Areca catechu
Betel nut palm seed widely chewed in South and Southeast Asia as a stimulant. Contains arecoline and arecaidine — cholinergic alkaloids that produce stimulation and euphoria. Classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by IARC. Associated with oral submucous fibrosis and oral cancer.
How it works (mechanism of action)
Acts on cellular signalling pathways relevant to the documented clinical indications. Contains bioactive compounds with enzyme-modulating, receptor-binding, or antioxidant properties studied in peer-reviewed literature.
IARC Group 1 carcinogen. Causes oral submucous fibrosis, oral cancer, and oesophageal cancer with regular use. Cardiovascular effects (tachycardia, hypertension). Pregnancy: associated with low birth weight. Drug interactions: anticholinergics, neuroleptics, procyclidine.