Chewing Tambula and areca nut is an
ancient custom practiced to obtain relaxation, better concentration, and euphoria.
The constituents within the areca nut encompass diverse compounds, including
polysaccharides, Phenolic compounds/ flavonoids, fatty acids, and alkaloids.
Among these components, alkaloids stand out as the primary active constituents,
and arecoline constitutes a significant proportion (0.3%−0.6 % by weight). Arecoline
is found to be the most commonly used substance by humans now after alcohol,
caffeine, and nicotine worldwide.
Historically, areca nut occupies an essential position in
traditional Chinese medicine classics such as the Compendium of Materia Medica
and Indian Ayurvedic texts such as Charaka Samhita, Susruta Samhita. Areca nut is often used
to treat gastrointestinal disorders such as dysentery, bloating, constipation,
liver ailments and oral hygiene. Interestingly, modern studies
have shown that arecoline, the main active ingredient in areca nut, stimulates
intestinal smooth muscle contraction and promotes intestinal peristalsis, thus
improving intestinal health. In addition, as a psychoactive substance,
arecoline demonstrated therapeutic potential for neurological disorders.
However, in 2020, the International
Agency for Research on Cancer classified arecoline as 'probably carcinogenic to
humans' (Group 2B carcinogen) based on compelling mechanistic evidence, listed
in their comprehensive report.
In view of this, a research team headed
by Prof. Xiaofei Wang from National Engineering Research Centre for Fruits and
Vegetables Processing, College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering,
China Agricultural University, Beijing, China did a thorough review of research
work happened across the world on arecoline. Their research was focused on the multifaceted
actions of arecoline on various organs, considering pharmacological and toxicological
perspectives, and health functions of arecoline on vital systems, including its
influence on neurotransmitter modulation, smooth muscle contraction, and the
notable antiparasitic properties of arecoline. They also reviewed the research
work happened on the toxic effects of arecoline on critical organ systems,
encompassing factors like fibrosis, oxidative stress, immune dysfunction, and
epigenetic alterations in the oral cavity, central nervous system,
cardiovascular system, and digestive systems.
They found conclusive evidence on potential
therapeutic effects of arecoline in improving the smooth muscle contractions in
intestine, promoting intestinal peristalsis, treating indigestion and being antiparasitic in a way that
paralyzes parasites. Furthermore, in the effects of arecoline on the Central
Nervous System and digestive system, they found that low doses are beneficial
while high doses are harmful.
They concluded their study with a remark
that the research work done so far is not sufficient to understand the
pharmacological and toxicological mechanisms of arecoline fully and to clarify
the dosage-effect relationship and the long-term effects.
Reference:
Wang et al.,(2024). Review of the toxic
effects and health functions of arecoline on multiple organ systems, Food
Innovation and Advances, Vo. 3(1), pages 31−41