Areca catechu: A comprehensive pharmacological

Nature has been a source of herbal medicinal agents for thousand of years and an impressive number of modern drugs have been isolated from natural sources. About 80% of the world’s population rely mainly on traditional medicines for their primary health care. Areca catechu L. (Palmaceae), commonly known as Areca nut in English, is a perennial tree occurring throughout the Indian subcontinent and used traditionally for several medicinal purposes. Areca catechu is the most widely cultivated species in the genus Areca and has been distributed by humans throughout the tropics. Its various parts are used against wide range of ailments. The plant has traditional uses which consist of wound healing, antidiabetic, anti-fungal, antidepressant, antioxidant, and anti malarial. Areca is used for treatment of schizophrenia and glaucoma. It is also used as a mild stimulant; and as a digestive aid. Some people use areca as a recreational drug because it stimulates the central nervous system (CNS). Its medicinal properties is due to presence of numerous secondary metabolites like alkaloids, tannins and terpenoids. Hence this article aims to provide a comprehensive review on past work done on Areca catechu with special emphasis on its pharmacological properties.