Lab tests conducted by researchers at the Centre for Reproduction, Endocrinology and Diabetes at King's College in London, England, indicated that a chemical found in the khat plant helps sperm become fertile faster and stay fertile for a longer period.

According to the research, chewing khat releases the stimulant cathinone, which, when broken down, produces the chemicals cathine and norephedrine. Researchers examined the effect of cathine on mouse sperm and found that it sped up the development of sperm.

The researchers said the findings could help in the development of products to help couples conceive. "It might be relatively easy to develop products," said Lynn Fraser, professor of Reproductive Biology at the college. "Compounds related to the ones we studied are being used in over-the-counter and prescription medicines for dietary treatments and asthma. And the amount that's required isn't that high, so it's not a question of taking very high doses and therefore becoming overstimulated."

Researchers plan to conduct further analysis using human sperm.

The study's findings were presented at the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology conference held recently in Berlin, Germany.

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