arecoline

Arecoline is a cholinergic agent, stimulant, and naturally occurring alkaloid found in areca (betel) nuts of the areca palm (Areca catechu) found in South and Southeast Asia. Its effects, depending on the dose, include stimulation, alertness, increased concentration, cognitive enhancement, elation, euphoria, pro-sexual effects, relaxation, reduced anxiety, and sedation, as well as addiction and withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuation. Its effects are described as subtle and it has been likened to a strong cup of coffee. There are also other active constituents of areca nuts, but arecoline is the key active component, with a percentage of ~0.3 to 0.6%. Areca nuts are administered by chewing for 5 to 20minutes without swallowing.

Side effects of arecoline include hypersalivation, hypotension, vertigo, miosis, tremor, and bradycardia, among others. Other adverse effects can include extrapyramidal syndrome and seizures. Addiction and dependence can occur, with withdrawal symptoms including mood swings, anxiety, irritability, and insomnia. Rarely, psychosis can occur during withdrawal in heavy users. Areca nut use, the primary method of consuming arecoline, is highly associated with oral disease and oral cancer. Overdose of arecoline can be treated with antimuscarinic drugs like atropine or scopolamine.