Indications
Areca catechu is the areca palm, whose seed is commonly called betel nut or supari. In Ayurvedic and Unani medicine the processed seed has traditionally been used in small amounts in preparations for indigestion, to expel intestinal worms, as an astringent for loose stools, and in some women’s health preparations. Scientific evidence for these uses is limited. Areca nut is also known to be harmful with regular use (see warnings), so it should only be taken in properly made medicinal products, at the labelled dose and for short periods.
How It Works
The seed contains alkaloids, mainly arecoline, which stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system. This increases saliva, gut movement and sweating, and can paralyse some intestinal worms. It also contains tannins, which have an astringent (tightening and drying) effect on the gut lining.
Dosage and Administration
Use only as directed on the label of a registered product or by a registered practitioner. Do not exceed the stated dose and do not use it regularly or long term. Not for children unless specifically prescribed.
Interactions
- Arecoline may oppose the effect of anticholinergic medicines (such as Hyoscine or Atropine) and add to the effect of cholinergic medicines (such as Pilocarpine or Neostigmine).
- It may worsen control of asthma, so use with care with asthma medicines.
- It may interfere with antipsychotic medicines and medicines for Parkinson disease.
Contraindications
Do not use if you have asthma, heart disease or irregular heartbeat, stomach ulcers, oral sores or precancerous mouth patches (white or red patches, stiffness of the mouth), or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Not for children.
Side Effects
Possible effects include increased saliva, sweating, flushing, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach cramps, dizziness and a fast heartbeat. Regular or long term chewing of areca nut is linked to mouth and throat cancer, a stiffening disease of the mouth (oral submucous fibrosis), gum disease, tooth staining and dependence.
Get urgent medical help if you have wheezing or difficulty breathing, chest pain, a very fast or slow heartbeat, severe vomiting, fainting or fits. See a doctor promptly about any mouth sore, patch or lump that does not heal within 2 weeks.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Do not use during pregnancy: areca nut is linked to low birth weight and other harm to the baby. Avoid while breastfeeding.
Precautions and Warnings
- The International Agency for Research on Cancer classes areca nut as a cause of cancer in humans. Avoid regular use, including chewing as betel quid (paan).
- Use medicinal products only short term at the labelled dose.
- For worm infections, modern deworming medicines are safer and more reliable; ask a doctor or pharmacist.
Overdose
Overdose may cause severe vomiting, diarrhoea, heavy sweating, wheezing, slow or irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure, tremor and fits. Get emergency medical help straight away.
Therapeutic Class
Ayurvedic and Unani herbal ingredient (astringent and anthelmintic herb).
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.