Researchers from Meru University of Science and Technology have developed an energy drink using muguka and a wine from miraa, aiming to highlight the positive aspects of these commodities. They also created chewing gum from both plants, focusing on their nutritional value and chemical composition.
Known scientifically as Catha Edulis (khat), miraa and muguka are rich in polyphenols, fiber, and nutraceutical compounds naturally found in plants. The initiative seeks to enhance the appeal and value of these plants, which contribute significantly to the economy despite their current lack of aesthetic appeal.
Value addition, according to food scientist Joshua Arimi, could also aid in regulating these stimulants to prevent underage consumption, addressing concerns about their potential harmful effects that have sparked debate, particularly along the Coast.
“Why are they coming up now? How does it make people zombies in Mombasa and not in Embu and Meru? There must be another thing that is contributing to that behavioUr and mannerism in Coast and not miraa and muguka,” Arimi said.
He said the chemical components found in miraa and muguka – cardinal and cathine – are known to cause stimulation.
“Once miraa and muguka start withering, cardinal neglects into cathine which is less potent.”
Apart from the two compounds, khat has over 50 others, which they are also looking into.
“We are expounding to see what benefits the other compounds have as the two were only used to classify miraa and muguka as a drug, but we think there are other benefits we can derive from the plant,” the professor said.
Research on plants like miraa and muguka begins with analyzing their macronutrient content, including proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. Joshua Arimi emphasized the need for government funding to support further research into the benefits of miraa. Patrick Kubai, a pharmacological and herbal researcher at Meru University, refuted claims linking these stimulants to mental illness, pointing out that if they were causative factors, regions like Meru and Embu would show higher rates of such cases.
Kubai also mentioned ongoing studies indicating potential benefits of miraa for individuals with diabetes and hypertension.
Meru University has been engaged in focused research on miraa for a decade, according to Vice Chancellor Romanus Odhiambo. He emphasized the university’s commitment to exploring and reporting on the findings related to these plants. Odhiambo encouraged informed discussion based on research and urged those with uncertainties to seek information from research institutions.
“People only talk about the negative things they imagine which are not based on research and sense.”
The VC said they are building the Miraa Research Institute that will advance research.
“The Miraa Research Institute will tell Kenyans more about miraa. What is miraa, how it is grown and various species they have in the country,” he said.
Apart from chewing, the commodity can make juices and wines and even yoghurt, Odhiambo added.
“Why can’t we think about building a factory for miraa products and value addition because according to research, we have seen it can make many products.”
He spoke on Thursday during the launch of the university’s 3rd International Conference on Science of Climate Action.
