Toxic effects of qat chewing have been studied over the last 20 years. A large body of medical literature to date reports negative health effects associated with its regular use. Qat consumption is described to be associated with a state of confusion, hallucinations, as well as a misperception of time and space. Physical symptoms may include insomnia, anorexia, gastrointestinal, liver and urinary tract problems, and spermatorrhea
in cases of long-term chronic use. Its use weakens the immune defences, making the consumers more susceptible to the contraction of venereal diseases, heart diseases and tuberculosis (Dhaifalah and antav, 2004; Al-Motarreb et al., 2005). Some authors (Dawit et al., 2005) found that qat chewing constitutes a risk factor for the spread of the HIV epidemic. Its use is also generally accompanied by high tobacco consumption since this enhances the pleasure associated with the chewing. Joint use of qat and tobacco has been found to produce genotoxic effects that are related to cancer (Kassie et al., 2001).
