Tannins acid, Ascorbic acid and Fluoride from Khat Chewing Plant

Background/purpose: Khat (Catha edulis) is an evergreen shrub belonging to the Celastraceae family. It grows in Yemen and Southern Arabia as well as in certain East African countries such as Ethiopia, Somalia, Djibouti and Kenya. The aim of this study was to quantify tannins acid, ascorbic acid and Fluoride from khat extract. Materials and methods: Khat leaves were collected and bought from Yemen market. The samples were dried in an oven at 50–52°C. The samples were stored in a cool, dark and dry place. The dried sample (200 g) was ground first to pass a 2 mm screen. Then, tannins acid was detected using Proanthocyanidins technique. Redox titration (Iodometric titration technique) method was used to determine ascorbic acid in khat extracts. Fluoride in khat extracts was detected using a method based on APHA Standard 4500-F-D. Results: The Average percentage of tannins acid from khat extracts in dry matter was 25.4%. The average percentage of ascorbic acid extracted from khat in sample=25.72%. Fluoride substance was not determined in khat. Conclusion: It can be concluded that khat contain high amounts of tannins acid, ascorbic acid and fluoride was not found in khat.