked to long-term problems.

The study was presented at the European Society of Human Reproduction
and Embryology conference in Berlin.

The researchers say their findings could lead to products to help
couples conceive.

Chewing khat leaves, which is particuarly popular in parts of East
Africa, releases cathinone, a stimulant that produces the feelings of
euphoria linked with the plant.

When cathinone is broken down in the body, it produces chemicals
including cathine and norephedrine, which have a similar structure to
amphetamines and adrenaline.

The researchers from the Centre for Reproduction, Endocrinology and
Diabetes at King's College examined the effect of cathine on mouse
sperm.

They found that the chemical accelerated the development of sperm, so
it reached the stage where it was fertile more quickly.

It then remained in this stage for longer than normal.

This is important because, when sperm meets an egg, it needs to
connect using a "lock and key" system.

If is past its 'peak', and its membranes are no longer intact, sperm
will not have its part of this mechanism, meaning fertilisation cannot
take place.

Investigation

Early tests on human sperm suggest it is affected by cathine in the
same way.

Other studies in rabbits have shown chewing khat leaves could also
increased sperm production.

However, there is some concern that prolonged use could actually
damage sperm.

Around seven tonnes of khat leaves are estimated to be imported into
the UK each week.

The Home Office is currently investigating the plant's long-term
health effects, following concern it may be linked to heart and mental
health problems.

It is due to report later this year.

'Not a high dose'

The researchers say they will now carry out more analysis of human
sperm.

Lynn Fraser, Professor of Reproductive Biology at King's College
London, told BBC News Online: "It might be relatively easy to develop
products.

"Compounds related to the ones we studied are being used in
over-the-counter and prescription medicines, for dietary treatments
and asthma."

"And the amount that's required isn't that high, so it's not a
question of taking very high doses and therefore becoming
overstimulated."

She said khat-based products could be used to help couples who are
having trouble conceiving naturally, and in clinics as additives to
sperm used in IVF or artificial insemination.

Professor Fraser said if the research on cathine improving sperm
production was proven: "We could give it to men to improve sperm
production, and to women because it is in the female reproductive
tract that the sperm go through this process to become fertile."

[Sitbcknchill]

Remind me to stay faaaarrrrr faaaarrrrr away from the khat plant. My God thats horrific

More power to the people who want to have babies...


Go sperm go!!!!



A little wiki chem backround regarding Khat:

Chemistry/pharmacology

The stimulant effect of the plant was originally attributed to cathine, a phenethylamine-type substance isolated from the plant. However, the attribution was disputed by reports showing the plant extracts from fresh leaves contained another substance more behaviorally active than cathine. In 1975, the related alkaloid cathinone was isolated, and its absolute configuration was established in 1978. Cathinone is not very stable and breaks down to produce cathine and norephedrine. These chemicals belong to the PPA (phenylpropanolamine) family, a subset of the phenethylamines related to amphetamines and the catecholamines epinephrine and norepinephrine.

Khat consumption induces mild euphoria and excitement. Individuals become very talkative under the influence of the drug and may appear to be unrealistic and emotionally unstable. Khat can induce manic behaviors and hyperactivity. Several cases of khat-induced psychosis have been reported in the literature. Khat is an effective anorectic and its use also results in constipation. Dilated pupils (mydriasis), which are prominent during khat consumption, reflect the sympathomimetic effects of the drug, which are also reflected in increased heart rate and blood pressure. A state of drowsy hallucinations (hypnagogic hallucinations) may result coming down from khat use as well. Withdrawal symptoms that may follow prolonged khat use include lethargy, mild depression, nightmares, and slight tremor. Long term use can precipitate the following effects: negative impact on liver function, permanent tooth darkening (of a greenish tinge), susceptibility to ulcers, and diminished sex drive. Khat is usually not an addictive drug, although there are some people who cannot stay without it for more than 4-5 days. They feel tired and have difficulty concentrating.

[duncdunc68]

Miraa, what has become of you, does anybody else in here , feel the way I do?