The
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has published four monographs
so for on areca nut, its products (betel quid / Pan,
Gutka, Mawa, Pan masala) and also chewable tobacco used along with areca nut. The
monographs are an outcome of thorough analysis of research papers published in
reputed journals by chosen experts, drawn from multiple nations across the world.
The overall conclusions were as follows,
·
Betel quid with tobacco is carcinogenic to humans
(Group 1).
·
Smokeless tobacco is carcinogenic to humans (Group 1).
·
Betel quid without tobacco is carcinogenic to humans
(Group 1).
·
Areca nut is carcinogenic to humans (Group 1).
·
There is evidence suggesting lack of carcinogenicity
in experimental animals for betel leaf.
·
There is evidence suggesting lack of carcinogenicity
in experimental animals for slaked lime.
·
Arecoline is possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group
2B).
In a very
clear terms, it was stated that all forms of chewable tobacco are carcinogenic.
Areca nut mixed with tobacco (Gutka, Mawa, Pan) will certainly cause cancer. Interestingly,
it states that betel quid (Pan / Tambula) without tobacco also causes cancer. Furthermore,
it was concluded that areca nut is also carcinogenic similar to tobacco. Interestingly,
slaked lime & betel leaf, essential ingredients of betel quid / Pan are
stated to be safe. Most interestingly, the monographs fail to show conclusive
evidence of carcinogenicity of arecoline, or other prominent alkaloids present in
areca nut.
These monographs created huge uproar against areca nut and its products, globally. The cancer biologists, research community dealing with human health, doctors, policy makers and Government of several developed countries started initiating measures to curb the consumption of areca nut and its products. This also created a renewed interest in the research groups throughout the world to take up studies dealing with areca nut consumption and subsequent effect on human health.
Note: as per IARC, the agents/substances are classified as Group 1, if the agent is carcinogenic to humans; Group 2B if the agent is possibly carcinogenic (not yet proven conclusively) to humans.
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