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Substances: Betel Nut (Arecoline)

Betel nut chewing describes the practice of masticating a roll of ingredients including the sliced seed of the Areca Catechu palm (betel nut), rolled inside the leaf of the creeping Piper Betel vine and rubbed over with lime. Betel nut chewing or sucking is widespread throughout Asia, India and the Pacific.

The most abundant active ingredient of the betel nut is arecoline. Arecoline is a stimulant which acts on the parasympathetic nervous system to induce a range of different effects including a heightened sense of awareness as well as increased salivation, heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature and intestinal function.

Betel nut is primarily used for its stimulant properties, which create a feeling of well being for its users. For many years betel nut has also been used for medicinal purposes such as counteracting intestinal parasites and even as an aphrodisiac. Betel nut extract is contained in numerous herbal products promoted for their anti-aging and aphrodisiac properties.

Betel nut is classified by the Australia New Zealand Food Authority (ANZFA) as a controlled botanical (plant/nut) that is prohibited from being used as a food in Australia.

Side effects

The most common side effect experienced by betel nut chewers is a deep red staining of the lips, teeth and excrement. Betel nut is an addictive drug.

Excessive use of betel nut can cause intoxication. Users may also experience nausea, dizziness, perspiration and heartburn. Sometimes the initial symptoms of poisoning may be evident in users who swallow the substance.

Some anecdotal evidence exists to suggest that the tannins (organic compounds) found in plant products such as betel nut, and the other plants used with it, are increasingly recognised as dietary carcinogens (associated with oesophageal cancer) and as anti-nutrients interfering with the digestive system's full use of protein.

Status in Sport

Arecoline, the active ingredient in betel nut, is prohibited under the World Anti-Doping Code 20076 Prohibited List (effective from 01/01/07).

Arecoline is considered a related substance to class 1A-stimulants.

 

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