areca catechu extract

Areca catechu extract is a botanical extract derived from the seeds (nuts) of the Areca catechu palm, commonly known as betel nut. It contains a variety of bioactive compounds, including alkaloids (most notably arecoline), polyphenols (catechins, procyanidins, quercetin), and tannins. The extract is used traditionally in Ayurvedic and folk medicine as a stimulant, antiparasitic, digestive aid, and astringent. **Mechanisms of action** may involve cholinergic stimulation via muscarinic receptors (arecoline acts as a muscarinic agonist), antimicrobial activity through phenolic content, antioxidant activity due to polyphenols, and potential pro-apoptotic effects on immune cells. There is evidence for immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and possible anticancer activities in vitro and in animal studies. Abuse and chronic use are associated with dependence, oral mucosal diseases, and increased cancer risk, particularly oral and esophageal cancer. Areca catechu extract is not approved by the FDA for any medical use and is classified as unsafe for human consumption. Currently, its primary approved medicinal use is in veterinary practice as an anthelmintic agent[1][2][6][13][15].

Other names

areca extractbetel nut extractareca catechu nut extractsupari extract