Estimation of Catha Edulis-Anti-Platelet Drugs Interaction by HPLC and using Closed-Loop Doluisio’s Method

Abstract

Background: Khat (Catha edulis) is a widespread tree in different areas of the world like Yemen and Africa. In these countries, Khat is chewed by most people, which may lead to alteration in pharmacokinetics of a large numerous drugs like anti-platelet aggregation (aspirin, clopidogrel and dipyridamole).

Objective: To assess the Khat-Antiplatelet drugs interaction in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) on the bioavailability and absorption of aspirin, clopidogrel and dipyridamole in intestinal tract and also its effect on their activity.

Methods: Currently the study was conducted In Situ by using Deloisio closed-loop method. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to estimate the intestinal perfusion (concentration of absorbed drugs). The absorption of the standard for each experimented drug was compared to the absorption of the drug in the presence of Khat (three types of Khat culture in the different Yemen’s areas). The type of Khat that had the greatest effect on the reference drug absorption was then reinvestigated using the similar used method versus a dosage form of the drug (tablets).

Results: The references of aspirin, clopidogrel and dipyridamole absorptions (perfusion) were induced in the presence of Khat by 20.2185 ± 0.3323%, 7.9250 ± 1.3499% and 9.1193 ± 4.3749% respectively while such increasing with tables dosage form of the three drugs were 6.4272 ± 0.3580%, 8.9455 ± 2.2412% and 6.8605 ± 2.7936%, respectively.

Conclusions: Depending on the findings reached from the proposed study, the absorption of the antiplatelet aggregation was significantly induced in Khat presence, which may affect the drug efficiency and toxicity.