Areca catechu L.: A valuable herbal medicine against different health problems

Abstract

Areca catechu is a species of palm grown mainly in Asian countries for seed crop. The chemical constituents of A. catechu have been investigated for anti-nematodal/helmintic, antioxidant, anti-venom, modulation of phagocytosis, effect on sperm motility/catechol amine release, as immunosuppression, management of psychiatric disorder and Alzheimer's disease. Recent studies have revealed strong molluscicidal activity of A. catechu against harmful snails for the control of fascioliasis. Despite its laboratory studies on nematocidal/helmintic/molluscicidal activity of A. catechu. More field studies are recommended for effective control of these pests. Alkaloid arecoline is the major constituents of A. catechu for most of their biological effects. A. catechu deserves more attention by scientific community and health experts to explore its full range of benefits in welfare of mankind. Adverse effects of oral ingestion of A. catechu, causing Oral Submucous Fibrosis (OSF), oral submucous cell carcinoma should be taken in consideration, while their use is recommended in solving different health problems. © 2011 Academic Journals Inc.