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.
Betel nut has an important place in religious and social functions in India. It has some medicinal values also. But, as our Professor has pointed out, it produces health hazards- disorders and inflammation. Long term use will lead to mouth cancer, especially with tobacco. FDA has warned about it.
ReplyDeleteYes doctor, The medicinal value ascribed to these nuts is rather indirect. As Dr. K Venkataraman has pointed out betel nut [paakku in Taml] is acidic and is neuralized by Chunnam [calcium] while betel leaves are neutral. Together the three gloriously referred to as 'Thamboolam' trigger digestive function especially when the ' intake' is more than usual in volume and variety. This is my understanding. I THANK ALL RESPONDENTS
ReplyDeletePlease note betel nut and betel leaf are from different plants.
ReplyDelete