Arecae pericarpium extract induces porcine lower-esophageal-sphincter contraction via muscarinic receptors

Comprehensive insights into areca nut: active components and omics technologies for bioactivity evaluation and quality control

Areca nut (AN), the fruit or seed of Areca catechu Linn, has many uses, including chewing and medicinal purposes. It has sparked worries about health due to the presence of alkaloids. Chewing AN may have a variety of negative consequences; however, the medicinal use of AN has no notable adverse effects. To completely understand and effectively use AN, researchers have investigated its chemical makeup or biological activity, analyzed the variations between different AN species and different periods, and improved extraction and processing procedures. Today, an increasing number of researchers are exploring the underlying reasons for AN variations, as well as the molecular mechanisms of biosynthesis of chemical components, to comprehend and change AN at the genetic level. This review presents an overview of the clinical study, pharmacology, and detection of the main bioactive components in AN, and the main factors influencing their content, delving into the omics applications in AN research. On the basis of the discussions and summaries, this review identifies current research gaps and proposes future directions for investigation.

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.

The Controversial Roles of Areca Nut: Medicine or Toxin?

Areca nut (AN) is used for traditional herbal medicine and social activities in several countries. It was used as early as about A.D. 25-220 as a remedy. Traditionally, AN was applied for several medicinal functions. However, it was also reported to have toxicological effects. In this review article, we updated recent trends of research in addition to acquire new knowledge about AN. First, the history of AN usage from ancient years was described. Then, the chemical components of AN and their biological functions was compared; arecoline is an especially important compound in AN. AN extract has different effects caused by different components. Thus, the dual effects of AN with pharmacological and toxicological effects were summarized. Finally, we described perspectives, trends and challenges of AN. It will provide the insight of removing or modifying the toxic compounds of AN extractions for enhancing their pharmacological activity to treat several diseases in future applications.

Arecae pericarpium water extract alleviates chronic pancreatitis by deactivating pancreatic stellate cells

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the pancreas with irreversible morphological changes. Arecae pericarpium (ARP), known to improve gastrointestinal disorders, has not yet been reported to inhibit fibrosis in CP. Therefore, we investigated the beneficial effects of ARP on cerulein-induced CP. Cerulein (50 μg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally to mice every hour, six times a day, four times a week for a total of 3 weeks to induce CP. To ascertain the prophylactic effects of ARP, ARP water extract (50, 100, or 200 mg/kg) or saline was administered intraperitoneally 1 h before the onset of CP. To determine the therapeutic effects of ARP, ARP water extract (200 mg/kg) or saline was administered for a total of 1 week or 2 weeks, starting 2 weeks or 1 week after the onset of CP. The pancreas was collected immediately for histological analysis. Additionally, to determine the effectiveness and mechanism of ARP in alleviating pancreatic fibrosis, pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) were isolated. ARP treatment considerably improved glandular atrophy and inflammation and repressed collagen deposition in the pancreas. Furthermore, ARP water extract inhibited extracellular matrix (ECM) constituents such as alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen I, and fibronectin 1 (FN1) in pancreatic tissue and PSCs. ARP also suppressed transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling by inhibiting Smad2 phosphorylation. Our study suggests that ARP exhibits anti-fibrotic effects in cerulein-induced CP by inhibiting TGF-β/Smad signaling.