Betel Leaves: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects By Dr. Smita Barode

Introduction

Betel leaves are commonly used as paan (a combination of betel leaf, slaked lime, and areca nut), which acts as a mouth freshener or is sometimes consumed with tobacco. We often eat betel leaves casually, without realizing their potential benefits for our bodies.

Betel leaf, also known as paan leaf, belongs to the Piper genus, with the scientific name Piper betel. It is a heart-shaped perennial creeper found in tropical and subtropical regions such as India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and East Africa. Betel leaves are used both for religious purposes and for chewing.

Betel vine varieties are classified into five main groups based on their morphological characteristics and the presence of essential oils¹.^. Betel leaves may offer several benefits to human health, so let’s explore their advantages.

Nutritional Value of Betel Leaves

The value of betel leaf nutrition is given below: 

• Water: 85-90%  
• Protein: 3-3.5%  
• Fat: 0.4-1% 
• Minerals: 2.3-3.3% 
• Fibre: 2.3% 
• Carbohydrate: 0.5-6.1%  
• Potassium: 1.1-4.6%  
• Calcium: 0.2-0.5% 
• Vitamin C: 0.005-0.01% 
• Essential Oil: 0.08-0.2%

Properties of Betel Leaves

Betel Leaves may possess the following properties: 

• It may protect against cancer³ 
• It may be an antioxidant⁴ 
• It may prevent the growth of fungi³ 
• It may protect against allergic reactions 
• It may heal wounds 
• It may be used in case of constipation¹ 

Did you know that betel leaves have played a significant role in Indian culture for centuries? Its usage dates back to 400 BC! According to ancient Ayurvedic texts like Charaka, Sushruta Samhitas, and Kashyapa Bhojanakalpa, chewing betel leaf after meals became a common practice between 75 AD and 300 AD¹¹.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

Potential Uses of Betel Leaves for Overall Health

Betel leaves may have numerous health benefits and some of the potential betel leaf uses are as follows:  

1. Potential use of betel leaves for headache 

Betel leaves may have cooling and analgesic (relieve pain) properties. It may be used to relieve pain from severe headaches¹. Further studies on animals and humans are required to check the effect of betel leaves on headaches. If you experience a prolonged headache or unbearable pain, you must consult your doctor. 

2. Potential use of betel leaves for cancer 

Betel leaves may have anti-cancer properties and may protect the body against cancer. Studies¹ showed that phenolic-related compounds in betel leaf extract may possess the capacity to slow down the growth of cancerous cells. However, further studies are required to check the use of betel leaves on cancer. Cancer is a dangerous disease; therefore, you must get proper treatment instead of self-medicating. 

3. Potential use of betel leaves for fungal infection 

Betel leaves may help treat fungal infections as they contain a bioactive compound called hydroxychavicol (a type of polyphenol), which may slow down the growth of fungus. They are used for skin infections or as a mouthwash for oral fungal infections¹. However, further evaluation of the antifungal activity of betel leaves in humans is required. If you suspect a fungal infection, you must consult your doctor and get proper treatment before the infection becomes severe. 

4. Potential use of betel leaves for gastric ulcers 

Betel leaves may help with gastric ulcers due to their protective properties. Their antioxidants may boost enzyme activity, which can be beneficial for ulcers. They may also increase mucus in the stomach lining and reduce the amount of gastric acid, helping to soothe and protect the stomach⁵. However, further studies on humans are required to check the activity of betel leaves for gastric ulcers. You must get proper treatment instead of self-medicating if you have painful ulcers over time. 

5. Potential use of betel leaves for diabetes 

There may be a possible betel leaf health benefit for diabetes. Studies⁶ on rats showed that betel leaves might decrease blood sugar levels. However, further studies are required to evaluate the activity of betel leaves for diabetes. If you are a diabetic patient, you must be diagnosed with diabetes and consult a doctor for proper treatment in case of high blood sugar levels. 

6. Potential use of betel leaves for allergies 

Betel leaves may help with allergies. In lab studies⁷, they were tested on human lung cells to see their effect on substances that trigger allergic reactions. The results suggested that betel leaves may help reduce these substances, which cause allergy symptoms. However, further studies on humans are required to evaluate the action of betel leaves against allergies. If you have an allergic reaction, you must consult your doctor. 

7. Potential use of betel leaves for healing wounds 

Betel leaves may have the ability to heal wounds and studies on male albino rats showed that betel leaves might reduce the healing time and increase the repair mechanism. Studies⁸ showed that betel leaves may help to heal wounds due to epithelialization (the process of formation of an epithelial layer over the injured surface). However, further studies are required on humans to check the ability of betel leaves on wound healing. You must immediately consult your doctor if you suffer from a severe or painful wound. 

8. Potential use of betel leaves for constipation 

Betel leaves may be used in case of constipation. A suppository made from the stalk of betel leaves (along with castor oil) inserted into the rectum may relieve constipation⁹. However, further studies on humans are required to evaluate the activity of betel leaves for constipation. 

Though some studies show the benefits of betel leaves in various conditions, these are insufficient, and there is a need for further studies to establish the true extent of the benefits of betel leaves on human health. 

Did you know that betel leaf is often hailed as ‘Green Gold’? Globally, there are around 100 varieties of this evergreen, perennial creeper, with nearly 40 of them flourishing in India.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

How to Use Betel Leaves?

Betel leaves can be used in the following way: 

• You can chew betel leaves. Chewing betel leaf benefits in several ways 
• You can boil some water, add some betel leaves, and use this prepared decoction to rinse your mouth. 

Even though there are many potential benefits of betel leaf, you must consult a qualified doctor before taking betel leaves in large quantities or any herbal supplements. Likewise, do not discontinue or replace an ongoing modern medical treatment with an ayurvedic/herbal preparation without consulting a qualified doctor. 

The betel plant has been traditionally used in medicine for various health concerns. It may help with conditions such as colds, coughs, bronchial asthma, and stomach pain. Additionally, it may be beneficial for issues like conjunctivitis, gum swelling, and skin boils.

Dr. Smita Barode, B.A.M.S, M.S.

Side Effects of Betel Leaves

Betel leaves may have side effects when consumed with tobacco, lime, and areca nuts, as follows: 

• May cause substance dependence 
• May cause a feeling of euphoria¹⁰ 
• May cause sweating¹⁰ 
• May cause salivating¹⁰

If you experience adverse reactions to betel leaves, immediately contact a doctor or your Ayurvedic physician who has prescribed it. They will be able to guide you appropriately for your symptoms. 

Precautions to Take with Betel Leaves

As with any medicine, general precautions should be taken with betel leaves. Pregnant women and lactating mothers should take special care. You must consult your doctor before having betel leaves. Precaution should be taken before giving betel leaves to the elderly or children. 

The uses of this plant extend beyond medicine and touch on a wide array of fascinating purposes. From being used as a possible remedy for fish poisoning and bait for fishing, to serving as an ingredient in insecticides and even finding its way into ornaments, oils, perfumes, and hallucinogens, this plant truly has a diverse range of applications.

Dr. Anuja Bodhare, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

Interactions with Other Drugs

There is not enough evidence on the interaction of betel leaves with other drugs. Further studies on the interaction of betel leaves are required. Therefore, you must consult your doctor if you are on any other medication before consuming betel leaves.  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

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2. Proshanta Guha. Betel Leaf: The Neglected Green Gold of India Nutritional composition of fresh betel leaf | Download Table [Internet]. [cited 2022 Aug 18]. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Nutritional-composition-of-fresh-betel-leaf_tbl1_228624984 
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8. Ghazali NA, Elmy A, Yuen LC, Sani NZ, Das S, Suhaimi F, et al. Piper betel leaves induces wound healing activity via proliferation of fibroblasts and reducing 11β hydroxysteriod dehydrogenase-1 expression in diabetic rat. Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine [Internet]. 2016 Oct 1;7(4):198–208. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5192284/ 
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Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

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