Areca catechu: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 10:56, 23 March 2025

Areca catechu[edit]

Areca catechu, commonly known as the areca palm, betel palm, or supari, is a species of palm which grows in much of the tropical Pacific, Asia, and parts of east Africa. It is best known for its seed, commonly referred to as the areca nut or betel nut, which is chewed along with betel leaf for its psychoactive effects.

Description[edit]

The areca palm is a medium-sized and graceful tree, growing straight to 20 meters (66 feet) tall, with a trunk 10–15 cm in diameter. The leaves are 1.5–2 meters long, pinnate, with numerous, crowded leaflets.

The fruit of the areca palm is a drupe, oval-shaped, and orange to red when ripe. The seed inside is the areca nut, which is about 2–3 cm in diameter.

Cultivation[edit]

Areca catechu is cultivated for its nuts in India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Taiwan, and many other countries. The plant prefers a tropical climate and is often grown in gardens and plantations.

The cultivation of areca palms requires well-drained soil and a warm, humid climate. The trees are usually planted in rows and require regular watering and fertilization.

Uses[edit]

The primary use of Areca catechu is for its nuts, which are chewed for their stimulant effects. The nuts are often wrapped in betel leaves along with lime and other flavorings. This practice is common in many Asian cultures and is known as "betel quid" chewing.

In addition to its use as a stimulant, the areca nut has traditional medicinal uses. It is used in Ayurvedic medicine and is believed to have digestive and energizing properties.

Health Effects[edit]

Chewing areca nut is associated with several health risks, including an increased risk of oral cancers and other health issues. The World Health Organization classifies areca nut as a carcinogen.

Cultural Significance[edit]

Areca catechu holds cultural significance in many regions where it is grown. In India, it is used in religious ceremonies and as a symbol of hospitality. The flag of Penang, Malaysia, features the areca palm, highlighting its importance to the region.

Related Pages[edit]

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-{{Short description|Condition affecting pregnant women}}
+==Areca catechu==
-{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}
-'''Aortocaval compression syndrome''', also known as '''supine hypotensive syndrome''', is a condition that can occur in pregnant women when the gravid uterus compresses the [[inferior vena cava]] and [[aorta]] while the woman is in a supine position. This compression can lead to decreased venous return to the heart, reduced cardiac output, and subsequent hypotension.
+[[File:Areca_catechu_-_Köhler–s_Medizinal-Pflanzen-014.jpg|Areca catechu illustration|thumb|right]]
-==Pathophysiology==
+'''Areca catechu''', commonly known as the areca palm, betel palm, or supari, is a species of palm which grows in much of the tropical Pacific, Asia, and parts of east Africa. It is best known for its seed, commonly referred to as the areca nut or betel nut, which is chewed along with betel leaf for its psychoactive effects.
-During pregnancy, the enlarging uterus can exert pressure on the inferior vena cava, which is the large vein that carries deoxygenated blood from the lower body back to the heart. When a pregnant woman lies on her back, the weight of the uterus can compress the inferior vena cava against the spine, reducing venous return. This can lead to a decrease in [[cardiac output]] and a drop in [[blood pressure]], resulting in symptoms of hypotension.
-The aorta, the main artery carrying oxygenated blood from the heart to the rest of the body, can also be compressed, although it is less susceptible to compression due to its thicker walls and higher pressure. However, aortic compression can still contribute to decreased perfusion of the lower body and placenta.
+==Description==
-==Symptoms==
+[[File:Areca_Palm_Seeds_Forming_Coorg_Feb24_A7C_09499.jpg|Areca catechu seeds forming|thumb|left]]
-Symptoms of aortocaval compression syndrome can include:
-* Dizziness or lightheadedness
-* Nausea
-* Sweating
-* Pallor
-* Tachycardia
-* Fainting
-These symptoms typically occur when the woman is lying flat on her back and are relieved by changing position, such as lying on the left side.
+The areca palm is a medium-sized and graceful tree, growing straight to 20 meters (66 feet) tall, with a trunk 10–15 cm in diameter. The leaves are 1.5–2 meters long, pinnate, with numerous, crowded leaflets.
-==Diagnosis==
+The fruit of the areca palm is a drupe, oval-shaped, and orange to red when ripe. The seed inside is the areca nut, which is about 2–3 cm in diameter.
-Diagnosis of aortocaval compression syndrome is primarily clinical, based on the presence of symptoms when the patient is in a supine position and their resolution upon repositioning. It is important to differentiate this condition from other causes of hypotension in pregnancy.
-==Management==
+==Cultivation==
-The primary management strategy for aortocaval compression syndrome is prevention and alleviation of symptoms by avoiding the supine position, especially in the later stages of pregnancy. Pregnant women are advised to lie on their left side, which helps to relieve pressure on the inferior vena cava and improve venous return.
-In cases where the supine position is unavoidable, such as during certain medical procedures, tilting the patient to the left or using a wedge under the right hip can help mitigate the effects of compression.
+[[File:Areca_nut_garden_(1).jpg|Areca catechu garden|thumb|right]]
-==Prognosis==
+Areca catechu is cultivated for its nuts in India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Taiwan, and many other countries. The plant prefers a tropical climate and is often grown in gardens and plantations.
-With appropriate management, the prognosis for aortocaval compression syndrome is excellent. Avoiding the supine position typically resolves symptoms and prevents complications.
-==Related pages==
+The cultivation of areca palms requires well-drained soil and a warm, humid climate. The trees are usually planted in rows and require regular watering and fertilization.
-* [[Pregnancy]]
-* [[Hypotension]]
-* [[Inferior vena cava]]
-* [[Cardiac output]]
-==Gallery==
+==Uses==
-<gallery>
-File:Supine_hypotensive_syndrome_2.jpg|Illustration of aortocaval compression syndrome
-</gallery>
-[[Category:Pregnancy complications]]
+[[File:Areca_Nuts_Palm_Balamuri_Coorg_Feb24_A7C_09503.jpg|Areca nuts on palm|thumb|left]]
-[[Category:Cardiovascular physiology]]
-<gallery>
+The primary use of Areca catechu is for its nuts, which are chewed for their stimulant effects. The nuts are often wrapped in betel leaves along with lime and other flavorings. This practice is common in many Asian cultures and is known as "betel quid" chewing.
-File:Areca_Palm_Seeds_Forming_Coorg_Feb24_A7C_09499.jpg|Areca catechu
-File:Areca_catechu_-_Köhler–s_Medizinal-Pflanzen-014.jpg|Areca catechu
+In addition to its use as a stimulant, the areca nut has traditional medicinal uses. It is used in Ayurvedic medicine and is believed to have digestive and energizing properties.
-File:Areca_nut_garden_(1).jpg|Areca catechu
-File:Areca_farm.jpg|Areca catechu
+==Health Effects==
-File:Flag_of_Penang_(Malaysia).svg|Areca catechu
-File:Areca_Nuts_Palm_Balamuri_Coorg_Feb24_A7C_09503.jpg|Areca catechu
+Chewing areca nut is associated with several health risks, including an increased risk of oral cancers and other health issues. The World Health Organization classifies areca nut as a carcinogen.
-File:Buds_of_Areca_catechu.jpg|Areca catechu
-File:Young_Areca_Catechu_Balamuri_Coorg_Feb24_R16_07669.jpg|Areca catechu
+==Cultural Significance==
-File:Areca_catechu_Forest.JPG|Areca catechu
-File:Areca_catechu_nuts_at_Kadavoor.jpg|Areca catechu
+[[File:Flag_of_Penang_(Malaysia).svg|Flag of Penang featuring Areca catechu|thumb|right]]
-File:BuahPinangMuda.jpg|Areca catechu
-File:সুপারি.jpg|Areca catechu
+Areca catechu holds cultural significance in many regions where it is grown. In India, it is used in religious ceremonies and as a symbol of hospitality. The flag of Penang, Malaysia, features the areca palm, highlighting its importance to the region.
-</gallery>
+==Related Pages==
+* [[Betel leaf]]
+* [[Psychoactive plants]]
+* [[Traditional medicine]]
+[[Category:Palms]]
+[[Category:Psychoactive plants]]
+[[Category:Medicinal plants]]