Betel nut has a long history of use in South and Southeast Asia and the Pacific islands dating back 2,000 years. According to studies, betel nut may have several medicinal properties including helping with stroke recovery, preventing dental cavities, relieving symptoms of schizophrenia, dry mouth, anemia, brain injuries, stomach worms, diabetes, hypertension, nausea, stomach problems, excess heat, depression, and boosting energy. However, it also has toxic effects and may increase risk of some health issues with regular long-term use such as inflammation and cancer. More research is still needed to fully understand its risks and benefits.

1. MEDICINAL PROPERTIESOF ARECANUT
NIKHIL M.C
RESEARCH SCIENTIST, MALENADU AGRI RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
MALALI
History of Betel Nut
It has long history in South and Southeast Asia and also the Pacific Basin. In Guam along
with other Pacific islands, its use could be traced back so far as 2,000 years.A habit passed
through generations, chewing betel nut is really a habitual custom for 10-20% of the world’s
population.
Stroke Recovery
Betel nut extract is a great idea for stroke recovery, in accordance with InteliHealth.
Improvements have been mentioned in speech, bladder control as well as muscle strength in
patients taking betel nut extract, even though InteliHealth explains that studies so far have
already been small and flawed.
Anti-cavity Effect
In vitro research show that water extract of betel nuts exhibit anti-microbial activity towards
particular strains of oral bacteria. Therefore it is stated that its consumption might safeguard
teeth from cavities. Chewing on betel nuts might prevent dental plaque. Betel nut might have
anti-bacterial effects, also it formerly was included like a toothpaste component to prevent
cavities, in accordance with InteliHealth. Due to its toxic effects, however, betel nut is
probably less beneficial compared to other restorative agents for dental reasons. Chewing
pan along with betel nut has become a common habit. It really is considered to avoid tooth
decay. However this must be taken from time to time. Regular intake leads to inflammation
resulting in cancer.
Schizophrenia
Preliminary research signifies enhancements in symptoms for schizophrenia patients who
take betel nut, in accordance with the NIH. Standard schizophrenia medications create
unpleasant negative effects, fueling further efforts to find out new treatments, however the
NIH notes that betel nut also created side effects of tremors as well as stiffness within the
schizophrenia research.
Dry Mouth Relief
Individuals who chew betel nut have a tendency to create considerable amounts of saliva, in
accordance with InteliHealth. This might help individuals with dry mouth brought on by
health problems like diabetes and Sjogren’s syndrome. InteliHealth explains that safer
medicines are for sale to reduce this symptom.
Prevents Anemia
Betel nuts have been in use for several years like a medication to deal with anemia in
pregnant women. They’re good for making up for severe iron deficiency and low blood
glucose levels. Frequent, however moderate, usage of betel nut might help combat an iron
deficiency.
Beneficial for Brain

2. It’s been discovered that those who have suffered a brain injury have demonstrated some
reaction to betel nuts. Usage of betel nuts helps to improve speech as well as muscle control
in such people. However, it may also have unwanted effects when utilized on other sorts of
medicine.
Relief from Stomach Worms
Consuming betel nuts assist in treatment of stomach worms just like the tapeworms and also
the roundworms. It will help avoid the problems associated with the stomach worms. Betel
nut is among the best vermifuge that can help expel the stomach worms.
Can controls diabetes
Arecoline is among the bio-chemicals present in betel nut. This particular bio-chemical has
been analyzed to have a considerable control on diabetes. Tests on lab animals showed
control of blood glucose levels for the considerable time period. Other research has linked
chewing betel nut with an increase of chance of diabetes.
Prevents Cellular Degeneration
Betel nuts include antioxidants which help to avoid cellular degeneration within the older
ones.
Can control hypertension or blood pressure
Studies have shown that the tannins contained in betel nut are helpful in managing high
blood pressure activity by inhibiting the reaction to both angiotensin I and II.
Euphoria
Gnawing betel nuts does make a feeling of well-being and euphoria. This may be one more
reason behind its increased use. The elated feeling can make users happy. Users also have
reported experiencing a warm feeling in the body after consuming this particular
psychoactive substance.
Prevents Nausea
Chewing betel nuts helps prevent nausea. Betel nuts could be chewed just before traveling to
avoid vomiting sensation.
Prevents Stomach Problems
Stomach problems just like indigestion, diarrhea and stomach aches is often curable.
Consuming betel nuts provides rest from dysentery and in addition helps prevent it when
consumed regularly.
Relieves from Excess Heat
Chewing the betel nuts help reduce excessive heat through the body of a human. Consuming
betel nuts with betel leaves can be quite beneficial in the summers.
Anti-depressant properties
In accordance with Ayurveda, betel nut is considered to encourage the nervous system.
Research into betel nut shows that it does have got anti-depressant qualities. Tests on lab
rats recommended that betel nut extracts decreased stress brought on by swimming and tail-
suspension.
Immunomodulatory properties

3. Taking betel nut is assigned to rise in the immunomodulatory response. The extracts of betel
nut demonstrated modulation of arachidonic acid metabolism which influences the rise of
platelet production.
Energy Booster
The reason behind its increasing popularity is its capability to boost energy. Thanks to its
stimulating effects, users experience elevated levels of energy quickly upon chewing these
types of nuts. Many state that it wakes them up and offers energy to continue with their day-
to-day routine. So chewing it might work to keep you wide awake for a long time, that is
especially beneficial whenever driving over night. The heightened alertness as well as
increased ability to handle task comes from its active ingredient arecoline?an alkaloid along
with a powerful stimulant of the central nervous system