Betel Leaf: What Is It?
Since ancient times, betel leaf has been utilized in
religious ceremonies in India because it is seen as lucky. The Piperaceae
family of plants includes the heart-shaped, dark green betel leaf. "Piper
betle" is the official scientific name of betel leaf.
Betel leaves sometimes referred to as "paan
leaves" in India, are consumed by about 15-20 million people. Sri Lanka,
India, Malaysia, East Africa, the Philippine Islands, and Indonesia are among
the countries that grow betel leaves. It can be found throughout India in
places like Bengal, Orissa, Bihar, and Karnataka. Betel leaf often referred to
as "paan ka Patta," is frequently used as a mouth freshener due to
its potent, pungent flavor.
Leaf Nutritional Composition
Betel leaf has high moisture content and a low-calorie
count because it is made up of between 85 and 90 percent water. Betel leaves
only have 44 calories per 100 grams. It is a low-fat and moderate-protein food
because it only includes 0.4–1% fat and 3-3.5% protein.
Additionally, the betel leaf has moderate concentrations of
important nutrients such nicotinic acid (0.63-0.89 mg/100 grams), iodine (3.4
mcg/100 grams), potassium (1.1-4.6%), vitamin A (1.9-2.9 mg/100 grams), vitamin
B1 (13-70 mcg/100 grams), and vitamin B2 (1.9-30 mcg/100 grams).
In addition to these nutrients, betel leaves also include
chemical elements and essential oils such as chavicol, eugenol, terpene, and
camphene. These chemical elements have therapeutic qualities that aid in the
management and treatment of a variety of illnesses and disorders.
BETEL LEAF BENEFITS
The liver and kidneys are eventually affected by a variety
of anti-diabetic medications. People with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes
mellitus can lower their blood glucose levels by consuming dry betel leaf
powder, according to research, and there are no negative side effects to this
Due to ongoingly high blood glucose levels, people with
diabetes have substantial levels of oxidative stress (hyperglycemia). Such high
blood glucose levels weaken the body's natural antioxidant defenses and further
inactivate antioxidant enzymes. An excellent antioxidant source is betel leaf,
which scavenges free radicals to combat oxidative stress. Betel leaf hence aids
in the control of diabetes mellitus and lowers excessive blood glucose levels.
High Cholesterol Levels
Heart disease and stroke are both in danger because of high
cholesterol levels. According to studies, betel leaf reduces high levels of
total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol,
and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol. In addition, it aids in
raising HDL cholesterol levels. Eugenol, a naturally occurring antioxidant that
dissipates free radicals, is responsible for the betel leaf's lipid-lowering
Additionally, eugenol prevents the liver's ability to make
cholesterol and lessens intestinal lipid absorption. The breakdown of
"bad" LDL cholesterol is further increased. High levels of
triglycerides and cholesterol are excreted as bile acids after being
transported from plasma to the liver. Thus, betel leaves contribute to
decreasing excessive lipid levels via a number of processes.
Cancer prevention agent
Oral cancer risk is increased when betel levels are combined
with cigarettes and betel nuts. However, betel leaf alone is a source of
phenolic chemicals that have anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative,
anti-mutagenic and antioxidant activities. Betel leaves have been shown to
have chemo-preventive potential against many forms of cancer in studies.
Betel leaves also include a variety of phytochemicals, which
are plant substances that promote health and can help prevent cancer. In the
pathogenesis of cancer, oxidative stress plays a significant role. Antioxidants
that combat free radicals and oxidative stress are abundant in betel leaves.
Additionally, it prevents cancer cells from expanding and spreading to
various body organs.
Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa
are three dangerous bacteria that the essential oil found in betel leaves has
antibacterial efficacy against. Additionally, the betel leaves' phenolic and
phytochemical content aids in their ability to defend against both
gram-positive and gram-negative germs.
5. Promotes Wound Healing
Studies have shown that betel leaves to aid in the healing of
wounds. Further research revealed that betel leaf extract has a powerful impact
on burn wound healing. Wound healing is delayed by higher levels of oxidative
stress. Antioxidants can be found in abundance in betel leaf. These
anti-oxidants lessen oxidative stress and additionally aid in speedy wound
healing. As a result, the betel leaf accelerates wound contraction and total
protein content, acting as a protective agent in the healing process.
It is well known that asthma is an inflammatory disease.
Because betel leaf has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, it aids in
the treatment and management of asthma. Asthma is largely brought on by
histamine, an inflammatory mediator. Histamine produces bronchoconstriction, a
symptom of asthma in which the smooth muscles in the lungs contract, narrowing
the airways in the lungs. According to research, the anti-histaminic properties
of betel leaves may be a contributing factor in the decline in bronchial asthma
cases. Additionally, betel oil and the polyphenols in betel leaf have
anti-inflammatory characteristics that contribute to a decrease in asthma
Helps in Combating Depression
A psychiatric disease called depression affects about 5% of
the world's population. According to research, herbal remedies like chewing
betel leaves have been utilized as CNS (central nervous system) stimulants
since ancient times in addition to anti-depressant medications. Further
research revealed that chewing betel leaves results in feelings of contentment,
well-being, and increased attentiveness. In addition, betel leaves contain
aromatic phenolic chemicals that promote catecholamine release. Low levels of
catecholamines in the body are strongly associated with an elevated risk of
depression. Therefore, chewing betel leaves is a simple method to combat
Enhances Dental Health
Infections in the mouth and dental caries are brought on by
pathogens. According to studies, chewing betel leaves can stop bacteria from
multiplying and acting. Betel leaf is widely used as a breath refresher and as
an alternative to medications for infections of the mouth or teeth. When people
ingest sugary meals and beverages, the bacteria in tooth biofilm are reacted to
by acid. Betel leaf protects against dental cavities by blocking the acid
produced by salivary bacteria.
Studies have revealed that chewing betel leaf is an age-old
folk treatment for gastric ulcers. The formation of gastric mucus is decreased,
the degree of oxidative stress is raised, and the gut's inner lining is damaged
by ulcer-causing agents. Betel leaves suppress the growth of gastric lesions,
boost gastric mucus production (a crucial component in protecting against
ulcer-causing substances), and decrease the amount of gastric acid output.
Antioxidant and anti-ulcerogenic activities can be found in the phytochemicals
and polyphenols found in betel leaf. By shielding the inner layer of the gut
from toxins and other irritants, they lessen overall harm.
According to studies, betel leaves were once utilized as a
malaria treatment in the countryside of Malaysia. Terpenes, a substance found
in betel leaves that promotes health, has anti-malarial capabilities. Betel
leaf flavonoids have potent anti-parasitic properties that are effective
against several malaria parasite strains. As a result, betel leaves contain
brand-new anti-malarial substances that can be utilized to combat malaria.
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