Swietenia macrophylla extract promotes the ability of Caenorhabditis elegans to survive Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Swietenia macrophylla or commonly known as big leaf mahogany, has been traditionally used as an antibacterial and antifungal agent.

Aim of the study

The unwanted problem of antibiotic resistance in many bacterial species advocates the need for the discovery of the new anti-infective drugs. Here, we investigated the anti-infective properties of Swietenia macrophylla with an assay involving lethal infection of Caenorhabditis elegans with the opportunistic human pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Materials and methods

Using a slow killing assay, Caenorhabditis elegans was challenged with an infective strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA14). The ability of Swietenia macrophylla seed ethyl acetate extract to promote the survival of infected worms was assessed by comparing the percentage of survival between extract treated and non-treated worm populations. The effect of Swietenia macrophylla towards PA14 growth, Caenorhabditis elegans feeding rate and degree of PA14 colonization in the worm gut was also evaluated. Lastly, using a fluorescent transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans strain and real time PCR, the effect of Swietenia macrophylla on the expression of lys-7, an immune response gene was also investigated.

Results

Our results demonstrate the ability of Swietenia macrophylla seed ethyl acetate extract in rescuing Caenorhabditis elegans from fatal PA14 infection. Consequently, we showed that the extract promotes the survival without exhibiting any bactericidal effect or perturbation of Caenorhabditis elegans feeding rate. We also showed that Swietenia macrophylla was able to restore the initially repressed lys-7 level in PA14 infected Caenorhabditis elegans.

Conclusion

Swietenia macrophylla extract is able to enhance the ability of Caenorhabditis elegans to survive PA14 infection without directly killing the pathogen. We further showed that the extract boosted the expression of a gene pivotal for innate immunity in Caenorhabditis elegans. Collectively, these findings strongly suggest the presence of compounds within Swietenia macrophylla seed that either reduces Pseudomonas aeruginosa virulence and/or enhance host resistance.     

Preliminary observations on the antifatigue effects of longan (Dimocarpus longan Lour.) seed polysaccharides

The antifatigue effects of the hot‐water extract of longan (Dimocarpus longan Lour.) seeds were studied in mice. Longan seed polysaccharides were administered at doses of 50, 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg and antifatigue activity was evaluated using a swimming test, along with the determination of serum urea nitrogen, hepatic glycogen and blood lactic acid content. The results show that longan seed polysaccharides, in doses ranging from 50 to 100 mg/kg, extended swimming time, increased hepatic glycogen (p < 0.01, n = 10), reduced blood urea nitrogen (p < 0.01, n = 10) and decreased blood lactic acid (p < 0.01, n = 10) in the mice. Therefore longan seed polysaccharides may have potential as an antifatigue agent. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

U83836E对大鼠离体心肌缺血再灌注损伤的保护作用

目的 探讨第2代拉扎碱（U83836E）对大鼠离体心肌缺血再灌注损伤的保护作用。方法 用Langendofff灌注系统,建立大鼠离体全心缺血再灌注损伤模型。观察不同时间注射U83836E对复灌后心脏舒缩功能、心肌乳酸脱氢酶（LDH）、肌钙蛋白（cTnT）及热休克蛋白70（HSP70）的影响。结果 U83836E可改善大鼠离体心脏缺血再灌注后的功能,与模型组比较,左心室收缩压（LVSP）升高（P<0.01）,左心室舒张末压（LVEDP）降低（P<0.05）,左心室压力最大上升和下降速率（±dp/dt_max）加快（P<0.01）;冠脉流出液中的乳酸脱氢酶和肌钙蛋白含量减少（P<0.01）,并可诱导心肌组织产生热休克蛋白70（P<0.01）。结论 U83836E对大鼠离体心肌缺血再灌注损伤具有保护作用。     

Protective effect of Morinda citrifolia fruits on β‐amyloid (25–35) induced cognitive dysfunction in mice: An experimental and biochemical study

The neuroprotective effect of an ethyl acetate extract of Morinda citrifolia (Rubiaceae) Linn. fruits (EMC, ethyl acetate extract of Morinda citrifolia) at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg, p.o. was studied on β‐amyloid (25–35) peptide induced cognitive dysfunction in mice. In the step‐down inhibitory avoidance, EMC exhibited a significant increase in short‐term memory and long‐term memory (p < 0.05). A significant decrease (p < 0.01) in escape latency was noticed in the animals in the water maze. A significant increase (p < 0.01) in alteration of behavior was exhibited upon administration of EMC 200 and 400 mg/kg on the Y maze. Exploratory parameters such as line crossings, head dipping and rearing were increased significantly in EMC treated groups in a dose‐dependent manner (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01). A significant reduction (p < 0.05) in acetyl cholinesterase activity was noticed in the EMC 200 and 400 mg/kg treated groups. The level of monoamine oxidase‐A was decreased by the administration of EMC 200 and 400 mg/kg (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively). EMC at a dose of 400 mg/kg exhibited a significant increase (p < 0.01) in the levels of serotonin and dopamine. Antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase and ascorbic acid were decreased significantly in the b‐amyloid peptide injected group, whose levels were restored significantly (p < 0.01) by the administration of EMC (400 mg/kg). Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Studies on the antidiarrhoeal properties of Pentaclethra macrophylla leaf extracts

The aqueous (WE) and ethanol (EE) leaf extracts of Pentaclethra macrophylla were tested for antidiarrhoeal activity using experimental animal models. The i.p. LD₅₀ values were established to be 770 mg/kg and 280 mg/kg for the aqueous (WE) and ethanol (EE) extracts, respectively. Antidiarrhoeal potential of the extracts was evidenced by a significant reduction in faecal output and protection from castor oil‐induced diarrhoea in rats treated with the extracts. In addition the extracts significantly (p < 0.05) decreased propulsive movement of gastrointestinal contents in mice. On isolated tissue preparations, the extracts significantly reduced in a non‐specific manner contractions evoked by acetylcholine, nicotine and histamine. The extracts inhibited the growth of common pathogenic microorganisms. The antispasmodic as well as the antimicrobial effects of the extracts may explain the rationale for the use of the plant in traditional medicine as a popular antidiarrhoeal recipe. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

鸭公树子中生物碱类成分及抗炎镇痛活性研究

目的 研究鸭公树子中生物碱类化学成分及抗炎镇痛活性。方法 采用Sephadex LH-20柱色谱法、薄层色谱法及高效液相制备色谱法等,对鸭公树子中的化学成分进行分离;通过核磁共振氢谱（¹H-NMR）、核磁共振碳谱（¹³C-NMR）、质谱法（MS）等鉴定化合物结构;采用二甲苯致小鼠耳廓肿胀实验和小鼠扭体实验分别观察单体成分的抗炎、镇痛作用效果。结果 从鸭公树子三氯甲烷提取部位中分离得到9个生物碱类化合物,分别鉴定为樟苍碱（1）、N-甲基樟苍碱（2）、乌药碱（3）、波尔定碱（4）、新木姜子碱（5）、杏黄罂粟碱（6）、异紫堇定碱（7）、烟酰胺（8）、N-反式阿魏酰酪胺（9）。新木姜子碱能抑制二甲苯所致的小鼠耳肿胀（P<0.01）,并能减少醋酸所致的小鼠扭体次数（P<0.01）。结论 所有化合物均为首次从鸭公树子中分离得到,新木姜子碱显示出明显的抗炎镇痛活性,可能是该植物的活性成分之一。     

Reduction of agonist-induced contractions of guinea-pig isolated ileum by flavonoids

The effect of 13 flavonoids on the contraction of guinea-pig isolated ileum induced by prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) and leukotriene D₄ (LTD₄) have been investigated. Apigenin, quercetin and kaempferol at a concentration of 10 μM significantly (p<0.001) reduced the contraction to either agonist. Crysin and flavone antagonized only PGE₂ (p<0.01). The other flavonoids were inactive. The blocking effect of apigenin, quercetin and kaempferol against PGE₂ was also concentration- and time-dependent, and was augmented by the calcium channel blocker verapamil or by lowering the extracellular calcium to 25%, consistent with a calcium-mediated mechanism of protection which these flavonoids, at the same concentration, also showed against barium chloride (BaCl₂)- or acetylcholine (ACh)-induced contraction (p<0.05–0.001).     

Eutigoside C attenuates radiation‐induced crypt injury in the mouse intestine

On Jeju Island, South Korea, the leaves of Eurya emarginata have been traditionally used to treat ulcers or as a diuretic. Eutigoside C isolated from the leaves has been reported to have in vitro anti‐inflammatory effects. We evaluated the radioprotective effects of eutigoside C on jejunal cell apoptosis and crypt survival in mice subjected to gamma irradiation. In addition, the ability of eutigoside C to protect against radiation‐induced oxidative stress was examined by evaluating the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in radiation‐induced hepatic injury. Eutigoside C was administered intraperitoneally at 48, 12, and 1 h before irradiation. The administration of eutigoside C (10, 50, or 100 mg/kg body weight) before irradiation protected the intestinal crypts from radiation‐induced apoptosis (p < 0.05), and attenuated radiation‐induced decrease of villous height (p < 0.05). Pretreating mice prior to irradiation with eutigoside C (100 mg/kg) significantly improved the survival of the jejunal crypt (p < 0.01). The dose reduction factor was 1.09 at 3.5 days after irradiation. Treatment of eutigoside C prior to irradiation significantly protected SOD and CAT activities in radiation‐induced hepatic injury (p < 0.05). These results suggest that eutigoside C is a useful radioprotector capable of defending intestinal progenitor cells against indirect depletion, such as oxidative stress and inflammatory response caused by gamma irradiation. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effect of Astaxanthin Supplementation on Paraoxonase 1 Activities and Oxidative Stress Status in Young Soccer Players

The purpose of the study was to examine the effects of astaxanthin (Asx) on paraoxonase (PON1) activities and oxidative stress status in soccer players. Forty soccer players were randomly assigned in a double‐blind fashion to Asx and placebo (P) group. Blood samples were obtained before, 45 and 90 days after supplementation. PON1 activity was assessed by using two substrates: paraoxon and diazoxon. The oxidative stress biomarkers were also examined: total sulphydryl group content (–SH groups), thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances (TBARS), advanced oxidation protein products and redox balance. The significant interaction effect of supplementation and training (p < 0.05) on PON1 activity toward paraoxon was observed. The PON1 activity toward diazoxon increased in Asx group after 90 days (p < 0.01), while there was no significant difference in P group. SH groups content rose from pre‐ to post‐supplementation period only in Asx group (supplementation and training, p < 0.05; training, p < 0.01). TBARS levels decreased after 45 days and increased after 90 days of regular soccer training in both groups (training, p < 0.001). Redox balance decreased significantly in response to the regular training, regardless of treatment group (training, p < 0.001). Asx supplementation might increase total SH groups content and improve PON1 activity through protection of free thiol groups against oxidative modification. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Beneficial effects of Aesculus hippocastanum L. seed extract on the body's own antioxidant defense system on subacute administration

Aim of the study

Seeds of Aesculus hippocastanum L. have long been used in European phytotherapy to treat inflammatory and vascular problems. In Turkish folk medicine, tea prepared from the crushed seeds was used to pass kidney stone and against stomach ache, while a fraction of seed was swallowed to alleviate hemorroids symptoms.In order to evaluate the in vivo effects of escin mixture from Aesculus hippocastanum seed on the blood and tissue antioxidant defense systems in standard pellet diet (SPD) and in high-fat diet (HFD) consumed male mice.

Materials and methods

Escin mixture was obtained from the ethanol extract of seeds. Escin mixture was administered orally to male mice fed either standard pellet diet (SPD) or high-fat diet (HFD) at 100 mg/kg doses daily for 5 weeks and the tissue (liver, kidney and heart) and blood samples were collected at the end of experimental period. The effect of escin mixture on the plasma antioxidant activity; blood and tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels; erythrocyte and tissue superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activity (CAT) in SPD and HFD consumed animals were experimentally studied.

Results

Escin mixture prohibited the adverse effects of oxidative stress and showed a protective effect on the liver architecture both in SPD and HFD consumed male mice. Escin mixture prohibited the adverse effects of oxidative stress and showed a protective effect on the liver architecture both in SPD and HFD consumed male mice. Combined administration of high-fat diet with escin mixture decreased blood (p < 0.01), liver (p < 0.01), kidney (p < 0.05), and heart (p < 0.05) of MDA, liver SOD (p < 0.01) and CAT (p < 0.05) levels and increased blood (p < 0.01) and liver GSH (p < 0.001) levels in mice.

Conclusion

The present results indicate that Aesculus hippocastanum increase the antioxidative defense system of the body and prevent HFD-induced lipid peroxidation in male mice.     

Antidiarrhoeal activity of Hypoxis hemerocallidea Fisch. & C. A. Mey. (Hypoxidaceae) Corm (‘African potato’) aqueous extract in rodents

This study investigated the antidiarrhoeal activity of Hypoxis hemerocallidea corm aqueous extract (APE) on experimentally‐induced diarrhoea, gastrointestinal motility, intestinal transit and enteropooling in rodents. H. hemerocallidea corm aqueous extract (APE, 50–400 mg/kg, p.o.) produced dose‐dependent and significant (p < 0.05–0.01) protection of rats and mice against castor oil‐induced diarrhoea, inhibited intestinal transit and delayed gastric emptying. Like atropine (1 mg/kg, p.o.), APE (50–400 mg/kg, p.o.) produced dose‐dependent and significant (p < 0.05–0.01) antimotility effect, and caused dose‐related inhibition of castor oil‐induced enteropooling in the animals. Like loperamide (10 mg/kg, p.o.), APE (50–400 mg/kg, p.o.) dose‐dependently and significantly (p < 0.05–0.01) delayed the onset of castor oil‐induced diarrhoea, decreased the frequency of defaecation and reduced the severity of diarrhoea in the rodents. Compared with control animals, APE (50–400 mg/kg, p.o.) dose‐dependently and significantly (p < 0.05–0.01) decreased the volume of castor oil‐induced intestinal fluid secretion, and reduced the number, weight and wetness of faecal droppings. APE (50–400 mg/mL) also produced concentration‐related and significant (p < 0.05–0.01) inhibitions of the spontaneous, pendular contractions of the rabbit isolated duodenum, and attenuated acetylcholine (ACh, 0.1–5.0 µg/mL)‐induced contractions of the guinea‐pig isolated ileum. Although the precise mechanism of the antidiarrhoeal activity of APE could not be established, the results of this study indicate that APE possesses antidiarrhoeal activity. This finding supports the use of ‘African potato’ as a natural supplementary remedy for the treatment, management and/or control of diarrhoea in some rural communities of southern Africa. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Intrathecal [6]‐Gingerol Administration Alleviates Peripherally induced Neuropathic Pain in Male Sprague–Dawley Rats

[6]‐Gingerol, a structural analog of capsaicin, is an agonist of the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 channel, which is known to have therapeutic properties for the treatment of pain and inflammation. The main objective of this study was to determine the central effect of [6]‐gingerol on neuropathic pain when injected intrathecally at the level of the lumbar spinal cord. [6]‐Gingerol distribution was evaluated following a 40 mg/kg intraperitoneal injection, and the brain‐to‐plasma and spinal cord‐to‐plasma ratios (0.73 and 1.7, respectively) suggest that [6]‐gingerol penetrates well the central nervous system of rats. Induction of pain was performed using the sciatic nerve ligation model on rats, and a 10‐µg intrathecal injections of [6]‐gingerol was performed to evaluate its central effect. The results suggest a significant decrease of secondary mechanical allodynia after 30 min, 2 h and 4 h (p < 0.05, p < 0.01 and p < 0.001) and thermal hyperalgesia after 30 min, 2 h and 4 h (p < 0.05, p < 0.01 and p < 0.01). These promising results illustrate that [6]‐gingerol could alleviate neuropathic pain by acting centrally at the level of the spinal cord. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Isolation of Anti‐Inflammatory Fractions and Compounds from the Root of Astragalus membranaceus

Foot ulceration, if not treated properly, will eventually result in amputation. Inflammation may impede the wound healing process if not properly controlled. The root of Astragalus membranaceus (AR) is one of the Chinese herbs commonly found in Chinese herbal formulae used for treating foot ulcer. In this study, we aimed to identify the active fractions and/or compounds from AR aqueous extract, which are responsible for the anti‐inflammatory effect using in vitro bioassay‐guided fractionation. The anti‐inflammatory effect was monitored by the inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) released from lipopolysaccharide‐stimulated mouse macrophage RAW 264.7 cells after treated with AR aqueous extract or its fractions and isolated components. Two major active fractions (P2‐3‐2‐2‐2 and P2‐3‐2‐2‐3) were found to significantly inhibit NO production at 0.156 mg/mL (p < 0.01). In addition, three chemical components (formononetin, calycosin and astragaloside IV) were successfully isolated from P2‐3‐2‐2‐3. Only formononetin could significantly inhibit NO production (p < 0.01), whereas the other two components had no significant effects at concentrations ranging from 0.039 to 0.156 mg/mL. In conclusion, two major anti‐inflammatory active fractions that may enhance wound healing were identified, and formononetin was one of the active ingredients in the active fractions. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Combined Lifestyle and Herbal Medicine in Overweight Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A Randomized Controlled Trial

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common, complex reproductive endocrinopathy characterized by menstrual irregularities, hyperandrogenism and polycystic ovaries. Lifestyle modification is a first‐line intervention; however, there are barriers to success for this form of self‐care, and women often seek adjunct therapies including herbal medicines. This pragmatic, randomized controlled trial, delivered in communities of Australia in overweight women with PCOS, compared the effectiveness and safety of a lifestyle intervention plus herbal medicine against lifestyle alone. All participants were helped to construct a personalized lifestyle plan. The herbal intervention consisted of two tablets. Tablet 1 contained Cinnamomum verum, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Hypericum perforatum and Paeonia lactiflora. Tablet 2 contained Tribulus terrestris. The primary outcome was oligomenorrhoea/amenorrhoea. Secondary outcomes were hormones; anthropometry; quality of life; depression, anxiety and stress; pregnancy; birth outcomes; and safety. One hundred and twenty‐two women gave their consent. At 3 months, women in the combination group recorded a reduction in oligomenorrhoea of 32.9% (95% confidence interval 23.3–42.6, p < 0.01) compared with controls, estimated as a large effect (η_p² = 0.11). Other significant improvements were found for body mass index (p < 0.01); insulin (p = 0.02) and luteinizing hormone (p = 0.04); blood pressure (p = 0.01); quality of life (p < 0.01); depression, anxiety and stress (p < 0.01); and pregnancy rates (p = 0.01). This trial provides evidence of improved effectiveness and safety for lifestyle intervention when combined with herbal medicines in women with PCOS. © 2017 The Authors. Phytotherapy Research published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd     

Antenatal Saireito (TJ‐114) Can Improve Pulmonary Hypoplasia and Pulmonary Vascular Remodeling in Nitrofen‐Induced Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) can induce lung hypoplasia and pulmonary hypertension and is associated with high mortality. The purpose of this study is to examine the efficacy and safety of antenatal Saireito (TJ‐114), a traditional Japanese herbal medicine, in a rat CDH model. Sprague‐Dawley rats were exposed to an herbicide (nitrofen, 100 mg) on embryonic day 9 (E9) to induce CDH, and antenatal Saireito (2000 mg/kg/day) was orally administered from E10 to E20. On E21, fetuses were delivered. Antenatal Saireito significantly decreased the incidence of CDH (p < 0.01), increased lung volume (p < 0.01), improved alveolarization and pulmonary artery remodeling using histological analysis, and improved respiratory function using gasometric analysis (pH; p < 0.05, and PCO₂; p < 0.01). In addition, antenatal Saireito significantly decreased endothelin‐1 and endothelin receptor A expression in the pulmonary arteries. Taken together, our results demonstrated that antenatal Saireito can improve fetal pulmonary hypoplasia and pulmonary vascular remodeling and, as a result, can improve respiratory function in a rat CDH model. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Hypoglycaemic activity of Geranium core-core,Oxalis rosea and Plantago major extract in rats

The hypoglycaemic activity of ‘Core-core’ (Geranium core-core, Geraniaceae), ‘Culle’ (Oxalis rosea, Oxalidaceae) and ‘Llantén’ (Plantago major, Plantaginaceae) crude extracts was assessed in normoglycaemic rats. Furthermore, the hypoglycaemic activity of Core-core extract was evaluated in alloxan-diabetic rats. A single oral dose of 500 mg/kg Core-core extract significantly reduced glycaemia in normal rats under glucose tolerance test conditions (p < 0.01), while Culle and Llantén were devoid of activity. The effect was lower than a single oral dose of 100 mg/kg tolbutamide. After 7 days oral treatment at 250 mg extract/kg body weight, Core-core significantly reduced glycaemia (p<0.01) in normal rats under oral glucose tolerance conditions. In alloxan-diabetic rats, a single oral dose of 500 mg/kg and chronic treatment at 250 mg/kg Core-core extract significantly reduced glycaemia in glucose tolerance test conditions at p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively. During the acute oral toxicity study, animals treated with Core-core extract exhibited no symptoms of drug-induced toxicity with doses up to 5 g/kg.     

Effects of Piper nigrum L. on epileptiform activity in cortical wedges prepared from DBA/2 mice

This study investigated the effect of a water extract of Piper nigrum L. on spontaneous depolarizations, accompanying afterpotentials and N -methyl-D -aspartate (NMDA)-induced depolarizations in cortical wedges prepared from genetically epilepsy-prone DBA/2 mice. Solutions of P. nigrum extract (0.5S, 1S and 2S) were administered when spontaneous depolarizations were well established in magnesium-free perfusing medium. The 2S extract produced a significant reduction in the number of spontaneous depolarizations (p <0.001) whilst the number of afterpotentials per burst was suppressed significantly by 1S and 2S (p <0.05 and p <0.01, respectively). P. nigrum also decreased the amplitude of NMDA-induced depolarizations (p <0.001). The present results suggest that an antagonistic action at NMDA receptors might contribute to the anticonvulsant properties of P. nigrum. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The neuropsychopharmacological effects of Catha edulis in mice offspring born to mothers exposed during pregnancy and lactation

Chewing fresh leaves of the khat plant (Catha edulis Forsk) is a deep rooted and widespread habit in East Africa and the Middle East. Although a body of knowledge exists about the adverse effects of khat during pregnancy, data are sparse with regard to the consequences of long‐term exposure during pregnancy and lactation. The present work, therefore, was initiated to evaluate the neuropsychopharmacological effects of Catha edulis exposure during pregnancy and lactation in mice at postnatal day 28. To this effect, a lyophilized extract of khat (100 mg/kg, K100 and 200 mg/kg, K200), amphetamine (1 mg/kg, positive control, AMP), and a similar volume of 2% v/v Tween‐80 in distilled water (negative control, CONT) were administered daily to pregnant mice from gestational day 6 until weaning. Neuropsychopharmacological measurements were done by making use of a battery of neurobehavioural and cognitive tests. Moreover, toxicity to liver and kidney was also evaluated by determining biochemical markers for possible tissue damage. K200 produced significant motor in‐coordination and emotional instability; as revealed by impairment in both cliff avoidance (p < 0.01) and forelimb grip strength (p < 0.001), as well as by an increase in stereotyped behaviour such as grooming (p < 0.05), and in the percent of time spent in open arms (p < 0.05). On the other hand, K100 had an effect only on grip strength where a decrement was noted (p < 0.01). A different pattern emerged with AMP whilst it increased duration of sniffing (p < 0.05), neither grip strength nor the time spent in the open arm was affected compared with CONT. Increased latency to reach the goal box and the number of wrong decisions (p < 0.05) in both the learning and the recall tests was observed with K200 and AMP. By contrast, both doses of khat and AMP equally affected performance in the Y‐maze (p < 0.05). Alterations in the biochemical indices of liver and kidney function were also noted with AMP and K200. These findings indicate that khat exposure produces dose‐related central and peripheral effects during pregnancy and lactation which might pose a serious impediment to the physical and mental development of the offspring. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.