Areca nut or betel nut is the seed of the palm tree Areca catechu, one of the most commonly used psychoactive substance, after caffeine, nicotine and alcohol.
Betel nut is widely used in paan, gutkha and supari and despite of the negative effects.
Interestingly, betel nut controls the incidence of type-2 diabetes says a Preliminary research by Gideon Philip of the University of Papua New Guinea’s School of Medicine and Health Science.
It is used for treating mental disorder called schizophrenia and an eye disorder called glaucoma; as a mild stimulant.
It stimulates the flow of saliva to aid digestion.
Bette nut is used in veterinary medicine; an extract of areca is used for expelling tapeworms in cattle, dogs, and horses; to empty animals’ bowels; and for treating intestinal colic in horses.
PNN/Agencies
