Evaluation of antimalarial and antimicrobial activites of extract and fractions from Areca catechu

Design, synthesis, and evaluation of novel arecoline-linked amino acid derivatives for insecticidal and antifungal activities

A series of arecoline derivatives with amino acid moieties were designed and synthesised using an acylamide condensation strategy, taking arecoline as the foundational structure. The insecticidal efficacy of these compounds against Aphis craccivora and Tetranychus cinnabarinus was evaluated. Notably, derivatives 3h and 3i demonstrated superior insecticidal activity compared with arecoline. Additionally, 3h and 3i showed good fungicidal effectiveness against two types of plant fungi. Moreover, molecular docking analyses suggested that 3h and 3i could affect the nervous systems of A. craccivora and T. cinnabarinus by binding to neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. These findings suggest that compounds 3h and 3i represent promising leads for further development in insecticide and fungicide research.

Development and application of mass spectrometric molecular networking for analyzing the ingredients of areca nut

Areca nut (Areca catechu L.) is commonly consumed as a chewing food in the Asian region. However, the investigations into the components of areca nut are limited. In this study, we have developed an approach that combines mass spectrometry with feature-based molecular network to explore the chemical characteristics of the areca nut. In comparison to the conventional method, this technique demonstrates a superior capability in annotating unknown compounds present in areca nut. We annotated a total of 52 compounds, including one potential previously unreported alkaloid, one carbohydrate, and one phenol and confirmed the presence of 7 of them by comparing with commercial standards. The validated method was used to evaluate chemical features of areca nut at different growth stages, annotating 25 compounds as potential biomarkers for distinguishing areca nut growth stages. Therefore, this approach offers a rapid and accurate method for the component analysis of areca nut.

Biological Effects and Biomedical Applications of Areca Nut and Its Extract

The dried, mature fruit of the palm tree species Areca catechu L. is known as the areca nut (AN) or betel nut. It is widely cultivated in the tropical regions. In many nations, AN is utilized for traditional herbal treatments or social activities. AN has historically been used to address various health issues, such as diarrhea, arthritis, dyspepsia, malaria, and so on. In this review, we have conducted a comprehensive summary of the biological effects and biomedical applications of AN and its extracts. Initially, we provided an overview of the constituents in AN extract. Subsequently, we summarized the biological effects of AN and its extracts on the digestive system, nervous system, and circulatory system. And we elucidated the contributions of AN and its extracts in antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial applications. Finally, we have discussed the challenges and future perspectives regarding the utilization of AN and its extracts as emerging pharmaceuticals or valuable adjuncts within the pharmaceutical field.

Comparative metabolomics study on areca nut from China and Southeast Asia (Thailand and Indonesia)

INTRODUCTION

Areca nut is an economic crop and an important component in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and ethnomedicine. The crop is rich in alkaloids and flavonoids. Most previous studies have focused on the chemical components, especially alkaloids, in crops from certain areca nut-producing areas.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to compare the differences in areca nut seeds in two main cultivation areas, identify differential metabolites, and evaluate seed quality in different production areas.

METHODS

A widely targeted metabolomics method based on ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QQQ-MS), combined with the TCM systems pharmacology (TCMSP) database and multivariate statistical analysis, was used in this study to maximise the differentiation between quality characteristics of areca nut seeds from China and Southeast Asian regions.

RESULTS

Altogether, 1031 metabolites were identified in areca nut seeds; by querying the TCMSP database, 375 metabolites were identified as the main active ingredients. Moreover, the research showed that the metabolic profiles of areca nut seeds from China (ASCN) and Southeast Asia (ASSA) exhibit significant differences, and the difference is mainly reflected in 318 compounds. The relative content of 146 metabolites in ASCN was significantly higher than that in ASSA. Through Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) comparative analysis, areca nut seed metabolites in Chinese production areas were determined to have a wider metabolic pathway.

CONCLUSION

The areca nut seeds from cultivation areas possess many metabolites that are beneficial for health, including alkaloids, amino acids, phenolic acids, and lipids. Thus, compared with ASSA, ASCN have a higher medicinal value. This study provides a direction for the subsequent development and utilisation of areca nut seeds.

In Vitro Antioxidant Activity of Areca Nut Polyphenol Extracts on RAW264.7 Cells

Chewing areca nuts is a popular hobby in the Asian region, and areca nuts are rich in polyphenols, although some alkaloids are included. In this study, we explored the antioxidant activity of areca nut polyphenols (ANP) in lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. The results revealed that ANP reduced the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells and enhanced the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1). RNA-seq analysis showed that ANP down-regulated the transcription of genes related to the cancer pathway at 160 μg/mL, and the inflammatory pathway as well as viral infection pathway at 320 μg/mL. The cellular signaling analysis further revealed that the expressions of these genes were regulated by the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, and ANP downregulated the activation of the MAPK signaling pathway stimulated by LPS. Collectively, our findings showed that ANP inhibited the MAPK pathway and activated the Nrf2/HO-1 antioxidant pathways to reduce ROS generation induced by LPS.

Evaluation of Antibacterial Activity of Aqueous, Ethanolic and Methanolic Extracts of Areca Nut Fruit on Selected Bacteria

Today, the tendency to use of natural preservatives to increase food security has expanded. In the present study, antibacterial effects of Areca Nut fruit extracts were evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica, and Enterobacter aerogenes bacteria using agar disc diffusion technique. Methanol, ethanol, and water were used as solvents for extraction by maceration method, and extracts were analyzed by GC-MS. The antibacterial activity was evaluated using microtiter broth dilution method to determine minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). Results revealed that all ATCC strains were significantly inhibited by ethanolic and methanolic extracts. Escherichia coli produced a significantly larger zone of inhibition for Gentamicin (35 ± 0.65 mm) and Penicillin (25 mm ± 0.56), while Enterobacter aerogenes produced smaller zone of inhibition for Gentamicin (20 ± 0.87 mm) and Penicillin (15 ± 0.87 mm). Also, methanolic extract had considerable antibacterial activity with MIC value of 1.56 mg/mL against Escherichia coli. All of extracts were used to evaluate antibacterial effects in prepared cake, and as a result, all pathogenies were the most sensitive by methanolic extract in 100 mg/L of concentration except Escherichia coli that were more sensitive by ethanolic extract. In conclusion, the Areca Nut fruit extracts may be used as a natural preservative in food industries. Future studies should focus on the effect of Areca Nut fruit extracts in bakery and drinking industries.

A comparison for the effects of raw, smoked, and smoked and brined areca nut extracts on the immune and inflammatory responses in the Kunming mice

Chewing of areca nuts is quite popular in various regions worldwide. Previous studies have demonstrated the pharmacological and toxicological effects of fresh areca nuts. However, processed areca nuts, which are popular in the Hunan province of China, have not been extensively studied for its biological effect. This study aimed at investigating the impact of the acrea nut extracts (ANE) prepared from the raw material, the semi-product, and the final product on the immune system and inflammation-related markers in the Kunming mice. The mice were assigned to seven different groups and administered different ANE at two concentrations (1X and 5X) for four weeks. Total body weight gain and organ coefficient of the liver, spleen, and kidney, as well as the immune system and inflammation-related markers were evaluated. The results revealed that processed areca nuts have a much milder effect on the mice immune system and some inflammatory markers than fresh areca nut in the Kunming mice. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Chewing various forms of areca nuts is popular in China, Southeast Asia, and other regions. People from Hunan, China prefer to chew a processed areca nut, which has rarely been studied. This manuscript explores the effects of three kinds of areca nut extracts on the immune system- and inflammation-related indicators in Kunming mice. The obtained results revealed that processed areca nuts had significantly milder effects than the raw nut/nut extract, particularly on the body weight, immune responses, and inflammatory markers. The results of the present study provide some new directions for the areca nut industry and raise public awareness for the undesirable effects of areca nuts.

HPLC-Based Qualitative and Quantitative Analyses of Alkaloids in Chewable Areca Products from Different Geographic Regions

Background

Chewable areca products are popular in Asian countries, including India, Pakistan, Malaysia, and China. The major alkaloids present in areca products are guvacine, arecaidine, guvacoline, and arecoline which cause carcinogenicity and addiction.

Objective

The objective of this study was the quantitative analysis of the alkaloid content of areca chewable products from different countries and regions using HPLC-UV, as well as the benefit of their safety evaluation products.

Method

An HPLC-UV method was established for qualitative and quantitative analyses of 65 batches of areca chewable products from different countries and regions. Additionally, similarity evaluation of chromatographic fingerprints was applied for data analysis.

Results

These results reveal a significant variation in the levels of areca alkaloids among tested products, specifically guvacoline (0.060–1.216 mg/g), arecoline (0.376–3.592 mg/g), guvacine (0.028–1.184 mg/g), and arecaidine (0.184–1.291 mg/g). There were significant differences in the alkaloid content of areca chewable products from different producing areas.

Conclusions

The method will be useful in the safety evaluation of different areca chewable products.

Highlights

The established HPLC-UV method can be adopted for safety evaluation of areca chewable products from different countries and regions due to its general applicability.

Two new alkaloids isolated from traditional Chinese medicine Binglang the fruit of Areca catechu

Binglang, the fruit of Areca catechu L, has a long history as an important Chinese herbal medicine. Two new alkaloids (1 and 2), along with forty-one known compounds (3-43) were isolated from the dried fruit of Areca catechu L. The structures were elucidated on basis of the IR, UV, MS and 1D, 2D NMR spectroscopic data. Compounds 26 and 33 showed weak cytotoxicity against human gastric cancer cell line (BGC-823) with IC₅₀ of 15.91 μM and 20.13 μM, respectively.

Sub-chronic toxicity study of arecae semen aqueous extract in Wistar rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Arecae semen, the ripe seed of Areca catechu L., has been used as vermifuge and digestant in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). However, the potential toxicity effect of arecae semen has not been completely investigated.

THE AIM OF THE STUDY

The present study was aimed at evaluating the sub-chronic toxicity of arecae semen by oral administration in Wistar rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 120 Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups (15 males and 15 females per group). The treated groups were given arecae semen aqueous extract (ASAE) at the dose of 750, 1500 and 4500mg/kg/day by oral administration respectively, and the control group was received distilled water only. The rats and their consumed feed were weighted every 3 days. The clinical changes and mortality were observed and recorded daily. Hematological parameters, biochemical parameters, organ weights, urinalysis and histopathological examination of all rats were tested at the end of the 30-day treatment period and another 10-day recovery period.

RESULTS

Deaths, weight loss, diarrhea, sluggish action, tremors and body curl up were observed in the 1500 and 4500mg/kg groups during the study. The relative organ weights of liver and testis in male rats of 4500mg/kg group were significantly different compared with the control group at the end of the treatment period. As for laboratory parameters, there were no significant differences at the dose of 1500 and 4500mg/kg groups compared with the control group in the study, except the white blood cell count (WBC), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), albumin (ALB), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Cr), glucose (GLU) and total cholesterol (CHOL). In addition, the results of histopathological examination and feed intake showed no significant difference compared with the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

The results showed that ASAE at the dose of 750mg/kg/day was safe, but long-term oral administration of ASAE with high dosage was toxic. Moreover, the toxic ingredients of ASAE including arecoline, and also some other compounds should be researched.

Areca catechu L. (Arecaceae): a review of its traditional uses, botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Areca catechu L. (Arecaceae), widely distributed in South and Southeast Asia, is a popular traditional herbal medicine that can be chewed for the purpose of dispersing accumulated fluid in the abdominal cavity and killing worms. The present paper aims to provide an up-to-date review on the traditional uses and advances in the botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology of this plant. Furthermore, the possible trends and a perspective for future research of this plant are also discussed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A literature search was performed on A. catechu based on classic books of herbal medicine, PhD. and MSc. dissertations, government reports, the state and local drug standards, scientific databases including Pubmed, SciFinder, Scopus, the Web of Science, Google Scholar, and others. Various types of information regarding this plant are discussed in corresponding parts of this paper. In addition, perspectives for possible future studies of A. catechu are discussed.

RESULTS

The seeds of A. catechu (areca nut) have been widely used in clinical practice in China, India and other South and Southeast Asian Countries. Currently, over 59 compounds have been isolated and identified from A. catechu, including alkaloids, tannins, flavones, triterpenes, steroids, and fatty acids. The extracts and compounds isolated from A. catechu have many pharmacological activities. These include antiparasitic effects, anti-depressive effects, anti-fatigue effects, antioxidant effects, antibacterial and antifungal effects, antihypertensive effects, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, anti-allergic effects, the promotion of digestive functions, suppression of platelet aggregation, regulatory effects on blood glucose and lipids, etc. Although arecoline is the primary active constituent of A. catechu, it is also the primary toxic compound. The main toxicities of arecoline are the promotion of oral submucosal fibrosis (OSF) and cytotoxic effects on normal human cells, which involve inducing apoptosis.

CONCLUSION

As an important herbal medicine, A. catechu has potential for the treatment of many diseases, especially parasitic diseases, digestive function disorders, and depression. Many traditional uses of A. catechu have now been validated by current investigations. However, further research should be undertaken to investigate the clinical effects, toxic constituents, target organs, and pharmacokinetics and to establish criteria for quality control for A. catechu-derived medications. In addition, it will be interesting to investigate the active macromolecular compounds and active constituents other than alkaloids in both raw and processed products of A. catechu.