Study: Khat plant may help men with fertility problems

During the conference in Berlin organized by the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology researchers from the Center for Reproduction, Endocrinology and Diabetes at King's College London, told that khat leaves have a chemical which causes sperm to become fertile faster, and stay fertile longer.

The leaves of the khat plant give a feeling of euphoria when chewed. But scientists at King's College London have discovered that they also contain chemicals that help sperm to mature and fertilise an egg.

Khat acts as a stimulant that produces a "high" when chewed. People have used it for centuries, some claiming it improves their sex drive and potency.

The researchers tested the active chemical in khat (catohinone) both on mice and humans. And their findings could lead to products to help couples with fertility problems or others trying to conceive.