Betel Nut and Arecoline: Past, Present, and Future Trends

Abstract

The areca nut, commonly known as betel nut, has been the subject of consistent scientific study over the past 5 decades. Betel nut is a natural compound chewed for its psychostimulating effects. Arecoline, the primary alkaloid of betel nut, is a muscarinic acetylcholine receptor agonist producing cholinergic effects on the parasympathetic nervous system and a psychoactive agent, contributing to the psycho-stimulating effects. Importantly the betel nut use is also associated with oral leucoplakia, submucous fibrosis, and squamous cell carcinoma. This narrative review explores the past, present, and future aspects of betel nut use, its historical applications, the development of biomarkers research, its health value concerns, and health economic impacts.