The heart shaped leaves of Betel piper are commonly known as Paan in India.This is generally taken
after meals. Its leaves are not only used as mouth freshener rather be use for blood purification,
quenching excessive thirst, clearing the throat, improving appetite, taste and as tonic for liver, heart
and brain.
Piper betel leaves also referred to as ‘green gold’ are widely consumed as a condiment in Africa and
Asia (especially India and Taiwan). The medicinal properties of P.betel can be traced back to ancient
Vedic literature. Rich in phenol and terpenes, These leaves have been reported to exhibit antioxidant,
anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and antitumor activities.
Ideally, a Paan is made by wrapping areca nut, tobacco and slaked lime in betel leaf. Since tobacco
and areca nuts are known to cause cancer, chewing paan with them should be avoided. The betel leaf
has many medicinal benefits and has been extensively used in Ayurveda.
Betel leaf with other taste adjuvant have good effect for health. Chewing betel leaf is beneficial for
oral cavity, whereas smoking and other way of ingesting nicotine are decreasing ascorbic acid level
which causes proliferation of cells in oral cavity, and causes mouth cancer. Ascorbic acid is excellent
antioxidant which inhibit the formation of free radicals in body. So its reduces the chances of causing
cancer.
Pharmacological effect of Piper betel
Bioenhancer : Betel leaves has bioenhancer activity on salivary per oxidise and plays an important
role in maintaining oral hygiene and digestion.
Antibacterial and Antifungal activity: Piper betel have antimicrobial activity and the effectiveness
of Piper oil in suppressing the oral pathogenic activity of fungi, S. faecalis and Candida
albicans. Hydroxychavicol, one of the major constituents of Piper betel showed antifungal activities
against a broad spectrum of clinically significant human fungus including Candida, Aspergillus and
dermatophytes.
Effects on Central and Autonomic Nervous Systems: Piper betel flower or leaf contains aromatic
phenolic compounds which have been found to stimulate the release of catecholamines. Thus, betel
chewing may affect parasympathetic, GABAnergic and sympathetic functions which relieve in
glaucoma, allergic reaction and Myocardial infraction etc.
Antiplatelet: The aqueous components of inflorescence Piper betle extracts are potential ROS
scavengers and may prevent platelet aggregation possibly via scavenging of ROS or inhibition of
TXB production . Hydroxychavicol derived from Piper betle is a potent inhibitor of xanthine oxidase.
Antioxidant: Betel leaves contain ascorbic acid which is antioxidant and helping to maintain oral
immunity. Prevent ulcer of oral cavity and reduces proliferation of cell that may helpful for
controlling Oral cancer.
Betel leaves if take with cloves, fennel, cardamom, nutmeg and cinnamon etc.is more enhance the
taste of Paan instead of take betel nut. Its health mouth freshener.
Conclusion
This article is useful for nicotine addicted person who is suffering from oral cancer or for those who
tend to. If they use Paan with other taste enhancer like cloves, cardamom or fennel etc then they
would promote their digestion power and immunity of oral cavity.
If any one have starting age like wound or ulcer in mouth . Paan have healing property and
antimicrobial activity which would prevent to convert ulcer in tumor.
This study is also helpful who are trying to get rid of nicotine dependency. Use of paan with
carminative agent like cloves, cardamom and fennel. control Headache which is caused by getting rid
of nicotine addiction.