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 Betel Nut (Areca catechu) Be aware that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and dietary supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products containing or claiming to contain betel nut. Decisions to use herbs or supplements should be carefully considered. Individuals using prescription drugs should discuss taking herbs or supplements with a pharmacist or health care professional before starting. Betel nut use refers to a combination of three ingredients: the nut of the betel palm (Areca catechu), part of the Piper betel vine and lime. Scientists have studied betel nut for the following health problems:
Betel nut has been suggested for many other uses, based on tradition or on scientific theories. However, these uses have not been thoroughly studied in humans, and there is limited scientific evidence about safety or effectiveness. Some of these suggested uses are for conditions that are potentially very serious and even life-threatening. You should consult a health care professional before taking betel nut for any unproven use.
Allergies People should avoid betel nut if they have a known allergy to betel nut or any member of the Palmaceae plant family. Signs of allergy may include rash, itching or difficulty breathing. Side Effects Although betel nut is used recreationally, it is not considered safe, especially when used in high doses or for long periods of time. Some people may experience abnormal skin color after handling betel leaves. Vision abnormalities may also occur. Betel nut may cause or worsen conditions that involve tremors, muscle stiffness, involuntary mouth and face movements or difficulty moving parts of the body. Seizure has been reported with high doses. Some people may experience increased body secretions, including increased production of saliva, tears, sweat, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and stomach cramps. Or betel nut use may lead to urinary incontinence, fever and flushing. Use of betel nut has been associated with confusion, difficulty walking, memory lapse and anxiety. Some of these symptoms may be worse in people who have used betel nut for long periods of time and stop abruptly. In theory, chewing betel nut may cause seizures or even death. Chest pain, heart attacks, irregular heart rhythms, rapid heartbeat and altered blood pressure have occurred after chewing betel nuts. People may become dependent on the effects of the herb. People who use betel nut have a greater tendency to have periodontal disease, fibrous tissue in the mouth and throat and inflammation and cancer in the mouth. There is also an increased risk of liver cancer, cervical cancer and cancer in the stomach, prostate, lungs and sweat glands. Some people experience difficulty breathing or worsening of asthma. Some of these adverse effects may be caused by betel nut allergies. Other side effects may include kidney abnormalities, increased skin temperature, abnormal thyroid function or altered blood sugar levels. Betel nut chewers may have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Caution is advised if you take prescription drugs to control your blood sugar levels. Some betel nuts may be contaminated with harmful substances, including aflatoxin or lead. Urinary stones have been associated with betel nut. Pregnancy And Breast-Feeding Betel nut is not recommended during pregnancy and breast-feeding because of the risk of birth defects or spontaneous abortion. Metabolic syndrome and withdrawal symptoms in babies have been associated with a mother's use of betel nut. Interactions with drugs, supplements and other herbs have not been thoroughly studied. The interactions listed below have been reported in scientific publications. If you are taking prescription drugs, speak with a health care professional or pharmacist before using herbs or dietary supplements. Interactions With Drugs Some side effects associated with betel nut use, such as increased saliva, tears, sweating and diarrhea, may be increased if the herb is taken with bethanechol. Alternatively, some of the beneficial effects of betel nut may be reduced when the herb is used with drugs such as benztropine (Cogentin), atropine or scopolamine (Transderm-Scop). Betel nut may alter blood sugar levels. Caution is advised if you are taking prescription drugs that may affect blood sugar levels or if you are using insulin. Patients taking oral drugs for diabetes or using insulin should be monitored closely by a health care professional while using betel nut. Dosing adjustments may be necessary. Adverse effects such as muscle stiffness and tremor may be increased when betel nut is used with drugs such as prochlorperazine (Compazine), and blood pressure may rise to dangerously high levels if betel nut is taken with phenelzine (Nardil). Because betel nut may cause the heart rate to become too slow, it should be used carefully with drugs such as digoxin (Lanoxin), propranolol (Inderal) or verapamil (Calan). Use of betel nut with drugs that lower cholesterol levels may increase their cholesterol-lowering effects, and use with drugs such as enalapril (Vasotec) may enhance blood pressure-lowering effects. Use of betel nut with other stimulants such as amphetamine or nicotine may increase the likelihood of adverse effects. Alcohol, antibiotics, antidepressants, anti-inflammatories, antipsychotics, glaucoma drugs, immunosupressants and thyroid drugs may interact with betel nut. Interactions With Herbs And Dietary Supplements Some side effects associated with betel nut use, such as increased saliva, tears, sweating and diarrhea, may be increased if the herb is taken with lobelia (Lobelia inflata). Alternatively, some of the beneficial effects of betel nut may be reduced when the herb is used with herbs such as belladonna. Betel nut may alter blood sugar levels. People using other herbs or supplements that may alter blood sugar levels, such as bitter melon (Momordica charantia), should be monitored closely by a health care professional while using betel nut. Dosing adjustments may be necessary. Blood pressure may rise to dangerously high levels if betel nut is used with herbs that possibly inhibit monoamine oxidase, such as St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum). Because betel nut may have adverse effects on the heart, it should be used carefully with herbs that may also affect the heart, such as oleander (Nerium oleander). Use of betel nut with herbs that lower cholesterol levels, such as red yeast, may increase cholesterol-lowering effects. It is thought that betel nut may reduce the beneficial effects of vitamin B-1 (thiamine). Use of betel nut with other stimulants such as caffeine or ephedra (Ma-huang) may increase the likelihood of adverse effects. Use of betel nut with alcohol may increase the risk of cancer in the mouth and throat. Antibiotics, antidepressants, anti-inflammatories, antipsychotics, glaucoma agents, immunosupressants, thyroid agents and vitamin D may interact. The doses listed below are based on scientific research, publications or traditional use. Because most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly studied or monitored, safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients even within the same brand. Combination products often contain small amounts of each ingredient and may not be effective. Appropriate dosing should be discussed with a health care professional before starting therapy; always read the recommendations on a product's label. The dosing for unproven uses should be approached cautiously, because scientific information is limited in these areas. There are no standard or well-studied doses of betel nut, and many different doses are used traditionally. No preparations are recommended because of possible toxic effects. Adults (Aged 18 Or Older) Betel nuts are sometimes chewed alone, but they are usually chewed in combination with other ingredients wrapped in a betel leaf and stuck inside the cheek and gum. It has been reported that eight to 30 grams of betel nut may be deadly. Children (Younger Than 18) There are not enough scientific data to recommend betel nut for use in children, and betel nut is not recommended because of potential side effects, including the risk of cancer, severe adverse effects on the heart and worsening of asthma. Betel nut has been suggested as a treatment for many conditions. However, there is not enough scientific evidence to support the use of betel nut for any medical condition. Although betel nut is chewed recreationally, chewing or ingesting betel nut may cause many serious adverse effects, including cancer, effects on the heart and death. Betel nut should be avoided in pregnant or breast-feeding women and in children. Consult a health care professional immediately if you have any side effects. The information in this monograph was prepared by the professional staff at Natural Standard, based on thorough systematic review of scientific evidence. The material was reviewed by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School with final editing approved by Natural Standard.
Selected Scientific Studies: Betel Nut Natural Standard has reviewed all of the currently available medical literature to prepare the professional monograph from which this version was created. Some of the more recent studies are listed below:
Last updated September 02, 2008 ©©1996-2000 InteliHealth Inc. All rights reserved. Source: Inteli-Health Inc. All information is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should seek prompt medical care for any specific health issues and consult your physician before starting a fitness regimen. Use of this online service is subject to InteliHealth's disclaimer and the terms and conditions .
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