Betel Nut
Botanical Description & Habitat
Areca Catechu L
Family
Areaceae
Common Names
areca
areca nut
Betel nut palm
Medicinal Parts
The seeds or nuts
Historical Properties & Uses
Millions of people throughout history have chewed on betel nut to sweeten the breath, and as a social habit, much like smoking cigarettes or chewing tobacco. This practice stains the teeth and the gums black, and may eventually destroy the teeth, though this is disputed by some dentists who believe the practice actually strengthens the teeth. Certain European toothpastes even use it as an ingredient.
The betel nut is a strong anthelmintic and is used extensively in veterinary practice. An enema is used to remove tapeworms. The betel nut is also used as an emmenagogue, digestive aid, mitotic, nervine, cardiotonic, and astringent.
Method of Action
The Pharmacology of Betal Nut
Betel nut contains acrecoline and other alkaloids as the active constituents. Arecoline stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, increases the secretion of salivary, bronchial and intestinal glands, and causes bradycardia. As an anthelmintic, it creates muscular contractions in the muscles of the parasites, and additionally evokes peristalsis in the intestinal tract through stimulation of the vagus nerve. This causes swift emptying of the intestines.
In Germany, a 1% solution of arecoline is used for myopia as it causes a brief constriction of the pupil.
Betel Nut has Astringent Properties
Betel nut also contains substantial tannic and gallic acids. It's astringent properties depend on these constituents. Tannins remain in the intestinal tract when ingested from plants such as catechu species. There they exert an astringent effect in the duodenum opposite to what is produced by laxatives.
Drug Interactions & Precautions
Possible Interactions
Mineral oil, by sequestering this herb, may reduce its. Anthelmintic effect. The same may be true, to a lesser extent, of antacids.
Betel nut should not be used with methotrimeprazine, a potent CNS depressant analgesic.
The topical application of this astringent herb in conjunction with the acne product tretinoin (retinoic acid, vitamin a acid) may adversely affect the skin.
1. The tannin in this herb may potentiate the antibiotic activity of echinacea.
2. The tannin in a tea made from this herb may be inactivated by the addition of milk or cream.
Additive effects may occur between the hypotensive property of betel nut and that of dopamine receptor agonists such as bromocriptine mesylate.
Betel nut should be used with caution in conjunction with CNS depressants or stimulants.
Comments
The neuromuscular relaxing action of betel nut may be enhanced by the use of certain aminoglycoside antibiotics, such as clindamycin.
In the absence of other hard data, it may still be assumed that observable interactions may occur between the many central nervous system drugs and the psychoactive principles in this herb.
Safety Factors & Toxicity
High doses of betel nut palm, as used to be a standard practice in the removal of parasites, can be fatal if not carefully supervised.
Continued use of betel nut blackens teeth, and has been classified by some experts as a narcotic stimulant, though the FDA, lacking conclusive proof, has not yet done so.
Preparation & Administration
Use only under medical supervision
Note: This Herbal Preparation information is a summary of data from books and articles by various authors. It is not intended to replace the advice or attention of health care professionals.
References
Adzet, T. & Camarasa, J. Pharmacokinetics of polyphenolic compounds. Craker, L.E., Simon, J.E. eds. Herbs, Spices and Medicinal Plants: Recent Advances in Botany, Horticulture, and Pharmacology, Vol. 3. 1988, Oryx Press, Phoenix.
Braun, H. & Frohne, D. Heilplanzen-Lexikon Fuer Aerzte und Apotheker. Gustav Fisher Verlag, Stuttgart, New York, 1987.
Duke, J.A. CRC Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, CRC Press, Inc., Boca Raton, Florida, 1985.
List, P.H. & Hooerhammer, L.H. Hagers Handbuch der Pharmazeutishcen praxis, Six volumes, Springer-verlag, Berlin.
Mowrey, Daniel B., Ph.D. Exper. Psych., Brigham Young University. Director of Nebo Institute of Herbal Sciences. Director of Behavior Change Agent Training Institute. Director of Research, Nova Corp.
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