Description
Betel Nut
Betel nut is the nut that comes from a plant called Areca. It is
sometimes used to make medicine. Betel nut is chewed alone or in
the form of quids, a mixture of tobacco, powdered or sliced betel
nut, and other ingredients.
Betel nut is used for schizophrenia, a group of eye disorders that
can lead to vision loss (glaucoma), poor digestion, and many other
conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support
these uses. Using betel nut might also be unsafe.
Some people use betel nut as a recreational drug because it speeds
up the central nervous system (CNS).
How does it work?
Betel nut seems to affect certain chemicals in the brain and other
parts of the central nervous system.
Uses & Effectiveness
Schizophrenia. Early research suggests that chewing betel nut might
reduce symptoms in some people with schizophrenia. But using betel
nut for a long time can be unsafe.
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.
Drying medications (Anticholinergic drugs)
interacts with BETEL NUT
Areca contains chemicals that can affect the brain and heart. Some
of these drying medications can also affect the brain and heart.
But areca works differently than drying medications. Areca might
decrease the effects of drying medications. Some of these drying
medications include atropine, scopolamine, and some medications
used for allergies (antihistamines), and for depression
(antidepressants).
affects the body.
