Arecoline- boosting performance part 2

Physiological effects

Arecoline and various other alkaloids in the betel nut all appear to have a variety of nicotinic like actions. The effects are mainly central but there are also some peripheral effects. In small doses, the nut can produce euphoric effects which last as long as the nut is being chewed.

When excess betel nut is chewed at any one point, the symptoms can be acute. One can develop an intense flush, sweat, stomach cramps, urinary incontinence, confusion, a rush of energy and memory lapse. However, for the average consumer chewing betel nut is like smoking marijuana- it produces a nice sedate feeling.

The effects of chewing betel nut are strictly related to the oily volatile Arecoline, which works like nicotine. Nicotine is a known stimulant of the parasympathetic system and can generate a range of effects including a heightened sense of awareness as well as increased salivation, heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature and intestinal function.

Negative side effects

Betel nut also has some negatives. There is evidence that chewing betel nut on a regular basis can lead to physical and psychological dependence. Besides, the nut can lead to poor oral hygiene, chronic ulcers in the mouth and there is a strong link to oral cavity cancers.

The carcinogenic properties of betel nut are linked to arecoline, arecaidine and safrole. Oral cavity cancers are very common in SE asia where betel nut chewing is common.

Betel nut or arecoline alkaloid related products are also frequently found in many chinese medicines. Often these chinese medications are used as diuretics and to treat a number of parasites.

In 2006, California became the first state to pass a bill listing Areca nut as carcinogenic and there are efforts by the state to reinforce the removal of this product from all health food stores.

Arecoline- Boosting performance in Sports

Chewing of betel nut is akin to smoking in most of SE Asia. Chewing betel nut is an old age practice-perhaps more than 4000 years old. The betel nut is broken into small pieces and placed in the mouth. The nut is slowly crushed and the sap is sucked. The small amount of oily water soluble residue is then swallowed. The betel nut is obtained from the Arexa catechu tree, a palm like tree in SE Asia. Today, various formulations of the chewable nut are available. The nut is grinded or chopped into small pieces and placed inside a pepper leaf with small amount of lime, various spices (nutmeg, tumeric, cloves, chilli, coconut, sugar) or even tobacco.

These small green leafed packages are widely available in most Asian stores across the nation. Chewing betel nut is similar to chewing tobacco. All over Asia, one can see young man with their mouth full of this concoction. Unlike tobacco, the saliva is swallowed and not spit out. Because the nut is hard, the chewing can go on for hours. While it may look socially acceptable, it sure is not going to get you any type of professional job.

Asians have been aware of the stimulant properties of betel nut for centuries. The product is widely available and is relatively cheap. Claims are that chewing on the betel nut can elevate the spirit and relax the mind. Others have even found it to be a sex stimulant. In fact, it is widely believed that betel nut chewing can prolong erections and is frequently added as gift at bridal showers and at weddings.

There are reports that many young men in SE Asia chew on the nut and then take a love making break, instead of a coffee break. The ready to hump sensations last at least for 30-45 minutes.

The chief purpose of chewing betel nut is to extract out the alkaloids from it- the major one being arecoline. The Arecoline is an alkaloid and is extracted when a little amoutnt of lime is mixed with the betel nut. Chewing raw betel nut is like eating cardboard or chalk.