Journal of Addiction Research & Therapy
Open Access

Abstract

Schizophrenia is a psychological disorder which is characterized by the inability to separate reality from non reality. Symptoms may include delusions, hallucinations or disorganized thinking. Cognitive dysfunction is considered a core deficit of schizophrenia. Khat (Catha edulis F.) is an evergreen tree that belongs to Celestraceae family. It is claimed to have schizophrenic like effect. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential schizophrenic inducing effect of acute administration of crude Khat extract in mice. Crude Khat extract obtained using a mixture of chloroform and diethyl ether (1:3) was administered orally in doses of 100, 200, 300 mg/kg, the negative and positive control groups were administered with Tween 80 2% v/v in water and ketamine 10 mg/kg respectively. Multiple T-maze test was used to evaluate the cognitive function and the latency to reach the goal box was determined. The results collectively indicate acute administration of Khat extract at the doses used did not have a significant cognitive effect in MTM test.

Biography

Eden Tadesse Ttsadik has completed her B Pharm from Universal University College. She is a senior pharmacist. She is also a part time instructor at Universal University College. She writes drug related tips in local medical Magazines. She has published one research and sent three research papers for publication with her colleagues.