Betel Nut

Areca is a plant. The nut is used to make medicine. Areca nut is chewed alone or in the form of quids, a mixture of tobacco, powdered or sliced areca nut, and slaked lime wrapped in the leaf of “betel” vine (Piper betel).

Areca is used for treatment of a mental disorder called schizophrenia and an eye disorder called glaucoma; as a mild stimulant; and as a digestive aid.

Some people use areca as a recreational drug because it speeds up the central nervous system (CNS).

In veterinary medicine, an extract of areca is used for expelling tapeworms in cattle, dogs, and horses; to empty animals’ bowels; and for treating intestinal colic in horses.

• Schizophrenia. Early research suggests that betel nut might be helpful for schizophrenia. Some patients with schizophrenia who chew betel nut seem to have less severe symptoms.
• Stroke. Early research suggests that taking a solution containing betel nut extract might improve speech, strength, and bladder function in people who have had a stroke.
• Glaucoma.
• Aiding in digestion.
• Other conditions.

More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of betel nut for these uses.