This month we asked about betel nut. To quote variously from the source:
“The betel or areca nut is the nut of the betel palm, Areca catechu, cultivated from eastern Africa to the South Pacific.”
“It is thought to be the fourth most commonly used psychoactive substance in the world (after caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol), with the number of users estimated to be well into the hundreds of millions.”
“The major psychoactive constituent is areco-line, an alkaloid with mild stimulant properties similar to those of nicotine in that it interacts with receptors for the neurotransmitter acetylcho-line, although in a less specific fashion than nicotine. The immediate effects of betel chewing are euphoria, increased alertness, a sensation of warmth in the body, as well as increased salivation and sweating. The usual dose is a half nut. Two or more nuts are enough to produce severe side effects or death.”
The question, and answer, were found in the Encyclopedia of Drugs - Alcohol and Addictive Behavior. This is a Gale Virtual Reference e-Book. Intended for the student and layperson, it covers the social, medical and political issues related to drugs and alcohol.
Find this e-reference work on the library’s Research & Homework page under “E” and access it with your library card.
