Trace metals in Ethiopian Khat.

Khat is a plant that grows in certain areas of East Africa and the Arab Peninsula. A large number of people in Ethiopia chew khat leaves because of its pleasurable and stimulating effects. The level of selected Trace metals (Cu, Zn, Mn, Ni, Co, Cr, Cd and Pb) in four different kinds of khat in Adiss Abeba were analyzed. The contents of the minerals in the digests were analysed using FAAS. The following concentration ranges in dry weight ( g/g) were obtained in the khat samples: Cu(19.2-24.4);Zn(24.1- 46.9);Mn(14.92-20.6);Ni(4.7-7.7); Co(3.17.76);Cr(3.1- 6.76);Cd(1.3-2.9) and Pb(4.8- 9.1). Among the essential metal analyted Zn was the most abundant one followed by Cu,Mn,and Ni. Whereas Co and Cr were less than Pb. Except Cd and Pb the amount of metal that one may take through consumption of fresh khat alone were found to be below the recommended daily allowance. This book provides information on optimization procedures for digestion, chemical aspects of khat and distribution of khat in Ethiopia. This book will be of value to Chemists, medical, pharmaceutical and other health professionals, including drug regulatory body.

Autorentext

Ephrem Tilahun, MSc: Studied Analytical Chemistry in Addis Ababa University. Lecturer of Analytical Chemistry at Jimma University, Ethiopia.