Betel nut

Kernel of the fruit of the betel palm (Areca catechu). Frequently consumed stimulant worldwide, especially in Asia. Intoxicant used for thousands of years. In Asia, betel nuts are also used for religious and medicinal purposes.

The chemically produced xanomelin (neuroleptic and parasympathomimetic) can ultimately be traced back to an ingredient of the betel nut.

Empirical medicine: intestinal parasites, headaches, bad breath, skin infections.

• Betel nuts contain 0.1-0.5% arecolin (main alkaloid) as well as arecain, arecaidin, arecilidin, guvacolin, isoguvacin and guvacin. Tannins (tannins: galotannic acid, gallic acid, D-catechol, phlobatannin), mucilage, resin, carbohydrates (sucrose, galactan, mannan), proteins, saponins, carotenes, minerals (calcium, phosphorus, iron) and fats (sitosteriol) are also contained. When betel nuts are chewed together with some slaked lime, the alkaloid arecolin is converted into arecaidin. The tannins and alkaloids stimulate salivary flow, increase heartbeat and perspiration. In addition, feelings of hunger are suppressed. Some of the ingredients stimulate the central nervous system, have a slightly intoxicating, stimulating and euphoric effect. Frequent use causes dizziness and nausea!
• Arecolin is able to increase the mRNA expression of TIMP-1 (tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases), an inhibitor of MMPs (see below matrix metalloproteinases) in patients with oral submucous fibrosis in lesional mucosa. This results in a disturbance of the balance of both enzyme systems with the consequence of an increased collagen content.
• Areca seeds also contain polyphenolic substances (NPF-861A, NPF86IB, NPF-86IIA, NPF-8611B) which can inhibit a membrane-bound enzyme (5'-nucleotidase) and which are said to have a tumour-inhibiting and immune-strengthening effect.

Betel nut contains a dye that turns saliva red and, if used over a long period of time, turns teeth black. As betel nut has a toxic effect on intestinal worms, it is used in veterinary medicine. Long-term use of betel nut can lead to extensive fibrosis of the oral mucosa. Late development of spinocellular carcinoma is possible.

Addiction occurs due to the intoxicating effect.

• Around 400-600 million people worldwide use betel products.
• Due to the increased salivation, betel chewers often spit out, similar to chewing tobacco consumers. The transmission of infectious diseases (especially tuberculosis) through infected saliva from betel chewers is not uncommon!

Caution! Consuming large quantities of betel seed (8-10 g) can be fatal

1. Chang MC et al. (2002) Prevention of the areca nut extract-induced unscheduled DNA synthesis of gingival keratinocytes by vitamin C and thiol compounds. Oral Oncol 38: 258-265
2. Sharma DC (2003) Betel quid and areca nut are carcinogenic without tobacco. Lancet Oncol 4: 587
3. Stoopler ET et al. (2003) Betel quid-induced oral lichen planus: a case report. Cutis 71: 307-311
4. Wang SC et al. (2003) Betel nut chewing and related factors in adolescent students in Taiwan. Public Health 117: 339-345
5. Wollina U et al. (2002) Oral and extraoral disease due to betel nut chewing. Dermatologist 53: 795-797
6. https://www.agrarraum.info/lexikon/betelpalme
7. https://sensiseeds.com/en/blog/betel-leaf-betelnut-use-history-and-benefits-vs-risks/