Betel Nuts: Uses, Benefits and Side Effects By Dr. Smita Barode
By Dr Smita Barode +2 more
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By Dr Smita Barode +2 more
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From religious ceremonies to mouth-fresheners, ‘paan supari’ has been an inseparable combination. We know a lot about the ‘paan’ leaves, but not enough attention has been given to ‘supari’ or betel nuts. Betel nuts are the seeds of the fruits of palm trees which are mostly cultivated in eastern countries like Bangladesh, India, Malaya, Ceylon, Philippines and Japan. The scientific name of betel nut is Areca cattechu Linn. It is commonly known as Areca nut. In India, It is commonly known as gue and kwai in Meghalaya, tamul in Assam and Nagaland, kua and kuhva in Mizoram and Manipur, supari in Maharashtra. Chali, parcha, neetadaka, Iylon, Nuli, Kalimak, Bura tamul and tamol are the common varieties of betel nuts. In this article, we will learn all that you might want to know about betel nuts, including its health benefits, side effects and precautions, to name a few.1,2
Betel nuts are rich in a variety of compounds, like carbohydrates, proteins, fibres, minerals like calcium, copper, phosphorus, and iron and Vitamins like Vitamin B6 and C.
Nutritional components | Percentage |
Carbohydrates | 20% |
Fats | 15% |
Phosphorus | 0.13% |
Calcium | 0.05% |
Iron | 0.01% |
Table 1: Nutritional value of betel nuts3
Betel nuts are also rich in phytochemicals which have a high medicinal value. The phytochemicals present in betel nuts include alkaloids like arecoline, guvacoline, guvacine, arecaidine and polyphenols which mostly include flavonoids like leucocyanidins, catechins, epicatechin and tannins.
Phytochemical components | Percentage |
Leucocyanidins | 12% |
Catechins | 10% |
Arecoline | 0.75% |
Guvacoline | 0.75% |
Epicatechin | 0.25% |
Guvacine | 0.29% |
Arecadine | 0.1% |
Table 2: Phytochemical constituents of betel nuts3
I recently read an article that says the extracts of Betel nuts may be used to relieve the symptoms associated with stroke such as speech, strength and bladder function. Betel nuts are proven rich sources of phytochemicals that aid in overall health.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, MD
Betel nuts show numerous scientifically proven properties, some of which are mentioned below:
Betel nuts have importance in Hindu religious ceremonies and are also called the fruit of divine origin. Apart from this, there are numerous benefits of betel nuts, some of which are described below.
Literature studies support that the consumption of nuts may help manage blood glucose. Musdja et al. conducted a study in 2021. The findings of this study showed that betel nut consumption in diabetic rats helped in reducing blood glucose. This effect is attributed due to the presence of alkaloids like arecoline and guvacoline. This indicates that betel nuts have the potential to reduce blood glucose and thus may help manage diabetes. However, to claim these results in humans, we need more studies. It is further advised not to self-medicate and consult your physician for proper management of abnormal blood glucose.5
Literature studies state that exercising regularly and following a healthy diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, and nuts may have a positive impact on blood pressure. A study conducted by Chen et al. in 2021 stated that betel nuts might improve blood circulation and helps in reducing high blood pressure. The exact mechanism behind this effect is not known. Therefore, it is advised not to rely on betel nuts as a remedy, and kindly consult your physician for the proper management of hypertension.6
A lipid profile is a complete cholesterol test which measures total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), etc. Peng et al. in 2015 conducted a review, and the summary estimates of this review state that betel nuts may help in lowering elevated lipid levels. However, we need more studies to claim these results with greater reliability. Also, it is advised not to consider the consumption of betel nuts as an alternative to modern medicine; you should always consult your doctor for proper management of an abnormal lipid profile.4
An infection occurs when germs like bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites invade the body. Ayurveda or the Indian system of medicine, supports the use of household remedies for managing infections. A review conducted by Peng et al. in 2015 stated that betel nuts might help inhibit the growth of bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites like tapeworms and ringworms. This effect is due to the presence of polyphenols and alkaloids in betel nuts. This indicates that these nuts may have the potential to manage infections. However, you should not consider these nuts as an alternative to modern medicine; it is always advised to consult a physician for proper management of any infection.4
Literature studies support the use of betel nuts in reducing allergies. Peng et al. conducted a review in 2015, the summary estimates of which state that betel nuts may have the potential to manage skin irritation and provide relief from allergies. The exact mechanism behind these effects is unknown; however, it can be attributed to their property to reduce inflammation. It is advised to take a professional opinion for the proper treatment of any allergy or skin irritation. You should not consider betel nuts as an alternative to modern medicine.4
Chen et al. conducted a review in 2021 that stated that arecoline which is an alkaloid present in betel nuts, increases the secretion of human saliva and increases the contractions of the digestive system, which improves digestion. Traditionally, they have been used for managing constipation. Therefore, betel nuts may positively impact the digestive system. To claim these results with greater reliability, we need more studies. It is further advised not to consider these nuts as an alternative to modern medicine; kindly consider your doctor for proper management of any digestive disorder.6
Though there are studies that show the benefits of betel nuts in various conditions, these are insufficient, and there is a need for further studies to establish the true extent of the benefits of betel nuts on human health.
I suggest limited and regulated use of betel nuts. Studies say that your mouth, lips, and stool may turn red after chewing betel nut. Like coffee and cigarette usage, it can have stimulant effects. Additionally, it may result in more serious side effects including heart attack, coma, death, renal, liver, and kidney-related diseases; vomiting, diarrhoea, excessive salivation, gum difficulties, irregular heartbeats, low blood pressure; and death. Anyone who consumes betel nut orally for more than a brief period is unsafe.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
You must consult a qualified doctor before consuming any herbal supplements. You should not discontinue or replace your ongoing treatment of modern medicine with an ayurvedic/herbal preparation without consulting your doctor.
Peng et al. conducted a study in 2015 which found that commonly reported side effects of betel nuts include nausea, vomiting, dizziness and abdominal pain.4
Kumar et al. conducted a study in 2021 which stated that betel nuts contain arecoline alkaloid, if consumed in larger amounts, it can be poisonous and may increase the risk of cancer.2
However, if you experience any adverse reactions to betel nuts, it is advised to discontinue its intake and immediately contact a doctor or your Ayurvedic physician who has prescribed it, as they will guide you properly for your symptoms.
Consuming betel nuts is okay if taken in moderate amounts. However, the following considerations must be taken:
Consumption of betel nuts is contraindicated in people with:
However, you must always seek the advice of your Ayurvedic physician about the possible interaction of betel nuts with other drugs.
Betel nuts are the seeds of the fruits of palm trees which are mostly cultivated in eastern countries like Bangladesh, India, Malaya, Ceylon, Philippines and Japan.1,2
In Hindi, betel nuts are called supari.1,2
Commonly reported side effects of betel nuts to include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, abdominal pain and an increased risk of cancer.2,4
No, there are no proven results on the effects of betel nuts on hair loss.
The safety of betel nuts consumption during pregnancy is not well-established; it is therefore advised to avoid its use and consult your doctor for the same.
Disclaimer: The information or data included on this site is only for educational purposes and should not be considered or counted as a substitute for medical treatment by any healthcare professional or doctor. Based on the individual needs, the reader should consult their physician or doctor to determine the appropriateness of the information provided on this site for the reader’s situation.
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