This is the first in a two-part series on the past and present of the areca, better known as the betel nut. When you think of the frequently addictive substances so many of us use to make it through ...

In 2022, it remains legal to sell an addictive carcinogen without a warning label in much of the world. The fibrous seed of the areca palm, most commonly known as “betel nut,” has been cultivated ...

Widely used yet often underestimated, betel nut chewing poses significant health risks, and researchers continue to search for effective prevention and treatment strategies. Review: Understanding ...

In south-east Asia, betel nut chewing has been practiced since antiquity. The plants contain compounds that enhance the consumer's alertness, energy, euphoria, and relaxation. Although the practice is ...

Ancient rituals and customs often leave behind obvious archaeological evidence. From the impeccably preserved mummies of Egypt to psychoactive substance residue that remained at the bottom of a clay ...

For the first time, archaeologists have used advanced scientific techniques on 4,000-year-old dental plaque to confirm traces of betel nut chewing in ancient Thai communities. Betel nuts are usually ...