5 Health Benefits Of Betel Leaves And Possible Side Effects

From helping manage diabetes and dental infections to reducing the effects of cancer, the purported benefits of betel leaves are surely impressive.

In many cultures, especially in India, betel leaves are enjoyed for their health benefits and are also important in rituals and social events. These leaves are available in over 100 varieties and have applications in Indian and Chinese medicine (1), (2).

In this article, we delve deep into betel leaves, their benefits, their potential side effects, and how their intake is associated with oral and throat cancers. So, let us get started!

Know Your Ingredient: Betel Leaf

What Is It?
It is a glossy heart-shaped leaf of a flowering plant of the Piperacea family.

What Are Its Benefits?
It may be beneficial in treating colds and coughs, managing diabetes, improving dental health, and accelerating wound healing.

Who Can Consume It?
All healthy adults can safely consume it. However, pregnant or breastfeeding women should either limit consumption or not consume it at all.

How Often?
You can consume it daily but in moderation.

Caution
It may cause psychoactive symptoms in some and may cause oral or esophageal cancer in the long term.

Betel Leaf: In Detail

Betel leaf is also referred to as ‘Green Gold.’ It is an ancient asset of Indian medicine (Ayurveda), and its use in India dates back to 400 BC.

Piper betle or betel leaf belongs to the Piperaceae family (the Black pepper family). There are about 100 varieties of betel vine in the world, of which about 40 are found in India. According to folk medicine, betel leaf can help in the treatment of headache, itching, mastitisⁱ  A painful infection or inflammation of the breast tissue which causes breast pain, redness and swelling. , cuts, abrasions, constipation, and injuries (1), (2).

Trivia

Betel leaves grow on the betel vine that belongs to the same plant family as pepper and kava. Betel nuts, on the contrary, do not grow on the betel vine and instead are the fruits of the areca palm tree.

While its essential oil possesses antibacterial, antiprotozoalⁱ  A class of drugs used to treat infections that are caused by protozoa, single-cellular organisms that cause tissue damage. , and antifungal properties, its leaves possess anti-inflammatory properties that may help in treating oral and dental issues (1), (2). Scroll down to the next section to find out more about the betel leaf benefits.

How Does Betel Leaf Benefit Your Health?

Contrary to popular belief, betel leaf offers several health benefits. It has a positive effect on blood glucose control, dental health, wound healing, and viral infections.

1. May Help Manage Diabetes

Red betel leaves may lower blood glucose levels. They contain active molecules called tanninsⁱ  Commonly called tannic acid, it refers to polyphenols present in plant food that precipitate protein and have astringent properties. that have antidiabetic properties. Betel alkaloids can lower blood glucose levels by inhibiting glucose absorption in the intestine (3).

This leaf also contains a variety of polyphenols that have excellent antioxidant potential. These molecules protect the pancreatic cells from free radical damage.

In India, eating paan (betel quid) after meals is a common practice. Rat studies have proven that this practice can lower the biomarkers of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) (3), (4).

2. May Promote Dental Health

Like tattoos, teeth blackening was a craze in Southeast Asia. It was done using plant extracts and minerals. This procedure is said to be good for your teeth. It can prevent oral infections and painful dental procedures (5).

Betel vine is one of the plants linked to teeth blackening. A betel quid made with areca nut, slaked lime, and betel leaves has similar properties (5), (6).

However, betel leaf also releases catecholaminesⁱ  A class of aromatic neurotransmitters that provide significant responses during stress. This includes hormones, such as adrenaline. that interact with the compounds released by areca nut and slaked lime. This, in turn, can cause oral and throat cancers (5), (6).

Quick Tip

Instead of chewing betel leaves as they are or chewing on potentially dangerous betel quids, you can add chopped betel leaves to your salad to add texture and enjoy their characteristic peppery flavor.

3. Accelerates Wound Healing

High oxidative stress, i.e., free radicals in your body, can delay wound healing. Delayed wound healing is one of the critical complications seen in type 1 diabetes. Herbal extracts of betel leaf may be effective in treating such sensitive cases (7).

Betel leaf contains polyphenols that have antioxidant properties. They boost the activity of the free radical-scavenging enzymes in your body, like superoxide dismutase and catalase (7).

Applying its extract to wounded rats increased the rate of wound healing. It boosted the content of hydroxyproline, a major component of collagen in these rats. Higher collagen content facilitates rapid wound repair and tissue regeneration (7).

4. May Reduce Cough And Congestion

According to traditional medicine, betel leaves can relieve cough. These leaves are soaked in mustard oil, warmed, and applied to the chest to ease congestion in the lungs (8).

Betel leaf juice with honey can be given to children to get rid of phlegm and wet cough, thanks to its warm and spicy flavor. Literature suggests that this plant can treat bronchitisⁱ  Inflammation of the bronchial tubes that carry air to and from lungs. Its symptoms include coughing and shortness of breath. too. Its essential oils are thought to play a vital role in this property (8), (9).

5. May Help Combat Cancer

This leaf contains a high amount of a carcinogenⁱ  A substance, agent or organism naturally present in the environment that has the potential to cause cancer. called safrole. However, it gets metabolized to dihydroxychavicol and eugenol. Both of these compounds are excreted via urine (1).

Betel leaf exhibits antioxidant, antimutagenicⁱ  They are agents that interfere with the mutagenicity of a substance and help reduce the rate of mutations. , and anticancer properties. The betel phytochemicals are responsible for these properties. This means betel quids may not be cancer-causing at a non-addictive level of consumption (unless you make them with tobacco). Tobacco quids are linked to oral cancer (1).

In fact, the compounds in betel leaf – hydroxychavicol and chlorogenic acid – counter the carcinogens from tobacco. They can selectively kill the cancerous cells without affecting the healthy cells, unlike common cancer drugs and relevant therapeutic procedures (1).

That’s how betel phytochemicals protect your organ systems. It can also be used as a stimulant, antiseptic, breath freshener, or a mouthwash to treat oral fungal infections (2). Also, it is a carminative agent and a metabolism booster, which may also help to improve digestion (10), (11).

The essential nutrients in betel leaves can help improve one’s general health and well-being. Keep reading to learn more about its nutritional value.

Nutritional Value Of Betel Leaves

Here is a brief overview of the nutritional value of this remarkable leaf (12):

These essential nutrients make it a very beneficial ingredient. So, how can you avail these? Check out the next section for the various uses of betel leaves.

General Uses Of Betel Leaf

Betel leaves can also be used in the following ways:

1. Insect Repellent: Placing crushed or dried betel leaves in closets or near open windows may help keep insects at bay.
2. Mouth Freshener: Chewing fresh betel leaves may leave you with a clean, refreshed breath.
3. Aromatic Garnish: Betel leaves are used in South Asian dishes to add a unique flavor and aroma.
4. Aromatherapy: The essential oils extracted from betel leaves are used in diffusers and massage oils to promote relaxation.
5. Antiseptic Mouthwash: Betel leaves are also used as a mouthwash to maintain oral hygiene and possibly help fight oral infections.

Hiraman, a blogger and journalist with an interest in farming, shares, “I have planted the paan cuttings after having them for over a week now, post-lunch, and realizing that it helps in digestion, fights bad breath and much more (i).”

However, there’s a lot written about the side effects of betel leaf as well. Many studies paint this plant in a poor light. Scroll down to the next section to find out more.

What Are The Side Effects Of Betel Leaf?

When you chew a betel leaf, it releases certain active chemicals like catecholamines. These chemicals interact with other secretions of areca nut and slaked lime if you have a betel quid. These chemical interactions may cause serious side effects (13), (14), (15), (16):

• May have psychoactiveⁱ  These are substances that can change functions of the nervous system and alter mood, perception, consciousness, and behavior. properties
• Affect your central nervous system (CNS)
• Cause mouth and esophageal (food pipe) cancer
• Disturb your oral microbiome (the good microbes in your mouth)
• Can have a negative impact on pregnancy, childbirth, and fetal development
• Linked to addiction and withdrawal issues

Moreover, a definite daily intake limit for betel leaves has not been scientifically established yet. Consuming too many betel leaves, particularly with areca nut, may lead to dependence and serious health issues. Users need to limit their intake and seek advice from healthcare professionals if necessary.

Due to these hazardous effects, the World Health Organization (WHO) has publicly stated that betel quid products are a health threat to those consuming them (15).

Infographic: Paan Kulfi – Instant & No Cooking

Now that you are aware of the benefits of betel leaves, you would certainly want to include them in your diet. While “paan” is the most common way to have them, there are many other interesting sweet and savory culinary preparations made with betel leaves. Take a look at the infographic below to learn how to make some delicious betel leaf ice cream or “paan kulfi”. This not only acts as a palate cleanser but also tantalizes your taste buds.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Can we drink water after eating betel leaf?

Yes, you can drink water after eating betel leaf. Betel leaf is a great digestive aid and is usually consumed after a meal.

Is betel leaf rich in calcium?

Yes. Betel leaf is a good source of calcium, and one leaf contains about 230 mg of calcium (17).

Is betel leaf good for ulcers?

Yes. Betel leaves were used as a traditional remedy for gastric ulcers and have shown to have gastroprotectiveⁱ  They are substances that help treat and prevent gastrointestinal injuries, including proton pump inhibitors. effects (10).

Illustration: Health Benefits Of Betel Leaves And Possible Side Effects

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

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Dr Archana BatraPG Diploma, CDE

     

Dr Archana Batra is a dietitian, physiotherapist, and Certified Diabetes Educator with over 13 years of experience in nutrition and diet counseling. She specializes in weight management diets and diets related to metabolic disorders like diabetes, high cholesterol levels, hypertension, etc.

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Swathi HandooHealth & Wellness Writer

 

Swathi holds a master’s degree in biotechnology from Osmania University and has worked in places where actual science and research happen. She has four years of experience and a Professional Certificate in Food, Nutrition & Research from Wageningen University.

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Ravi Teja TadimallaCo-Editor-in-Chief

Ravi Teja Tadimalla is a Co-Editor-in-Chief and a published author. He has been in the digital media field for over a decade. He graduated from SRM University, Chennai, and has a Professional Certificate in Food, Nutrition & Research from Wageningen University.

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Payal Karnik is a senior health and wellness writer and a Certified Health and Nutrition Life Coach. She is a biotechnology graduate from the University of Mumbai with a keen interest in writing and a natural curiosity for science.

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