ARECA NUT [BETEL NUT]
Botanically Areca nut
is Areca
catechu –a kind of palm.[Tamil = paakku, Kan =adikke ]
Being a palm the plant grows tall without branches and has a terminal
crown of leaves ; among these emerge the floral branches that bear Areca nut
[Betel nut]. Betel nut is the chief ingredient for chewing along with betel
leaf / calcium paste and tobacco shreds. On a global estimate, India is a major
consumer of betel nut /betel leaf.
Betel chewing turns
addictive due to ‘Arecoline’- a stimulant. Any advantage of betel chewing is
more psychological than any physiological. In fact several disorders
/inflammations can arise from chewing. But ‘addiction’ being what it is people
seldom listen to sane advice.
Arecoline is a major
alkaloid in areca nut. Other alkaloids are Arecaidin, Guvacine, Isoguvacine,
and a major tannin component is Proanthocyanidin +Catechin and areca tannin .
two new alkaloids Acatechu-A and Acatechu-B have been identified foe areca nut.
No major advantage has
been attributed to the betel chewing habit among villagers of India
However there is an
auspicious connotation for betel leaves and betel nuts. Without these items on
a platter no auspicious event can be organized. They signify blessing and
prosperity. Without them the solemnity of the event is not felt. They mark the
holiness of the occasion in the Indian custom.
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