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 Bete
Palma Arec.
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 Katek
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