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[[File:Betel leaf, buyo.jpg|300px|right]]
by: Rajendra Toprani and Daxesh Patel

In India, Betel leaf (BL) plays an important role since ancient culture. Its use in India dates back to 400 BC. As per ancient books of Ayurveda, Charaka, Sushruta Samhitas, and Kashyapa Bhojanakalpa, the practice of chewing BL after meals became common between 75 AD and 300 AD. Toward the 13th century, European traveler Marco Polo recorded betel chewing among kings and nobles in India.

Importance of BL has been described in ancient books of Ayurveda. Use of BL was known for centuries for its curative properties. In Chinese folk medicine betel leaves are used for the treatment of various disorders and claimed to have detoxification, antioxidation, and antimutation properties. There are number of research experiments on BL, where the leaf extract, fractions, and purified compounds are found to play a role in oral hygiene, and to have various properties including anti-diabetic, cardiovascular, anti-inflammatory/immunomodulatory, anti-ulcer, hepato-protective, anti-infective, etc., Patents were also awarded for some of the biological activities like anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and immunomodulatory associated with the leaf extracts and purified compounds.

There is archaeological evidence that the betel leaves have been chewed along with the areca nut since very ancient times. It is not known when these two different stimulant substances were first put together. Betel leaves are used as a stimulant, an antiseptic, and a breath-freshener, whereas areca nut was considered as aphrodisiac.

Chewing habits of people have changed over time. The betel leaves are chewed together in a wrapped package along with areca nut and mineral slaked lime. Catechu (kattha) and other flavoring substances and spices were also added subsequently. For many decades, tobacco has also been added to the BL package. The practice of chewing BL has been decreasing progressively and now the Quid comprising of tobacco, areca nut, and slaked lime (gutkha) is generally in practice.

Although use of BL was wide spread in ancient times, but there has not been strong evidence of incidence of oral cancer in ancient times.

Various experiments evaluating effects of BL suggested no harmful effect when consumed alone. Bhide et al. demonstrated effect of aqueous BL extract where administration of areca nut extracts in Swiss and C17 mice developed different types of cancer while control group and mice fed with aqueous BL extract did not develop any tumors. Shirname et al. conducted experiments in which Swiss mice were given aqueous extracts of Betel Quid and its components by gavage. Mice fed with BL extracts alone had comparable tumor rates with those of controls. Rao et al. compared tumor development in Syrian golden hamsters which received topical applications of aqueous extracts of tobacco, areca nut, or BL. Animal treated with tobacco and areca nut had tumor development rate of 15 and 10%, respectively, whereas untreated animals, treated with BL alone, and treated with vehicle did not develop any tumors.

BL extract even showed beneficial effect in terms of reduced tumor growth rate in animal tumor models. Rao et al. demonstrated that the extract of betel leaves inhibited emergence of DMBA-induced mammary carcinogenesis in rats. However, it did not inhibit the growth in already induced mammary tumors. Chemopreventive effect of betel leaves was demonstrated by Bhide et al. where administration of BL extract lowered the benzo pyrene induced fore-stomach papillomas in Swiss mice. Maximal inhibition of papilloma development was observed in mice receiving hydroxychavicol-a constituent of BL extract.

Thus, there is abundant evidence showing beneficial effects of BL alone in experimental animals, but its validation in humans is still lacking. There is no head to head comparison of incidence of oral cancer in Quid chewers with or without BL.

Shetty et al. in this issue of SAJC have nicely demonstrated the advantage of BL in maintaining salivary ascorbic acid levels in humans. Salivary ascorbic acid may help prevent carcinogenesis in the oral cavity, but the effects of quid/tobacco at other sites of body may still continue. At the same time, there is no long term follow up of study patients which could have given an insight into the development of oral cancer in Betel Quid v/s Quid chewers alone. Based on this study, we cannot recommend chewing of Quid even with BL as there is no long term follow up and more studies including epidemiological and basic science studies are warranted to clearly establish the role of BL in preventing carcinogenesis.

==News about Betel leaf, buyo==
'''5 health benefits of chewing paan or betel leaves nobody told you about'''
*Source:https://www.indiatoday.in/lifestyle/story/5-health-reasons-nobody-told-you-about-chewing-paan-or-betel-leaves-tobacco-areca-nuts-317369-2016-04-11
:By Nikita Bhalla

From using it in prayers and religious ceremonies to eating it in the form of a 'paan', betel leaves contain many curative and healing health benefits. The leaves are full of vitamins like vitamin C, thiamine, niacin, riboflavin and carotene and are a great source of calcium. Since betel is an aromatic creeper, you can easily grow it as an ornamental plant in your homes and derive the maximum health benefits from the same.

Often referred to as a paan leaf, here are some medicinal properties of the betel leaf.

:1. Helps in treating diabetes: It is believed that the components present in betel leaves can reduce the level of sugar in the blood, thus treating diabetes.

:2. Aids in weight-loss: Betel leaves can be used effectively by people who are trying to shed weight. It reduces 'Medha dhatu' (body fat) and increases the metabolic rate of the body.

:3. Prevents carcinogens that lead to cancer: Chewing betel leaves is known to prevent oral cancer as it helps maintain the levels of ascorbic acid in the saliva. All you need to do is boil 10 to 12 betel leaves for a few minutes and add honey to the boiled water. Drinking this on a daily basis can help.

:4. Heals wounds: Betel leaves, when applied over a wound and bandaged, can heal a wound and accelerate the healing process. They are also widely used in Ayurveda for treating boils.

:5. Cures headache: If you are suffering from a severe headache, betel leaves can come to your rescue. The leaves have cooling properties which provide instant relief from the ache when applied externally.

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'''Ayurveda Says Betel Leaves Help Treat These Diseases'''
*Source:https://www.boldsky.com/health/disorders-cure/2017/ayurveda-recommends-betel-leaves-to-treat-these-diseases-114375.html
:By Shubhra Prasenjit Dey

Betel leaf or its more famous name 'Paan' is the leaf of a vine/climber belonging to the Piperaceae family. It has a very important cultural significance in the Indian sub-continent and is offered during various ceremonies like marriage, new year, religious rituals, etc.

This evergreen, perennial, heart-shaped leaf is also consumed with areca nut or tobacco across South Asia and South East Asia and this is also the region where betel leaf is majorly cultivated for commercial purpose.
health benefits of betel leaf

Betel leaf has been in use in India since 2600 BC and over the years has been used by the royalty and paan lovers for its breath freshening and relaxant qualities. In ancient times paan was chewed by women for the red colour it leaves behind on the tongue and the lips acting as a natural way of makeup.

In the state of Bengal a group of betel leaf cultivators known as Baruis worship the sacred betel leaf in the month of April-May.

Betel leaf or paan along with its refreshing quality is also used for various medicinal purposes and this is what actually sets it apart. 

Given below are the magical medicinal benefits of Paan:

1. Wound Healing :

Betel leaf is a great source of antioxidants. It leads to a reduction in oxidative stress and thus heals the wound quicker. It also increases wound contraction rate and total protein content. Apply the juice of the leaves on the wound, then wrap it with more betel leaves and at last bandage it. The wound will heal within a day or two.

2. Joint Pain:

Loaded with polyphenols, especially chavicol, it is a great anti-inflammatory agent. Local application of its juice gives relief from arthritis and its related issues.

3. Indigestion:

Coming to digestion, betel leaf is full of good qualities like gastro-protective, anti-flatulent, carminative, etc. Chewing of betel leaf initiates production of more salivary juice.

It also triggers better absorption of minerals and nutrients. The juice can be taken with water for instant cure of indigestion. The oil prepared can also be applied on the stomach to facilitate digestion.

4. Bad Breath:

It has potential antimicrobial effect when it comes to oral health. Its proven from studies that chewing betel leaf increases salivation; this saliva reduces the growth of oral bacteria by restoring the pH level.

5. Weight Loss :

Betel leaf boosts metabolism, increases digestive juice secretion and removes excess water and toxins from the body. The rich fibre content provides relief from constipation too. It is believed to reduce body fat. All these together lead to a healthy weight loss.

6. Sore Throat:

The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory property of betel leaf makes it a first-aid to treat cold and related problems. According to ayurveda, a regular intake of crushed betel leaf with honey protects one from throat infection.

7. Erectile Dysfunction In Men:

In ayurveda, betel leaves are considered as highly medicinal for treating "dhwaja bhanga" or erectile dysfunction in men as it relaxes blood vessels and also works as an anti-depressant. One or two leaves can be chewed post meal to treat this.


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'''Betel Leaf as a Diabetes Natural Cure'''
*Source:http://nesia.id/betel-leaf-diabetes-natural-cure.html
:(Nesia)

Diabetes is one of the most terrible diseases. Instead of looking for costly treatments, patients can use natural remedies like betel leaf. It’s a unique plant with numerous health benefits. Many people have been using it as a traditional herb, especially for those with diabetes. It is also an efficient treatment for hypertension, inflammation, ulcers, hepatitis, cancer, and much more. Betel leaf contains amazing substances like tannins, saponins, and flavonoids. It also has an anti-diabetic compound. Not to mention it’s able to deal with viruses and bacteria.

:About 

Not all people are aware of betel leaf as one of the natural remedies for diabetes. They don’t even know what betel leaf is. The leaf has uneven and shiny characteristics. Though it smells fragrant, it tastes bitter. The plant grows well in cool and shady place. That means it’s abundant in mountainous areas. As long as the land is fertile, it’s good to grow. The best type of betel leaf is the red one. It has the most abundant nutrients than others. So, how can patients prepare the remedy? They only need to boil the leaves and drink the water. Since it tastes bitter, they can add honey.

Experts have confirmed that betel leaf is one of the most efficient natural ways to fight diabetes. Betel leaves consist of free radical properties. That means they are good to fight cancer. The leaves also contain chavicol oil. The oil has numerous substances, especially, antiseptic properties. It prevents the development of tuberculosis, cholera, and typhoid. On top of that, it contains anti-diabetic property. It helps maintain blood sugar levels, as well. Thus, diabetic patients can take advantage of it.

Since it’s one of the natural remedies for diabetes, many patients have been using it recently. Thanks to its trivalent chromium. The patients can lower their high blood sugar levels. Not only it helps to treat type 2 diabetes, it also helps to cure a cough, bronchitis, bleeding gums, bad breath, abdomen pain, etc. Moreover, it’s a good calcium supplier. In fact, it’s as good as milk. So, how can patients consume betel leaf?

:Taking Advantage of Betel Leaf

The simplest way is through chewing. Though it’s bitter, it gives the best effects on patients. It improves wellness, sweating, and alertness. Those who can’t bear the bitter taste of betel leaf can make a fresh juice extract. They can add either sugar or honey. Pepper also becomes a good extra. The juice form is good for treating inflammations like bronchitis, cough, and numerous respiratory issues. Another way to use betel leaf is through skin application. Patients can apply a war betel leaf on their swollen skin.

Overall, betel leaf has numerous health benefits. The leaf is famous for its anti-diabetic effect. Not only it treats diabetes, but it’s also good for treating other diseases. Betel leaves are easy to find. It’s abundant in a country like Indonesia. It has become one of the best ways to fight diabetes and other health issues. The best part is patients can consume it in different ways. These include chewing, drinking, or applying it on skin. What a great herb!

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'''Beauty benefits of betel leaves'''
*Source:http://khoobsurati.com/5-surprising-beauty-uses-of-betel-leaves-paan-ke-patte.html/
:(Khoobsurati)

Nature never fails to surprise us. We’ve never thought in the wildest of our dream that something as simple as the betel leaves can be used for the beauty benefits. Chewing the betel leaves has many health benefits, so is the reason behind our long-followed ritual of eating betel leaves post-supper. Today, we will explore some astonishing beauty uses of betel leaves.

1. It Curbs Hairfall
Ayurveda has confirmed the use of betel leaves to curb the hairfall issues. you can prepare your own DIY anti-hairfall lotion using the betel leaves. Betel leaves are easily available with the Paan sellers at cheap prices.
Beauty Uses of Betel Leaves1Image Source:

::How to Use?

Grind the betel leaves along with some sesame oil or coconut oil. Apply this paste in your scalp. Let the pack sit in your scalp for at least an hour. You can cover your head with a shower cap to avoid staining your clothes. Wash it off with a mild shampoo.

2. It Cures Bad Breath

This is the reason why betel leaves are had after dinner to shoo away the bad breath. It is a natural mouth freshener. Apart from the bad breath, it cures other oral problems as well. In ancient times, it was used to prevent cavities and gum bleeding.
Beauty Uses of Betel Leaves2Image Source:

::How to Use?

It is very simple to use betel leaves for oral hygiene. Boil some fresh betel leaves in some water. Use this water as your DIY mouthwash. You can store it in a bottle in your bathroom cabinet. Rinse your mouth with this decoction after meals.

3. Goodbye, Acne!

Betel leaves are enriched with anti-inflammatory properties which is good for treating acne. The anti-bacterial property of betel leaves kills the acne-causing bacteria.

::How to Use?

Prepare a decoction of betel leaves in water. Boil some betel leaves in water. Let this mixture cool down. Wash your face with this water. There is another method as well. Grind some betel leaves and make a paste. Add a pinch of turmeric to this paste, apply this pack daily. Follow it by the decoction of betel leaves.

4. Itch-Buster

If your skin is sensitive and prone to itches and rashes, then use betel leaves to curb allergies. The anti-inflammatory properties of betel leaves soothe down the symptoms of allergy.

::How to Use?

Boil about 10 betel leaves in water. Turn the heat off when the leaves become limp. Use this water for your bath or soak. You will see the wonder with just one use.

5. Fights Body Odour
The smell of betel leaves is subtle yet enchanting. You can make use of this natural fragrance of betel leaves as your body deodorizer.

::How to Use?

You can get some betel leaf oil from the market. Or you can extract the betel leaf juice by grinding and crushing the betel leaf juice. Add it to your bath water. You can also consume the decoction of betel leaves in water. It will detoxify your body internally.

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'''Beauty benefits of betel leaves'''
*Source:https://www.femina.in/wellness/home-remedies/beauty-benefits-of-betel-leaves-28613.html
:By Anindita Ghosh

Chewing paan might seem like an icky habit to you, but before you turn up your nose at the humble leaf, know that it has some amazing health and beauty benefits. Here are some ways in which betel leaves can make you look more gorgeous.

:Curbs hairfall

Ayurveda recommends using betel leaves for hairfall-related issues. Here is a recipe for a lotion that you can apply to your scalp. Grind betel leaves with sesame or coconut oil and apply the paste to all sections of the scalp. Leave it on for at least an hour before you shampoo it off.

:Great for oral hygiene

Suffering from bad breath? Start chewing on a betel leaf after meals. Paan refreshes your breath and kills germs. The leaf is also used from ancient times to prevent tooth decay and strengthen gums. Boil betel leaves in water and use the decoction to rinse out your mouth.

:Acne buster

The anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties in betel leaves are great for treating the symptoms of acne. Wash your face with a decoction of betel water or apply a paste of betel leaves and turmeric to your face and wash off. Do this twice a day, especially after you come back home.

:Itch reliever

The soothing property of betel leaves gives much relief if you are prone to rashes and allergies. Boil 10 leaves and remove from fire just as the leaves turn limp. This water can then be mixed in your bath water or as a soak for itchy extremities. The anti-inflammatory properties of the wonder leaf will reduce itching and swelling.

:Bans body odour

The juice of betel leaves or betel leaf oil added to your bath water will keep you feeling fresh and will kill the odour-creating germs on your body. Consuming a drink made with a few betel leaves soaked in boiled water regularly, detoxifies the body and kills all kinds of unpleasant body odours.
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'''Health Benefits Of Betel Leaves'''
*Source:https://www.boldsky.com/health/wellness/2013/health-benefits-betel-leaves-035550.html
:(Amrisha, BoldSky)

Most of the Indians have the habit of eating paan. Paan is an Indian mouth sweetener which is prepared with betel leaves. The betel leaves are used since the ancient times tracing back to 2000 years ago. It has been mentioned in the most ancient historic book of Sri Lanka, the Mahavasma.

In India, betel leaves as well as nuts are offered to guests as courtesy. You might be surprised to know that the heart-shaped, smooth, shining and long-stalked betel leaves have numerous health benefits. Since ancient times, betel leaves has been used as an aromatic stimulant and anti-flatulent. Apart from being served as a mouth freshener, betel leaf is also used as an aphrodisiac.

There are many health benefits of betel leaves which also makes it good for pregnant women. If lactating mothers apply betel leaves, it increases the production of milk in breastfeeding mothers. Betel leaves are also good for oral health. It reduces mouth odour, whitens teeth and reduces bleeding.

Here are few amazing health benefits of betel leaves that are worth knowing. Next time when you plan to freshen up your mouth, have betel leaves. Just make sure you eat it in a healthy way. Do not mix it with flavourings and nuts.

Health Benefits Of Betel Leaves:

:Diuretic

If you suffer from dehydration, have betel leaves. It is a natural diuretic which if consumed with diluted milk can treat water retention in the body.

:Antioxidants

Betel leaves benefits the health as it removes free radicals from the body which are harmful.

:Constipation

As betel leaves are a diuretic, it helps treat constipation by easing out the stool passage.

:Bleeding In Gums

Betel leaves are good for oral care as it stops bleeding in the gums. Mash boiled betel leaves and apply on the bleeding gum.

:Reduces Inflammation

Painful pimples, arthritis etc can lead to inflammation. Applying betel leaves can help reduce inflammation naturally.

:Treats Cough

Boiled betel leaves water can be a great home remedy for treating cough. Betel leaves also benefits the health of people who suffer from respiratory problems.
Array
:Diabetes

Betel leaves have anti-diabetic properties which makes it an excellent home remedy to control diabetes.

:Heals Wound

Applying betel leaves paste on the wounds heals it within 3-4 days. It also reduces the pain and inflammation.

:Lower Back Pain Medicine

Massaging your back with betel leaves that is mixed with some oil will fight lower back pain.

:Headache

This is one of the health benefits of betel leaves. Applying betel leaves externally reduces headache with its cooling properties.

:Quit Smoking

For many people, chewing fresh betel leaves helps them quit smoking.

:Healthy Nerves

Betel leaves juice with honey is a natural tonic that is used for treating nervous pains, nervous exhaustion and debility.

:Treats Acne

Betel leaves paste is good for skin care. It treats acne and scars from the skin naturally.


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'''12 reasons you should chew paan or betel leaves'''
*Source:http://www.care2.com/greenliving/6-health-benefits-and-uses-for-stinging-nettles.html
:By Poorva Chavan

Chewing paan or betel leaves , many a times is frowned upon. But here are a few reasons one should regularly consume betel leaves.

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.

:Health benefits
# Improves digestion: Chewing betel leaves takes a lot of effort and ‘works’ your salivary gland. It stimulates the release of saliva which is the first step of digestion, as various enzymes in it break down food, making it easy to digest. Natural substances like ginger, figs, fennel etc. are also known to improve digestion.
# Prevents carcinogenesis in the oral cavity: Chewing betel leaves has also shown to prevent oral cancer by maintaining the levels of ascorbic acid  in the saliva1 .Ascorbic acid is an excellent antioxidant, which helps reduce the free radicals in the body, thus preventing cancer.
# Helps maintain good oral hygiene: Betel leaves have various compounds which have bactericidal effects that help in destroying bad breath causing bacteria.  Also, various spices like cloves, fennel, cardamom. etc. when wrapped in betel nut to make paan, make an excellent mouth-freshener. Spices like cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg etc. are also known to solve many oral problems.
# Is an aphrodisiac: Betel leaf is known to have aphrodisiac properties and chewing paan right before having sex makes the process more enjoyable. It is a common practice to offer masala paan to newlyweds.
# Treats gastric ulcers: Extracts of betel leaves are known to have gastroprotective activity and help in preventing gastric ulcers.2
# Treatment of warts: Betel leaves are a major component in various Ayurvedic medicines used in treating warts. These medicines are known to not leave any scarring and remove the wart completely without recurrence.3
# Cures boils: They are widely used in Ayurveda for treating boils. Betel leaves are warmed till slightly softer and coated with a castor oil and placed over the boil. This treatment is known to rupture the boil and drain it.
# Treats diabetes: Extracts of betel leaves are known to control blood sugar levels and have an effective anti-diabetic property.4
# Treats cough: Betel leaf extract mixed with honey is known to relieve cough and helps removing phlegm from the chest.
# Relieves headache: Betel leaf is also known to have analgesic properties and hence applying it over the affected area is known to effectively reduce headache.
# Heals wounds: Juice of betel leaves, when applied over a wound and bandaged with betel leaves is known to heal within two days.
# Cures constipation: Stalk of betel leaves dipped in castor oil, when introduced in the rectum, effectively relieves constipation. Along with betel leaves, natural remedies like flaxseeds, triphala, lemon, etc. are also known to cure constipation.