Betel Nut chewing areta catechu betel nut cancer research betel nut side effects

Betel nut (areca catechu) is a psychoactive drug of the Asian continent, popular in the South Pacific islands, Southeast Asia, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Betel is chewed in New Zealand and Australia by immigrants from India now dwelling in these countries. Betel nut has been used extensively since antiquity. People chew it for stress reduction, feelings of well-being, and heightened awareness. It contains three major alkaloids: arecoline, pilocarpine, and muscarine.

Betel nut is chewed regularly by at least 10% of the world population, imported by immigrant users wherever they settle, and is the fourth most widely used addictive substance. It is thought, by users, to soothe the digestion and to be a stimulant and its use has a major role in social situations. Specific arecal alkaloids act as competitive inhibitors of GABA receptors and have widespread effects in the body, including actions on the brain, cardiovascular system, lungs, gut and pancreas. Nitrosated derivatives of arecal alkaloids, proven carcinogens inducing tumours throughout the upper gut and foregut derivatives in animals, are also associated with increased tumour risks in man. Increased central obesity is found in association with betel usage in man as well as increases in circulating markers of inflammatory and cardiovascular damage. The effects of chronic betel usage in man are at least as diverse as those of smoking and the habit increases the risks of ill health.

Betel nut side effects
Excessive use leads to heart palpitations, warm sensation, increased pulse rate, sweating, . Prolonged use for many years may increase the risk for oral cancers. The regular use of betel will, in time, stain the mucosa, gums, and teeth.

For effective weight loss, see Hoodia-Extract and Green-Tea-Extract. For mental enhancement, see bacopa monnieri.

Betel nut inquiries
Q. I am discussing the issue of 'tobacco control in India' with my friends. In this context, we wish to shed some light on the specific effect of 'paan chewing' or betel leaf chewing. Does the paan leaf per se have any direct adverse health effect, or is it only what is put inside a betel leaf that affects health?
   A. Sorry but this is not an area we have studied in detail.

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