Meru researchers make chewing gum and wine from miraa

A team of researchers has developed an energy drink from muguka and a wine from miraa to highlight the positive aspects of these commodities.

The team, from Meru University of Science and Technology, also produced chewing gum from the two products.

“We have been researching primarily on the nutritional and vital chemical composition of miraa and muguka,” said food scientist Joshua Arimi.

Their research led to the creation of Miraa Bamboocha wine and Muguka Energy Drink. Scientifically, both stimulants come from the same plant, Catha edulis (khat).

“We have also developed chewing gum from miraa and muguka,” Arimi added, noting that both plants are rich in vital chemicals and polyphenols.

Polyphenols are micronutrients that naturally occur in plants and are beneficial for their fiber and nutraceutical compounds (substances derived from food sources with nutritional or therapeutic effects).

Arimi explained that their goal was to add value to these raw plants, which are not appealing to some people.

While miraa and muguka contribute around Sh.13 billion to the economy, their presentability is lacking, highlighting the need for value addition.

Arimi also noted that value addition could help the government regulate the stimulants, preventing consumption by underage users.

Addressing claims about the harmful effects of khat, which have been controversial at the Coast, Arimi questioned, “Why are these claims arising now? How does it affect people in Mombasa differently than in Embu and Meru? There must be other factors contributing to the behavior at the Coast, not just miraa and muguka.”

He explained that the chemical components in miraa and muguka, cardinal and cathine, are known to cause stimulation. “Once miraa and muguka start withering, cardinal degrades into cathine, which is less potent.”

In addition to these two compounds, khat contains over 50 others, which the researchers are also investigating. “We are exploring the benefits of these other compounds, as the two were only used to classify miraa and muguka as a drug. We believe there are other benefits to be discovered,” Arimi said.

Studying such plants begins with analyzing their macronutrients, including protein, carbohydrate, and fat content.

Arimi urged the government to fund further research into miraa to uncover more of its benefits.

Patrick Kubai, a pharmacological and herbal researcher at the university, dismissed allegations that the stimulants can cause mental illness, noting that Meru and Embu would have been leading in mental health cases if this were true.

Kubai added that they discovered miraa could help people with diabetes and hypertension, though studies are ongoing.

Focused research on miraa has been ongoing at the university for years. Vice Chancellor Romanus Odhiambo stated the institution's commitment to uncovering the benefits of miraa.

“There has been much discussion about miraa and muguka in Kenya. As a university, we wanted to inform the country that we have been researching both for the last 10 years,” Odhiambo said.

He emphasized that arguments should be inquiry-based, urging people to seek research from institutions rather than relying on unverified claims.

Odhiambo also announced the construction of the Miraa Research Institute to advance research.

“The Miraa Research Institute will educate Kenyans about miraa, including its growth and the various species found in the country,” he said.

He added that, beyond chewing, miraa could be used to produce juices, wines, and even yogurt.

“Why not consider building a factory for miraa products and value addition? Our research has shown that many products can be made from it.”

Odhiambo spoke during the launch of the university's 3rd International Conference on Science of Climate Action.