A comprehensive bibliometric analysis of Catha edulis (Vahl) Endli (Khat) research (1961–2021)

Abstract

Catha edulis is a perennial herbaceous plant of the Celastraceae family. It is referred to locally by various names, including Khat, Qat, and Gat in Yemen, Qaat and Jaad in Somalia; and Chat in Ethiopia (Al Moaleem et al. 2017; Alhazmi et al. 2020; Taha et al. 2014). For eight centuries, the inhabitants of East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula have chewed Khat (C. edulis). This plant's natural habitat is Ethiopia’s Hararghe Zone. Countries like Uganda, Ethiopia, Kenya, Yemen, and Djibouti where it is widely used have legalized its cultivation, sale, and chewing. Over 20 million abusers are thought to exist today, including both male and female adults, as well as college and middle school pupils. Khat is classified as a narcotic in Saudi Arabia, and its distribution is forbidden, as it is in other Western nations (Alsanosy et al. 2020; Alvi et al. 2014; Mahfouz et al. 2013).