Use of Areca Nut and The Need for Awareness - A Reflection from Pakistan

• DOI: 10.26717/bjstr.2018.09.001839
• Publication Date: 2019-01-19T08:16:55Z
• Authors: Syed Uzair Mahmood
• Keywords: Areca; Reflection

Habitual chewing of areca nut is the fourth most common drug habit in world, after alcohol, nicotine and caffeine.Around 600 million people around world practice it.A major extract from arecholine -an odourless oily liquid, which a nicotinic based alkaloid.This not only done for pleasure but also, as traditional many parts -more specifically South East Asia.Its influence can be judged by fact that places have been named their native languages.Regarding arecholine's chemical structure, it has basic nitrogen gives alkaloid like properties.The source grown an agricultural crop countries among these, India cultivator.Being muscarinic agonist, significant uses, such its use slowing down progression Alzheimer's, due to carcinogenic effects never approved used commercially.Clinical evidence indicated proved causes several types head neck cancers, on intracellular levels GSH, tumor suppressing gene P53 are quite evident.As Asian country, Pakistan also suffering this endemic devastating effect general health.Due excessive use, now part those where oral cancer very common.Several failed attempts made past curb unless Government takes any legislative step, these successful.Sadly, government silent condition this, private sector step fix problem own.