The Controversial Roles of Areca Nut: Medicine or Toxin?

Abstract

Areca nut (AN) is used for traditional herbal medicine and social activities in several countries. It was used as early as about A.D. 25-220 as a remedy. Traditionally, AN was applied for several medicinal functions. However, it was also reported to have toxicological effects. In this review article, we updated recent trends of research in addition to acquire new knowledge about AN. First, the history of AN usage from ancient years was described. Then, the chemical components of AN and their biological functions was compared; arecoline is an especially important compound in AN. AN extract has different effects caused by different components. Thus, the dual effects of AN with pharmacological and toxicological effects were summarized. Finally, we described perspectives, trends and challenges of AN. It will provide the insight of removing or modifying the toxic compounds of AN extractions for enhancing their pharmacological activity to treat several diseases in future applications.

Keywords: areca nut; component; pharmacological activity; toxicological effect.

Figure 1

The Areca cattechu Linn. palm tree and its fruits (AN). (A) Habitus of the Areca cattechu Linn. palm tree. (B) Fruit stands of the A. cattechu tree. (C) Areca nuts with tip removed are used for chewing. (D) AN alone or combined with betel leaf, betel stem inflorescence and slaked lime is a popular psychoactive drug in subtropical and tropical countries. (E) Dried AN boiled in water is applied in traditional Chinese medicine. (F) Fibers of ANs provide substantial risks for oral diseases.

Figure 2

The chemical structure of areca alkaloids includes arecoline, arecaidine, guvacoline and guvacine. Their structures are similar but carry different functional groups, R1 and R2.

Figure 3

Pharmacological and toxicological effects of AN components. Most of the AN components are helpful for organisms from a health point of view. However, some AN components have toxicological effects. ↑: Activated; ↓: Inhibited.

Figure 4

The distribution of pharmacological and toxicological effects of AN extract, combined compounds and arecoline in the human body. The effects in other animals, such as mice, rats, porcine, zebrafish, C. elegans, chickens and buffaloes were included from different sources cited in this review. ↑: Activated, ↓: Inhibited.