Areca catechu : A phytopharmacological legwork

Cardioprotective Potential of d-limonene against Isoproterenol induced Myocardial Infarction in Rats

d-limonene is a type of colorless liquid hydrocarbon that falls under the category of cyclic monoterpene. It is the component found in the oil extracted from fruit peels. Isoproterenol, a synthetic β-adrenergic agonist, was administered to rats to induce myocardial injury by increasing heart rate and myocardial oxygen demand, leading to ischemia and oxidative stress. This study aims to investigate the properties of d limonene, against myocardial infarction induced by isoprenaline (ISO) in rats. Male Sprague Dawley rats were treated with d-limonene (200 & 400 mg/kg, p.o) daily for 28 days and administered ISO (85 mg/kg, s.c) on the 29th and 30th days at an interval of 24 hr to induce myocardial injury. Morphological and antioxidant parameters, biochemical markers, lipid profile, troponin-I, cardiac ATPase, heart mitochondrial, and lysosomal enzymes were assayed followed by histopathological screening. Rats treated with isoproterenol (85 mg/kg, s.c), administered twice at an interval of 24 h on 29th and 30th day showed a significant change in morphological and antioxidant parameters, biochemical markers, lipid profile, troponin-I, cardiac ATPase, heart mitochondrial, lysosomal enzymes activities and transcription factor (TNF-α/IL-6/NF-kB) expression. Pretreatment with d-limonene (200 and 400 mg/kg, p.o) for 28 days followed by ISO administration on 29th and 30th day significantly reversed the effects of isoproterenol-induced ischemic changes. Moreover, the biochemical results were validated by histopathological findings. The research indicates that d-limonene demonstrates cardioprotective potential against isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction. This is attributed to its antioxidant properties, stabilization of myocardial membranes, improved scavenging of free radicals, and inhibition of membrane lipid peroxidation.

AcMYB176-Regulated AcCHS5 Enhances Salt Tolerance in Areca catechu by Modulating Flavonoid Biosynthesis and Reactive Oxygen Species Scavenging

High-salinity stress induces severe oxidative damage in plants, leading to growth inhibition through cellular redox imbalance. Chalcone synthase (CHS), a pivotal enzyme in the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway, plays critical roles in plant stress adaptation. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying CHS-mediated salt tolerance remain uncharacterized in Areca catechu L., a tropical crop of high economic and ecological significance. Here, we systematically identified the CHS gene family in A. catechu and revealed tissue-specific and salt-stress-responsive expression patterns, with AcCHS5 exhibiting the most pronounced induction under salinity. Transgenic Arabidopsis overexpressing AcCHS5 displayed enhanced salt tolerance compared to wild-type plants, characterized by elevated activities of antioxidant enzymes: superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and peroxidase (POD), increased flavonoid accumulation, and reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation. Furthermore, we identified the transcription factor AcMYB176 as a direct activator of AcCHS5 through binding to its promoter. Our findings demonstrate that the AcMYB176-AcCHS5 regulatory module enhances salt tolerance by orchestrating flavonoid biosynthesis and ROS scavenging. This study provides functional evidence of CHS-mediated salt adaptation in A. catechu and highlights its potential for improving stress resilience in tropical crops.

Unveiling the Mystery of the Stimulatory Effects of Arecoline: Its Relevance to the Regulation of Neurotransmitters and the Microecosystem in Multi-Ecological Intestinal Sites

The dried ripe seeds and pericarp of Areca catechu L., a palm species, possess significant economic value. Masticating betel nut is also a long-standing and widely prevalent lifestyle habit rooted in history, known for its stimulating effect. This effect stems primarily from arecoline, the principal active compound in betel nut. This study investigates the potential mechanisms underlying the stimulating effects of arecoline, focusing on neurotransmitters, neurotrophic factors, and the microecosystem in multi-ecological intestinal sites. After arecoline intervention in mice, significant changes were observed in locomotor activity. The levels of dopamine (DA) in liver tissue and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in brain tissue were significantly reduced. There was a significant increase in microbial activity in the feces and in the level of n-valeric acid in the intestinal content. At the genus level, the relative abundance of Clostridium was significantly reduced, whereas the relative abundances of Helicobacter and Aquincola were markedly increased. Helicobacter, Aquincola, Faecalibaculum, and Liquorilactobacillus were signature genera in the arecoline-treated group. The 5-HT level was significantly negatively correlated with the abundance of the signature genera Aquincola, Helicobacter, and Liquorilactobacillus in the arecoline group. The ingestion of arecoline can alter the behavioral patterns of mice, causing significant changes in the 5-HT levels in brain tissue and exerting regulatory effects on the microecosystem in multi-ecological intestinal sites. These findings will provide a reference for the future development and utilization of betel nut.

Botanical scenario, phytochemical insights and therapeutic applications of Luffa acutangula in traditional herbal practices

Luffa acutangula (L. acutangula), commonly known as sponge gourd or ridge gourd, is a perennial plant found in various regions worldwide and has importance in traditional Indian medicine because of its wide-ranging pharmacological properties. This review examines the phytochemical composition of L. acutangula and its therapeutic potential. Phytochemical analysis has identified numerous bioactive compounds, including terpenoids, phenolic acids, flavonoids, and alkaloids, responsible for its diverse pharmacological activities. The review offers a comprehensive overview of L. acutangula, detailing its phytochemistry and pharmacological effects, which enhance our understanding of its therapeutic applications and inspire further research in natural medicine. However, additional research is required to elucidate the mechanisms involved, refine dosage schedules, and explore potential synergistic interactions with standard treatments. The findings presented here underscore the phytoconstituent and therapeutic potential of this plant, highlighting the need for ongoing research and development in the field of natural medicine.

Alkaloids and nitrosamines in betel quid: A biochemical exploration of carcinogenicity

Betel quid contains two major ingredients; Areca catechu and Piper betel, often consumed with slaked lime, tobacco, certain flavouring agents, colouring agents, herbs, and spices according to personal preferences. The areca nut alkaloids (arecoline, arecaidine, guvacine, and guvacoline), and tobacco alkaloids (nicotine, nornicotine) undergo nitrosation during chewing in the oral cavity with the presence of nitrite and thiocyanate and endogenously. Among the nitrosation products generated areca nut-derived nitrosamine (ADNA): 3-(methylnitrosamino) Propionitrile (MNPN) and the two tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs); N'-nitrosonornicotine (NNN) and 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone) (NNK) are considered Group 1 human carcinogens. The slaked lime increases pH, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and inflammation further lead to oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD). The juice swallowed results in carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, and toxicity in the gastrointestinal tract including hepatocytic carcinoma, stomach, and colon cancer. Areca nut pre-treatments (sun drying, roasting, boiling, and fermentation) increase the quid metabolism, and reduce the arecoline content and associated risks. We review biochemical carcinogenesis of betel quid ingredients and synergic adverse effects and possible mechanism of carcinogenesis of betel quid in the oral cavity and gastrointestinal tract to understand the implication of polyphenols and alkaloids of areca nut and betel quid on carcinogenic nitrosamine formation under oral, gastric, and intestinal conditions.

Antidiabetic phytochemicals: an overview of medicinal plants and their bioactive compounds in diabetes mellitus treatment

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a group of metabolic disorders characterized by hyperglycemia due to insufficient insulin secretion or action. Contributing factors include genetic predisposition, obesity, family history, inactivity, and environmental risks. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), the most common form, involves impaired insulin secretion by pancreatic β-cells, leading to insulin resistance. By 2045, it is projected that India and China will have approximately 134.3 and 110.8 million diabetic individuals, respectively. Although synthetic drugs are effective in managing DM, they often come with side effects. Consequently, plant-based phytochemicals with antidiabetic properties are gaining attention. Research indicates that around 115 medicinal plants (MPs) have antidiabetic effects, particularly those from the Fabaceae, Liliaceae, and Lamiaceae families. Bioactive compounds like alkaloids, triterpenoids, flavonoids, and phenolics are known to combat DM. Traditional medicinal systems, particularly in developing countries, offer effective DM management. This review highlights the importance of MPs and their bioactive compounds in treating diabetes and underscores the need for further research to commercialize plant-based antidiabetic drugs.

Influence of betel nut chewing on oral microbiome in Papua New Guinea

Background and objectives

For thousands of years, betel nut has been used as a psychoactive agent in Asian and Oceanian populations. Betel nut chewing was associated with the alteration of human oral microbiome and with diseases such as oral cancer and periodontitis, but only in populations of Asian cultural background. We studied the influence of betel nut chewing on the oral microbiome in Papua New Guinea, where half of the population uses betel nut and the prevalence of these diseases is one of the highest in the world.

Methodology

We characterized the oral microbiomes of 100 Papua New Guineans. We defined two cohorts of betel chewers (n = 50) and non-chewers (n = 50) based on a genetic approach to identify the presence of betel nut in saliva. We statistically compared the alpha and beta microbial diversities between the two cohorts. We performed linear discriminant analyses to identify bacterial species more prevalent in each cohort.

Results

We found that oral microbial diversity is significantly different between betel chewers and non-chewers. The dysbiosis observed in betel chewers, led to an increase of pathogenic bacterial species including Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola, and Tannerella forsythia, known to be in the aetiology of periodontal diseases.

Conclusions and implications

Our study strongly supports the alteration of human oral microbiome by betel nut use, potentially leading to periodontal diseases. It also shows the need to consider local specificities (e.g. different habits, betel nut types, and oral microbial diversities) to better characterize the impact of betel nut chewing on health.

Bio-mordants: a review

Due to the increasing pressure on environmentally friendly approaches and sustainable production processes, the textile dyeing industry has focused on natural colorants. Thus, the use of bio-mordants, which are biological materials, has become widespread as an alternative to metal salts, most of which are non-ecological, used in the application processes of natural colorants. In natural dyeing, dyers want to use mordant substances in the dyeing processes in order to both expand the color spectrum and improve the fastness properties. Conventional metal salts used in natural dyeing are made up of metallic ions, which, when released into the environment as wastewater effluent at the end of the dyeing process, cause major damage to the ecosystem. Many researchers have thought about using mordants derived from natural sources to address the environmental problem. This article is a review of the investigation of natural mordants used instead of metallic mordants in the process of coloring various textile materials with natural dyestuff sources. It has been determined that many substances, most of them herbal materials, are used as mordants. In this review, mordants, except for conventional metal salts, are examined under three main groups for a better understanding. These groups are as follows: (i) natural or bio-mordants, (ii) oil mordants, and (iii) new-generation and non-vegetable-based mordants. Here, researchers will find an overview of the most recent developments in green mordants as well as application techniques for a variety of mordants.

Bioactive Components of Areca Nut: An Overview of Their Positive Impacts Targeting Different Organs

Areca catechu L. is a widely cultivated tropical crop in Southeast Asia, and its fruit, areca nut, has been consumed as a traditional Chinese medicinal material for more than 10,000 years, although it has recently attracted widespread attention due to potential hazards. Areca nut holds a significant position in traditional medicine in many areas and ranks first among the four southern medicines in China. Numerous bioactive compounds have been identified in areca nuts, including alkaloids, polyphenols, polysaccharides, and fatty acids, which exhibit diverse bioactive functions, such as anti-bacterial, deworming, anti-viral, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor effects. Furthermore, they also display beneficial impacts targeting the nervous, digestive, and endocrine systems. This review summarizes the pharmacological functions and underlying mechanisms of the bioactive ingredients in areca nut. This helps to ascertain the beneficial components of areca nut, discover its medicinal potential, and guide the utilization of the areca nut.

Antibacterial mechanism of areca nut essential oils against Streptococcus mutans by targeting the biofilm and the cell membrane

Introduction

Dental caries is one of the most common and costly biofilm-dependent oral diseases in the world. Streptococcus mutans is the major cariogenic pathogen of dental caries. S. mutans synthesizes extracellular polysaccharides by autologous glucosyltransferases, which then promotes bacterial adhesion and cariogenic biofilm formation. The S. mutans biofilm is the principal target for caries treatment. This study was designed to explore the antibacterial activity and mechanisms of areca nut essential oil (ANEO) against S. mutans.

Methods

The ANEOs were separated by negative pressure hydro-distillation. The Kirby-Bauer method and broth microdilution method were carried out to evaluate the antibacterial activity of different ANEOs. The antibacterial mechanism was revealed by crystal violet staining, XTT reduction, microbial adhesion to hydrocarbon test, extracellular polysaccharide production assay, glucosyltransferase activity assay, lactate dehydrogenase leaking, propidium iodide staining and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The cytotoxicity of ANEOs was determine by MTT assay.

Results

The ANEOs separated at different temperatures exhibited different levels of antibacterial activity against S. mutans, and the ANEO separated at 70°C showed the most prominent bacteriostatic activity. Anti-biofilm experiments showed that the ANEOs attenuated the adhesion ability of S. mutans by decreasing the surface hydrophobicity of the bacteria, prevented S. mutans biofilm formation by inhibiting glucosyltransferase activity, reducing extracellular polysaccharide synthesis, and reducing the total biofilm biomass and activity. SEM further demonstrated the destructive effects of the ANEOs on the S. mutans biofilm. Cell membrane-related experiments indicated that the ANEOs destroyed the integrity of the cell membrane, resulting in the leakage of lactic dehydrogenase and nucleic acids. SEM imaging of S. mutans cell showed the disruption of the cellular morphology by the ANEOs. The cytotoxicity assay suggested that ANEO was non-toxic towards normal oral epithelial cells.

Discussion

This study displayed that ANEOs exerted antibacterial activity against S. mutans primarily by affecting the biofilm and disrupting the integrity of the cell membrane. ANEOs has the potential to be developed as an antibacterial agent for preventing dental caries. Additionally, a new method for the separation of essential oil components is presented.

Integrated Transcriptomic and Metabolomic Analyses Reveal the Molecular and Metabolic Basis of Flavonoids in Areca catechu L

Areca catechu L., of the Arecaceae family, is widely distributed in tropical Asia. In A. catechu, the extracts and compounds, including flavonoids, have various pharmacological activities. Although there are many studies of flavonoids, the molecular mechanism of their biosynthesis and regulation remains unclear in A. catechu. In this study, 331 metabolites were identified from the root, stem, and leaf of A. catechu using untargeted metabolomics, including 107 flavonoids, 71 lipids, 44 amino acids and derivatives, and 33 alkaloids. The transcriptome analysis identified 6119 differentially expressed genes, and some were enriched in the flavonoid pathway. To analyze the biosynthetic mechanism of the metabolic differences in A. catechu tissues, 36 genes were identified through combined transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis, in which glycosyltransferase genes Acat_15g017010 and Acat_16g013670 were annotated as being involved in the glycosylation of kaempferol and chrysin by their expression and in vitro activities. Flavonoid biosynthesis could be regulated by the transcription factors, AcMYB5 and AcMYB194. This study laid a foundation for further research on the flavonoid biosynthetic pathway of A. catechu.

Evaluation of aerial spraying application of multi-rotor unmanned aerial vehicle for Areca catechu protection

Multi-rotor unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is a new chemical application tool for tall stalk tropical crop Areca catechu, which could improve deposit performance, reduce operator healthy risk, and increase spraying efficiency. In this work, a spraying experiment was carried out in two A. catechu fields with two leaf area index (LAI) values, and different operational parameters were set. Spray deposit quality, spray drift, and ground loss were studied and evaluated. The results showed that the larger the LAI of A. catechu, the lesser the coverage of the chemical deposition. The maximum coverage could reach 4.28% and the minimum 0.33%. At a flight speed of 1.5 m/s, sprayed droplets had the best penetration and worst ground loss. The overall deposition effect was poor when the flight altitudes were greater than 11.09 m and the flight speed was over 2.5 m/s. Comparing flight speed of 2.5 to 1.5 m/s, the overall distance of 90% of the total drift increased to double under the same operating parameters. This study presents reference data for UAV chemical application in A. catechu protection.

Protective effect of methanolic extract of Areca catechu nut on ethanol withdrawal symptoms in mice

Background

The purpose of the current study was to examine the potential impact of a methanolic extract of Areca catechu nut (MAN) on handling-induced convulsions (HIC), anxiety and anhedonia behaviour of alcohol-withdrawn mice. 30 female Swiss albino mice were divided into 5 groups, each with 6 animals. Group 1 (saline withdrawal) received saline during the 3-day alcohol/saline induction phase, while the other 4 groups (alcohol withdrawal) received 20% v/v ethanol (1.25 ml/100 g body weight, i.p.; 20% v/v ethanol was made from absolute ethanol with 79.9 ml saline + 0.1 ml fomepizole, an alcohol dehydrogenase inhibitor). Day four (test day) involved studying handling-induced convulsions; open field test (OFT), elevated plus maze test (EPM), marble burying test (MBT) for anxiety; 24-h sucrose preference test (SPT) for anhedonia in mice. On the test day, Group I and II (saline withdrawal and alcohol withdrawal) received oral treatments with 1% w/v sodium carboxyl methylcellulose 1 h prior to the behavioural testing. Group III received an injection of diazepam (1 mg/kg, i.p., 30 min prior) and Group IV and V were treated with two different doses of MAN (50 and 100 mg/kg, p.o.) 1 h prior to the behavioural test.

Results

At doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg, p.o., the Areca catechu nut methanolic extract significantly reduced handling convulsions and anxiety, and had an anti-anhedonic effect using various evaluation criteria, such as convulsion score (HIC), no. of central and peripheral line crossings (OFT), % entries and time spent in open arms (EPM), no. of marbles buried (MBT), and sucrose intake ratio (SPT) in alcohol-withdrawn mice.

Conclusion

In mice undergoing alcohol withdrawal, Areca catechu nut extract (MAN) greatly lessens handling-induced convulsions, anxiety and depression symptoms.

Graphical Abstract