Areca catechu: A phytopharmacological legwork

Arecacatechu, commonly known as supari, consists of dried ripe nuts that came under Arecaceae family, which is cultivated in the tropical region of India and Southeast Asia. It is a prevalent traditional herbal medicine that is chewed to separate collected fluid in the alimentary canal and for killing worms. Areca catechu seed contains alkaloids (arecoline, arecaine, arecaidine, guvacoline, guvacine, and choline), tannin, gallic acid, gum, and various minerals such as copper, calcium, phosphorus, and iron. The chemical constituents of this plant have been used as antidiabetic, stomatitis, bleeding gums, gingivitis, conjunctivitis, glaucoma, leucorrhoea, urinary disorders, anorexia, diarrhea, blood pressure regulating activity, antiulcerogenic, antioxidant activity, anticonvulsant activity, central nervous system stimulant activity, antifertility, oxytocic activity, antiviral activity, anthelmintic, and foul breath. It showed a dose-dependent toxicity profile, and various research has been done regarding its safety analysis and it would be considered safe when administered in the prescribed dose. The purpose of the present paper is to make available an up-to-date review on the ethnic, traditional description, morphology, phytochemistry, and the pharmacological and toxicological profile of this plant. Furthermore, the possible advances, trends, and a perspective for forthcoming research of this plant have also conversed.