DrugInfoSys

Areca catechu Linn.

Areca catechu Linn.

Areca catechu Linn. belongs to Palmae family.

The Arabic names for this herb are Fofil Khasab, Fofil Mufawwar.

The English name for this herb is Betel Nut.

The Urdu names for this herb are Chaliya, Fofil, Supari.

Warning: As large as 30 grams of betel nut is practically reported to be non-toxic, however fresh-nut which is cmmonly not used in medicines is somewhat intoxicating and may produce giddiness in some individuals. Regarded as causing roughness in the pectoral region and may become a cause of kidney and bladder stones.

Description

Areca catechu Linn. is a tree, 40-60 ft long, errect

Areca catechu Linn.'s Leaves 4-6 ft long, pinnate shaped. upper pinnae are confluent. The lower portion of the petiole is expanded in to a broad, tough, sheath-like growth.

Areca catechu Linn.'s Stem is smooth in texture, whitish in color. Surrounded by a crown of pinnate leaves.

Areca catechu Linn.'s Flowers. the inflorescence is a spadix encased in a spath and comprises a much branched rachis which bears both male and female flowers. The female flowers are small while male flowers are much longer.

Areca catechu Linn.'s Fruits is hard in texture, ovoid in shape, brightly orange in color, size is usually 1.5-2 x 2-2.5 inches. The pericap (65%) is hard and fibrous and the kernal (seed, 35%) called the Areca nut, is about 1-1.5 inches in diameter and grayish-brown in color. It is reddish brown lines because of its ruminate albumen.

Pharmacological Actions

The pharmacological action of Areca catechu Linn.'s Leaves is Abortifacient.

The pharmacological actions of Areca catechu Linn.'s Nut are Anthelmintic, Aphrodisiac, Astringent, Bronchial Constrictor, Digestive, Emmenagogue, Gastric Stimulant, Gum Strengthening, Laxative, Masticatory, Repercussive, Resolvent, Sialagogue, Stimulant.

Indications

The indications of Areca catechu Linn.'s Leaves are Bronchitis, Lumbago.

The indications of Areca catechu Linn.'s Nut are Bowel Complaints, Epiphora, Bleeding Gums, Diarrhoea, Ulcers, Conjunctivitis, Pyrosis, Urinary Disorders, Eye Inflammation, Dysentery.

The indications of Areca catechu Linn.'s Root(Decoction) are Leucorrhoea, Sore Lips, Liver Diseases, Bleeding Gums.

Contraindications

None recorded.

Temperament

The temperament of Areca catechu Linn. is 2nd order, cold and dry.

Occurrence, Taste & Odor

Odor: The odor of Nut of Areca catechu Linn. is Aromatic.

Taste: Nut: Astringent,Slightly Acrid.

Dosage

PartDoseInstructions
Whole Herb3.000 – 5.000 gN/A
Nut0.000 – 0.000 -N/A

Available Brands

Compound Preparations

Areca catechu Linn. is used in the preparation of Hab Hamal, Hab Limun, Ma'jun Kalan, Ma'jun Mochrus, Ma'jun Nishara-i-Aajwali, Ma'jun Supari , Sunun Post Mughlian.

Substitutes

The substitute of Areca catechu Linn. is Pterocarpus santalinus Linn..

Active Constituents

The active constituents of Areca catechu Linn. are Alkaloids, Arecaine, Arecoline, Ascorbic Acid, Calcium, Carbohydrates, Catechin, Catechu, Choline, Fatty Acids, Gallic Acid, Gum, Iron, Leucoanthocyanidin, Mucilage, Niacin, Oil, Phosphorus, Resins, Riboflavin, Tannin, Thiamine, Vitamin A.

Antidotes

The antidotes of Areca catechu Linn. are Cochlospermum gossypium DC., Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton.

Toxicity

Currently no Toxicity information is available for Areca catechu Linn.. (work in progress)