Properties of betel nut:
Betel nut shows many scientifically proven properties, some of which are described below:
It may have the property of improving digestion. 2
It has the property of removing excess salt and water from the body. 2
It may have the potential to reduce pain. 2
It may have properties that reduce anxiety. 2
It may have the potential to lower blood pressure. 4
It may have properties to stop the growth of bacteria, viruses and fungi. 4
It may have the potential to reduce inflammation. 4
It may have properties that lower blood sugar. 4
It may have the potential to correct elevated lipid levels. 4
It may have the potential to control depression. 4
Potential uses of betel nut for overall health:
Betel nut is important in Hindu religious rituals and is also known as the fruit of divine origin. In addition to this, betel nut has many benefits, some of which will be described below.
Potential use of betel nut for blood sugar
Studies in the literature support the possibility that consumption of nuts may help control blood sugar. musdja et al. conducted a study in 2021. The results of this study showed that betel nut consumption in diabetic rats helped lower blood sugar. This effect was attributed to the presence of alkaloids such as betel nutine and guavaine. This suggests that betel nut has the potential to lower blood sugar and therefore may help control diabetes. However, more research is needed to obtain these results in humans. It is further recommended not to self-medicate and to consult your physician for proper management of abnormal blood glucose. 5
Potential use of betel nut for hypertension
Studies in the literature suggest that regular exercise and following a healthy diet consisting of fruits, vegetables and nuts may have a positive effect on blood pressure. a study conducted by Chen et al. 2021 suggests that betel nut may improve blood circulation and help reduce hypertension. The exact mechanism behind this effect is not known. Therefore, it is recommended not to rely on betel nut as a remedy and to consult your doctor for proper control of hypertension.6
Potential use of betel nut for lipid distribution
Lipid profiling is a complete cholesterol test that measures total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), etc. Peng et al. conducted a review in 2015, and the summary estimates of that review indicated that betel nut may help reduce elevated lipid levels. However, more studies are needed to demonstrate the higher reliability of these results. In addition, it is recommended that betel nut consumption not be used as an alternative to modern medicine; you should always consult your physician to properly manage abnormal lipid conditions.4
Potential use of betel nut in infections
Infections occur when bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites and other germs invade the body. The Ayurvedic or Indian system of medicine supports the use of home remedies to control infections.A review conducted by Peng et al. 2015 suggests that betel nut may help inhibit the growth of bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites such as tapeworms and ringworm. This effect is attributed to the presence of polyphenols and alkaloids in betel nut. This suggests that these nuts may have the potential to control infections. However, you should not consider these nuts as a substitute for modern medicine; it is always recommended to consult a doctor for the proper management of any infection. 4
Potential uses of betel nut in allergy and skin irritation
Studies in the literature support the use of betel nut to reduce allergies. A review conducted by Peng et al. in 2015 summarized estimates suggesting that betel nut may have the potential to control skin irritation and relieve allergies. The exact mechanism behind these effects is not known; however, this can be attributed to their properties of reducing inflammation. Professional advice is recommended regarding the appropriate treatment of any allergy or skin irritation. You should not consider betel nut as an alternative to modern medicine. 4
Potential use of betel nut for digestive system
A review conducted by Chen et al. 2021 noted that betel nut bases, an alkaloid found in betel nut, improve digestion by increasing the body’s saliva production and increasing the contraction of the digestive system. Traditionally, they have been used to treat constipation. Therefore, betel nut may have a positive effect on the digestive system. To claim these results more reliably, we need more studies. It is further recommended that these nuts not be considered a substitute for modern medicine; please consider your physician for proper management of any digestive disorders. 6
Other potential uses of betel nut:
It may help reduce cough. 2
Betel nut may relieve toothache. 2
Betel nut may relieve skin irritation. 2
It may help control anxiety and depression.2,4
It may help remove excess salt and water from the body and help control edema (fluid retention). 2
Although there are studies showing the benefits of betel nut in various conditions, these are not sufficient and further research is needed to determine the true extent of betel nut’s health benefits.
How to use betel nut?
Betel nut is eaten raw or roasted.
Betel nut is dried in the sun or soaked in water or boiled and then chewed.
Betel nut juice is also widely consumed in countries such as Vietnam, Myanmar and the Solomon Islands.2
You must consult a qualified physician before taking any herbal supplements. You should not stop or replace your ongoing modern medical treatment with Ayurvedic/herbal preparations without consulting your doctor.
Side effects of betel nut:
Peng et al. A study conducted in 2015 found that common side effects of betel nut included nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and abdominal pain.4
Kumar et al. A study conducted in 2021 showed that betel nut contains betel nut alkaloids, which can be toxic and may increase the risk of cancer if consumed in large amounts.2
However, if you have any adverse reaction to betel nut, it is recommended that you stop ingesting it and contact your doctor or the Ayurvedic practitioner who prescribed it immediately, as they will be able to guide you properly for your symptoms.
Precautions for taking betel nut:7
Betel nut is okay if consumed in moderation. However, the following factors must be considered:
Betel nut chewing may be addictive, note the symptoms of anxiety, insomnia and mood swings. If you are dealing with these complaints, you are probably facing betel nut addiction. Consult your doctor for proper advice on quitting betel nut.
Betel nut is contraindicated in the following groups:
Stomach ulcers – as it may worsen the ulcer due to increased gastric secretions.
Heart disease – betel nut may increase the risk of heart attack.
Asthma – Betel nut may make asthma worse.
Seizures – Betel nut may increase the risk of seizures.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
In children and the elderly, because it can be habit-forming and toxic at high doses, it can lead to impaired organ function.
Interactions with other drugs:
Betel nut may interact with antidepressants such as antiphenobarbital and phenelzine, causing increased heart rate and anxiety. Avoid putting the two together.7
There may be an interaction between betel nut and blood glucose lowering medications, causing blood glucose levels to drop too low. It is recommended to avoid this combination.5
Betel nut may interact with the anticancer drug doxorubicin and cause mouth ulcers; avoid this combination.
