Scientific names Common names

Areca alba Rumph. Areca nut (Engl.)

Areca catechu Linn. Boa (Ilk., It., Ign.)
Areca cathechu Burm. f. Bua (Ibn., Pang.)
Areca hortensis Lour. Buga (Tag.)
Bin lang (Chin.) Dapiau (Iv.)
Hua (It.)
Lugos (Sul.)
Luyos (Pamp.)
Pasa (Yak.)
Takobtob (Bik.)
Va (Ital.)
Areca nut palm (Engl.)
 Betel nut palm (Engl.)
Betel quid (Engl.)
Ta Fu-p'i (Chin.)
Bin lang zi (Chin
Other vernacular names

ARABIC: Ffal, Fofal, Kawthal, Tnbl.

ARMENIAN: Arygn.
BURMESE: Kunthi Pin Kun
CHINESE: Da fu zi, Pin lang.
DUTCH: Arecanoot, Arecapalm, Betelnoot, Betelnootpalm, Betelpalm, Pinangboom,
Pinangnoot.
FINNISH: Arekapalmu.
FRENCH: Arquier, Noix Darec, Noix De Btel.
GERMAN: Arekanuss, Arekapalme, Betelnsse, Betelnu Palme, Betelpalme
GUJARATI: Sopaadii, Topaarii
HINDI: Supaadii, Supaarii, Supari.
INDIA: Supari, Tambula.
ITALIAN: Areca, Avellana Dindia, Noce Del Betel, Noce Di Arec, Noce Di Betel, Palma A
JAPANESE: Areka Yashi, Binrou, Binrouju.
KHMER: Phla, Sa la.
MALAY: Kavugu, Pinang, Pinang Sirih, Pokok Pinang, Pucuk (Indonesia).
NEPALESE: Supaarii
PERSIAN: Popal.
PORTUGUESE: Areca Catec, Arequeira, Arequiera, Noz De Areca, Noz De Btele.
RUSSIAN: Areka Katekhu, Arekovaia Palma, Betelnaia Palma, Palma Katekhu.
SINHALESE: Puwak.
SPANISH: Areca, Bonga, Nuez De Areca, Nuez De Betel, Palma Catecu.
SWEDISH: Betelnt, Betelpalm.
TAMIL: Bakkumaroma, Kamugu, Kathakambu
THAI: Khet, ma, mak, Mak Mia, mak Mu, mak Song.
URDU: Supaadii.
Areca nut is the fourth most commonly used psychoactive substance in the
world, chewed regularly by at least 10% of the population, with high
prevalences in South and Southeast Asia.

Its is an erect, solitary tree growing to 25 meters high, and marked with
annular scars. Leaves about 3 to 4 meters long with numerous leaflets, 60
to 90 centimeters long, the upper ones confluent. Spadix is much branched
and compressed, with the branches filiform above, bearing very numerous,
somewhat distichous male flowers which are yellow and about 5
millimeters long. Female flowers are at the base of the branches and in
axils, about 1 centimeter long or more. Fruits are ovoid, smooth, orange or
red when ripe; 4 to 6 centimeters long, with a somewhat fleshy pericarp and
fibrous mesocarp.

Distribution

- Cultivated throughout the settled areas of the Asia.

- Spontaneous in some places.

- Possibly native of the Philippines.

- Also occurs in the Old World Tropics generally, and has been introduced
into the New World.

Constituents

First seed analysis was reported to have been performed in 1886 by

Bombelon, who isolated a liquid volatile alkaloid given the name arecaine.

Alkaloids - arecaine, 0.1%, arecoline, 0.2%, arecaidine, arecolidine,

guvacoline, guvacine, isoguvacine; tannin, 15%; red fat, 14%; resin; choline;
catechu.

An analysis of Philippine betel nuts reported the tannin to be located

almost entirely in the kernel; the husk containing only traces. As the green
nut ripens, the amount of tannin in the kernel decreases.

The kernel yields gallic acid and a gum.

Fruit flesh on seed contains the alkaloid arecoline with psychoactive

properties and chewing produces euphoria, increased alertness, sweating,
salivation.

Contains a large quantity of tannin. Also contains gallic acid, a fixed oil
gum, a little volatile oil and lignin.

Study yielded arecholine, choline, arecaine, aricaidine, catechu, guavacin

and a-catechin.

The tannin is located almost entirely in the kernel which decreases as the
nut ripens.
 Four alkaloids: arecoline, arecain, guracaine and another in very small
amounts.

Arecoline resembles pilocarpine and muscarine in its effect.

Other alkaloids in betel nut are arecaine, guvacoline and guvacine.

Also contains phenolic compounds: hydroxychavicol and saffrole 12,

tannin, resin, cholic and catechu.

Properties

Young seeds are laxative.

Vermifuge mature seeds for expelling tapeworms.

Young nuts astringent from the tannic and gallic acids.

Young nut is succulent and sweet-tasting; the mature one, bitter and
savory.

Fresh nut is somewhat intoxicating and produces giddiness in some

persons. This was reported as early as 1563 in Malacca by Garcia de Orta.

Dried nut is stimulant, euphoriant, astringent, taeniafuge, antibacterial,

antioxidant, antiseptic, wound healing, antifertility, abortifacient,
hypoglycemic, hepatoprotective.

Increases the flow of saliva, sweetens the breath, strengthens the gums
and produces mild exhilaration.

Aromatic, cooling, emmenagogue, purgative, digestive, diuretic, laxative,

astringent, antifungal, antibacterial, antiinflammatory, antioxidant.

Considered anticonvulsant, oxytoxic, antifertility, anthelmintic, antiviral,

antiulcer.

Arecholine is a highly toxic substance, and its pharmacologic action

resembles that of muscarine, pelletierine and pilocarpine. It violently
stimulates the peristaltic movements of the intestine, produces constriction
of the bronchial muscles which can be overcome by adrenaline or atropine.
It is a powerful sialagogue and stimulates sweat secretion.

Arecholine considered to have wound healing activity; also considered

anthelmintic.
Parts used and preparation

Kernel

Uses
Edibility

Cabbage (ubod) is edible, raw as salad or cooked.

Folkloric traditional medicine benefits and uses of areca nut

In the Philippines, the buyo is regarded as tonic and general stimulant, but
harmful with excessive use which can cause loss of appetite, salivation, and
general degeneration of the organism.

Fruit in decoction considered abortifacient, the nut as an emmenagogue.

Tender seeds used as purgative; grated ripened ones as vermifuge.

Externally used as astringent.

Sprains, bruises, contusions - Crush leaves, mix with a little coconut oil,
warm and apply on affected area.

Tooth whitener: Carbonize and powder a kernel and rub on teeth.

Tapeworm infestation: 1 glassful of 5% decoction as enema to be retained

for one hour. Also, decoction of kernels boiled 20-30 minutes; for less than
12 years of age, 6 kernels (30 g); over 12 years old, 10-12 kernels (50-60 g);
for adults, 16-18 kernels (80-90 g). The bunga may be mixed with kalabasa,
boil for 1 hour, maintaining 2-glass volume for oral intake.

In excess, nuts can cause vomiting and diarrhea; intoxicating to some.

Young nut is useful in bowel complaints. Tincture used as astringent

gargle, and when diluted with water, useful for bleeding gums and may be
used for stopping water discharges from the vagina. It is also used for
stopping the pyrosis (heartburn) of pregnancy.

Dried nut is stimulant, astringent and taeniafuge. It increases the flow of

saliva; sweetens the breath, strengthens the gums and produces mild
exhilaration.

Fruit in decoction considered abortifacient.

In Ayurvedic medicine, the nut is used for headaches, fever and

rheumatism.
 In China, used to treat parasitic infection. Also, used for dyspepsia,
constipation, beriberi and edema. The bark is used for choleraic affections,
for flatulence, dropsical and obstructive diseases of the digestive tract.

Ointment made from finely powdered catechu and lard used for chronic
ulcerations.

In southern India, dried fruits are powdered and heated with coconut oil
and applied topically on burns.

Fruit mixed with juice of Commelina benghalensis and stem juice of

Canna indica and applied topically on wounds

In Malaya, young green shoots are used as abortifacient in early

pregnancy.

In India, juice of young leaves mixed with oil is used externally for
lumbago. Also used for urinary disorders and reported to have aphrodisiac
properties.

In traditional medicine n India, nut used in treating skin ulcers.

In Keral and Tamil Nadu states of India, nut extract is a popular remedy
for migraine headaches.

In the rural areas of Dakshima, Kannada, husk fibers are used for cleaning
teeth.

In India and China the areca nut has been used as anthelmintic since time
immemorial.

In the Materia Medica of ancient China, the betel nut is considered

masticatory, dentrifice, and vermifuge.

In Indo-China, Punjab, and Cashmere, the kernel of the fruit is one of the
constituents of the general masticatory of the East - the "betel" or pan.

Other uses

Betel chewing: In the Philippines, as well as in Indo-Malayan and

Polynesian regions, the Areca nut is extensively used for chewing with lime
and ikmo leaves (Piper betel) or litlit (Piper retrofactum).

Poison: In the Dutch East Indies the root is shredded, steeped in water
and pounded to extract the juice, and used as poison in food or drink.
Scientific studies on benefits and uses of areca nut for health

Antioxidant:

It has been long believed that the areca seed is a carcinogen causing buccal
cancer, an effect that comes from N-nitrosoamine from chewing. The study
also showed the seed has strong radical-scavenging antioxidant benefit. The
water and methanol extracts of the seeds in various ages show a higher %
tannin and total phenols than other parts of the tree extracts. (2)

Wound Healing:

Study on different wound models in Wister rats showed the alkaloid and
polyphenols could be used to enhance healing of skin graft surgery, leg
ulcers and burn wounds. (3)

Anti-Aging / CC-516 Extract:

A study showed that Areca catechu extract (CC-516) had anti-aging effects
improving skin hydration, skin elasticity and skin wrinkles suggesting a
potential use for cosmetics. (4)

Anti-Schizophrenic Effects:

(1) Study results indicate that betel chewing may exert a beneficial effect on
the primary symptoms of schizophrenia, attributed to the pharmacologic
effect of the abundant betel nut alkaloid, arecoline. (2) Study results
indicate betel chewing is associated with less severe symptoms of
schizophrenia. (5)

Effects on Symptoms of Schizophrenic:

Male high-consumption betel chewers had significantly milder positive

symptoms than low-consumption chewers over 1 year. Betel chewing was
associated with tobacco use but not with cannabis or alcohol. It was not
associated with global health, social functioning or movement disorders.
(12)

Betel Quid Effects:

(1) Areca alkaloids act as competitive inhibitors of g-aminobutyric acid

receptors in the brain, cardiovascular system and pancreas, possibly
increasing the appetite or altering insulin secretion. (2) BQ components
induce keratinocytes to secrete tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a) and
interleukin-6 which may provoke chronic inflammation. The muscarinic
action of arecoline, the most abundant betel nut alkaloid, is the most
promising pharmacologic explanation for the beneficial effect.

Nitrosated Compounds / Arecal Alkaloids / Diabetogenic /

Metabolic Effects:

Nitrosated derivatives of arecal alkaloid, proven carcinogens in animals,

also increase the risk of tumors in man. Nitrosated compounds are also
diabetogenic in mice producing type2 diabetes with central obesity with
increases in markers of inflammation and cardiovascular damage.

Metabolic Syndrome Association:

Report shows BQ chewing has detrimental effects on selected components

of the metabolic syndrome and induction of inflammatory cytokines and
factors, possibly increasing the risks for the development of the metabolic
syndrome. Study showed a higher incidence of central obesity,
hypertriglyceridemia, dysglycemia and metabolic syndrome among betel
quid chewers than non-chewers. (6)

Anti-Inflammatory / Analgesic / Free Radical Scavenging

Activity:

Study on A. catechu showed an anti-inflammatory effect on carrageenan-

induced edema in mice and rats. On analgesic activity, the crude extract
showed a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on formalin-induced
nociception in mice and acetic acid-induced writhing in rats, similar to
aspirin. In DPPH assay, it showed free radical scavenging activity. (10)

Reducing Power / Antiradical Activity:

In the study, the methanolic extract of A. catechu exhibited strong

antiradical activities and reducing power. The extract yielded a significant
amount of phenols and flavonoids.

Cirrhosis and Hepatocellular Cancer Risk in Betel Chewers:

Study showed an increased risk of cirrhosis and hepatocellular cancer

among betel chewers free of hepatitis B/C infections. Risks were
synergistically additive to those of hepatitis B/C infections. (13)

Hepatoprotective / Antioxidant:

Study showed aqueous extracts from seeds of A. catechu and nutgalls of

Quercus infectoria exhibited potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
activities. Treatment of rats reversed oxidative damage in hepatic tissues
induced by CCl4.

Anti-Fatigue Effects:

Study showed the water and methanol extracts of A. catechu and betel quid
could prolong swimming time of mice, decrease the concentration of serum
nitrogen and lactic acid, increase the liver glycogen content of mice after
swimming.

Arecoline / Colonic Motility Effects:

Study showed arecoline enhanced the contraction of the longitudinal

smooth muscle rat colon in a dose-dependent manner. Results suggest that
arecoline increases colonic motility via the M3 receptor, which depends on
the influx of Ca2+.

Anovulatory / Abortifacient Effects:

Study of ethanol extract of A. catechu showed a significant decrease in the

duration of estrus and a significant increase in proestrus. In the evaluation
of its abortifacient effect, the mean percentage of abortion was significantly
increased.(17)

Molluscicidal:

Studies have shown strong molluscicidal activity against harmful snails for
control of fascioliasis.

Suppression Effects on Naloxone-Precipitated Morphine

Withdrawal:

Study showed the dichlormethane fraction was effective in alleviating

withdrawal jumping in morphine-dependent mice, one of the most
common signs used to assess the severity of morphine withdrawal. The
fraction also inhibited MAO-A and acted as anti-depressant, increasing
bioavailability and enhanced neurotransmission of monoaminergic,
serotonergic and noradrenergic systems in the brain. Activation of these
systems reduce the severity of opiate withdrawal. (18)

Antioxidant:

Study showed the antioxidant activities of water and methanolic extracts of

seeds using DPPH assay showed greater inhibition than root and
adventitious root. The methanolic extract of unripe seeds showed higher
phenolic and total flavonoid content than other parts. Results showed areca
nut extracts to have the potential to prevent oxidative damage in normal
cells.(23)

Memory and Learning Benefits / Arecoline:

Study evaluated the effect of wet and dry A. catechu extracts on learning
and memory in rats. Wet A. catechu extract showed greater increase in
spatial memory and learning. The effect was attributed to a higher amount
of arecoline in the wet extract.(24)

Wound Healing:

An ethanolic extract of kernel was prepared into a 2% ointment form and

evaluated in a rat model with induced burn wounds. Results showed
significant increase in wound contraction rate. (25)

Antifertility Effect:

Study evaluated the antifertility effect of an alcoholic A. catechu in male

albino rats. Results showed dose-dependent 50% to 100% reduction in
fertility at 300 to 600 mg/kg bw doses respectively.. Testes histology
showed reduction in secondary spermatocytes and spermatids, reduction in
Leydig cells and increase in diameter of seminiferous tubules. (26)

Antifungal:

Study evaluated husk fibres for antimicrobial properties. An alcoholic

extract of husk fibers showed dose-dependent inhibitory effect against
Candia albicans. Alcoholic and aqueous extracts did not show significant
antibacterial activity. The practice of using husk for routine oral care
probably improves oral health through mechanical cleansing rather than an
antimicrobial effect. (27)

Anti-Migraine Potential:

Study showed a nut extract exhibited significant inhibition of iNOS,

possibly the mechanism for its anti-migraine activity, giving some support
for its folkloric use. (28)

Antidepressant Activity:

Study evaluated the antidepressant activity of A. catechu nut ethanol extra

ct. The nut extract and aqueous fractions exhibited antidepressant activity
in both acute and sub-chronic forced swim tests. Saponins of the areca nut
was considered the active component for the antidepressant action. Sub-
chronic treatment with extract caused toxic effects, whereas active aqueous
fractions causes no toxicity, Results conclude the nut possesses potential
antidepressant effect through elevation of serotonin and adrenaline. (29)

Anti-Diabetic Activity:

Study evaluated several extracts of A. catechu leaf in Wister rats with

streptozotocin-induced diabetes. All the extracts significant exhibited anti-
diabetic activity; the methanol extract was the most active. (30)

Airborne Areca Catechu Pollen and Asthma:

Study showed A. catechu pollen to be a significant contributor to the

aeroallergen load in India. Its partially purified IgE-reactive fraction could
be useful in treatment. The nut extract showed remarkable cross-reactivity
with the pollen. (31)

Long-Term GI Effects:

Study in rats showed prolonged chewing of areca nut caused significant

alterations in intestinal epithelial cell line functions and could lead to
malabsorption of nutrients. (32)

Cytotoxicity:

Study evaluated the cytotoxicity of various parts of medicinal plants using

MCF-7 and Vero cell line. Results showed the methanol extract of Agave
americana and aqueous extract of Areca catechu are potent cytotoxics. (33)

Dichlormethane Fraction / Anti-Depressant / MAO-A

Inhibition:

Study suggested the dichlormethane fraction from A. catechu possesses

antidepressant property via MAO-A inhibition. Study showed significant
reduction of immobility time simlar to moclobemide (a selective inhibitor
of MAO-A). (34)

Catechin / Seeds:

In the study, accelerated water extraction method was used to extract

catechin from A. catechu seeds. Catechin in known for its antioxidant,
antihypertensive, and anticancer properties. (35)

Removal of Lead from Water / Heartwood:

Study investigated the removal of Pb(II) from water by using A. catechu
heartwood charcoal. Results showed HCAC has the potential to remove
Pb(II) from water. (36)

Anti-Diabetic / Leaves:

Study evaluated various extracts of A. catechu leaf in Wistar rats. All

extracts at 200 mg/k orally significantly exhibited anti-diabetic activity in
STZ-induced rats. The methanol extract was most active. Glibenclamide
was used as reference drug. (37)

Comparative Antioxidant Activity / Seeds and Plant Parts:

Study evaluated the antioxidant activity of seed and various plant parts.
The water and methanol extract of seeds yielded higher antioxidant
activities that other parts (leaves, crownshafts, fruits shells, roots). (38)

Antimicrobial / Anthelmintic / Antioxidant / Roots:

An ethanolic extract produced significant dose-dependent anti-bacterial,

anti-fungal, and anthelmintic properties. It also showed antioxidant activity
in the DPPH free radical scavenging assay and super oxdie anion
scavenging assay. (39)

Cytoprotective / Phenolic Content:

Betel quid has a higher TPC (total phenolic content), antioxidant, and
cytoprotective activities than betel quid with calcium hydroxide. The quinic
acid in betel quid may play an important role in oral health protection. (40)

Antihyperglycemic / Flowers:

Study evaluated the antidiabetic effect of A. catechu flower extracts in

alloxan induced diabetic rats. Results showed significant antidiabetic
efficacy of ethanol and aqueous extracts attributed to high phenolic
constituents. (41)

Copper in Betel Nut Products and Oral Submucous Fibrosis:

Areca nut has been causally linked to oral submucous fibrosis, a potentially
malignant condition of the mouth, pharynx, and esophagus. Daily intake of
copper in American diets average 1.0 mg per day, 60% of which is absorbed.
Study indicated an adult Indian chewing areca daily will consume about 5
mg of copper daily, with a substantial but unknown quantity to be
absorbed. Study suggests investigation of the role of copper in areca
products in the pathogenesis of oral sumucous fibrosis. (42)
 Aphrodisiac Effect:

Study evaluated the aphrodisiac effect of A. catechu along with another

plant, Pedalium murex, used in herbal aphrodisiac formulations. In the rat
study, there as significant increase in mounting frequency, intromission
frequency and latency, and significant reduction in mounting latency and
post-ejaculatory interval. Results suggest an aphrodisiac effect, with no
conspicuous adverse effects. (43)

Concerns

Cancer

-Risks of mouth cancer in chronic chewers.

- Studies have suggested concerns for the development of OSF (oral

submucous fibrosis) and oral submucous cell carcinoma.

Pregnancy

- Not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

- Risk of spontaneous abortion.

Availability

Wildcrafted

Available in the market.

Link to the article source

Read about other interesting fruits

Acai berry Ambarella Avocado Bael Banana

Bilberry Cocunut

Cantaloupe Cashew apple Dragon Fruit Durian Fig

Jack fruit Jamun

Kiwi Lychee Malay apple Mango Mangosteen

Miracle fruit Pomelo

Papaya Passion fruit Phalsa Pineapple Plum

Pomegranate
Prickly pear Quince Rambutan Roselle Santol
Sapota

Sea buckthorn Sour Orange Soursop Sweet Lime

Star gooseberry

Star Apple Strawberry Surinam Cherry Sweet lime

Tamarind Tomato

Tree tomato Wampi Watermelon Wood apple

Read about herbs and spices

Allspice Alfalfa Ashwagandha Bay leaf Black

cohosh

Black onion seeds Black pepper Cayenne pepper Celery

Chives

Chamomile Clove Coffee senna Coriander Curry leaf

Cumin

Eucalyptus Fennel Fenugreek Garlic Ginger

Gotu Kola

Hibiscus Holy basil Jasmine Kava Kava Lavender

Licorice

Long pepper Lotus Majoram Marigold Mugwort

Mustard seeds

Neem Nutmeg Oregano Peppermint Red clover

Rose Rosemary

Sage Sensitive plant St.John's wort Tarragon Thyme

Triphala powder

Turmeric Vetiver grass Wheat grass Wild amarnath