In ancient times, a religious ceremony, a grand feast, or a social gathering would never be complete without a generous offering of areca nut, betel leaf, and slaked lime (for making Tāmbūla) in India, China and other southeast Asian Countries. Areca nut, one of the most important offering to the deity, essential ingredient of medicines, an integral part of every social gathering has become a "suspected carcinogen” now. This paradigm shift in the status of the areca nut, from a most auspicious and revered item to the one blamed for cancer, is explored in this book. The importance of areca nut in prominent ancient medical systems, religious ceremonies, areca trade and commerce are outlined, while highlighting the royal patronage given to areca trade and export in ancient times. The great diversity existing in the processing methods and consumption patterns of areca nut in China, India and South-east Asian countries is presented in detail. An attempt has been made to unravel the chemical composition of areca nut / Tāmbūla, their ill effects and their therapeutic values on human health. Excerpts of the reports published by International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) are given with objectivity. In the end, an insight is provided on the areas which requires further scientific scrutiny and systematic research to understand the potential benefits of areca nut / Tāmbūla consumption. 

• Paperback: 132 pages
• Publisher: White Falcon Publishing; 1 edition (February 2026)
• Author: Prasanna Belur
• ISBN-13: 9789376313778
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 9 inch

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