Areca Nut Research Articles

Excessive Deadly Addiction Chewing Betel Quid as a double burden, For Poverty Community Kupang Regency, West Timor

People's lives in developed countries are indeed in contrast to developing countries as well as in terms of behavior. Betel nut is estimated to be consumed by 10% -25% of the world's population. In East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, almost the entire population (21) districts consume betel nut, including the elderly, young people and school children, even those who are still studying in Early Education. About 80% of the population of Kupang Regency, West Timor, consume betel nut.even though the district Kupang is mostly poor. Possible Hazards in areca nut mixed with various other ingredients such as betel nut and lime produce adverse health effects including oral cancer and other systemic diseases, as well as having the potential for dependence such as smoking and alcohol. We conducted a survey of traditional leaders and community leaders who have been addicted to consuming betel nut for more than 20 years in Kab. Kupang West Timor in a poor community. A total of 10 participants conducted in-depth interviews regarding events using betel nut, related to customs and culture, and their relationship to health. It was stated by WHO that areca nut is a psychoactive substance and is a class 1 carcinogen. According to the community, consuming betel nut is exciting and has nothing to do with any disease. No one agrees to stop consuming betel Nut, and mostly do not agree to prevent children from consuming betel nut from an early age.

Guvacoline in betel nuts directly binds to and inhibits AChE activity, lowering ACh levels released by neurons

This paper investigates guvacoline, a compound found in betel nut, and its activity on acetylcholine level. Betel nuts are the chewable seeds of plant used in Chinese traditional medicine. It is commonly used all over southern Asia and the east African seaboard, being the fourth most commonly used drug in the world. It is known for being carcinogenic for throat cancer. Immediate symptoms of betel nut chewing indicate activation of the parasympathetic system, in which acetylcholine and acetylcholinesterase is involved. This paper predicts that guvacoline, found in areca nuts, increases free acetylcholine levels released from neurons by allosterically binding to acetylcholinesterase inhibiting it.

Bioactive Remineralization of Human Enamel using Piper Betle Leaf Extract and its Additives

The role of the betel leaf has been described since ancient times in various books of Ayurveda mainly due to its curative properties and been used for the treatment of various disorders and stimulated anti-oxidative, anti- mutative, and detoxifying properties. Betel quid chewers have cancerogenic potential seen in many parts of rural areas in India. This study proves that when used in correct proportions [betel leaf, areca nut and betel lime], acts as natural means for protection against caries and non -carious lesions as it re-hardness the tooth enamel naturally.

Synthesis and Characterization of Hydroxyapatite-Ag Nanocomposites Using Areca Nut Peel Bioreductors (Areca catechu L.) for Antibacterial Applications

Calcium Hydroxyapatite (HAp, Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2) is an important material utilized in bone, tooth enamel, and dentin. In this study, areca nut peel bioreductors (Areca catechu L.) were used to synthesize HAp-Ag nanocomposites using green synthesis method. The effect of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) amount on the structure and morphologies of the synthesized HAp-Ag nanocomposites were investigated. The XRD showed that the crystal size of synthesized HAp-Ag nanocomposites is 1-100 nm with a degree of crystallinity above 60%. SEM images showed that the particles of HAp-Ag nanocomposites were nano-sized with uneven spherical shape. The antibacterial activity test was carried out against Staphylococcusaureus and Escherichia coli using the disc diffusion test. The result showed that AgNPs incorporated in modified HAp inhibited Gram-negative bacteria more efficiently than Gram-Positive bacteria. Based on the antibacterial test results, the hydroxyapatites were effective against all tested microorganisms. Therefore, it can be considered as an antimicrobial biomaterial that can be used in implant and reconstructive surgery applications.

Pembuatan Pulp and Paper Berbahan Dasar Serat Kulit Pinang (Areca Catechu L.) dengan Penambahan Kitosan Sebagai Zat Aditif Antibakteri

The need for paper in Indonesia continues to increase along with population growth and progress in activities related to paper use. However, the supply of materials used to make wood pulp will also decrease over time. Continuous exploitation of forests will cause environmental problems. An alternative to reduce the impact on the environment is to replace the raw material for making non-wood paper which is rich in cellulose fiber. One non-wood raw material that is rich in fiber is areca nut shell. However, the current problem is that paper can be contaminated with microorganisms from free (dirty) air, dirty hands of people who handle it or from unsterile storage places. So, we need a new alternative to prevent this problem, namely by adding antibacterial additives to the paper. The method used is the process of delignification, filtration, drying, bleaching and adding chitosan additives. The conclusions obtained that the optimum concentration of the NaOH cooking solution was found at a NaOH concentration of 10%, the optimum time was obtained at a delignification time of 6 hours, and the best concentration of chitosan additive was 6% with an inhibition zone of 7.01 mm. The inhibition zone obtained is in the weak category.

Degraded Peatlands and Their Utilization Opportunities in Kepulauan Meranti Regency, Riau Province, Indonesia

Degraded peatlands are caused by various factors, including land fires, water mismanagement, and mining activities. Indicators of degraded peatlands can be identified through the type of land cover observed in the field, which commonly includes shrubs and barren land (open areas of ex-mining land). Therefore, this study aimed to determine the dynamics of the existence of degraded land and its utilization opportunities using spatial, image, and time series analysis methodDepartment Forest Resources Conservation & Ecotourism, Forestry Faculty, Bogor Agricultural University Kampus IPB Darmaga PO.Box 168 Bogor-Indonesias. To conduct the analysis, various data sources were employed, including Landsat imagery, the Regional Spatial Planning (RTRW) map, hotspots data, rainfall data, landforms maps, peatlands data, and soil information. The results of the study showed that between 1999 and 2019, the average area of degraded peatlands amounted to 198,084.54 hectares. Furthermore, the optimal area of degraded peatlands utilized for agriculture amounted to 7,122.45 hectares . Inventory of degraded peatland using the land cover approach can be obtained faster, cheaper, easier than the terrestrial method. Opportunities for using degraded land for agricultural purposes were also identified through the selection of plant species that exhibited adaptability to peatlands and held economic value. These selected plants, including sago, rubber, areca nut, and liberika coffee, were developed within the Meranti Islands Regency.

Serum and salivary Cu/Zn ratio as a diagnostic biomarker for oral submucosal fibrosis: an analysis of trace metals and LOX gene variants.

This study aimed to analyze the serum and salivary levels of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn) and the Cu/Zn ratio and investigate the association between LOX gene variants (rs18800449 and rs2288393) and oral submucosal fibrosis (OSMF). A total of 250 subjects were included in the study: OSMF patients (n = 50), areca nut chewers without OSMF (n = 100) and controls (n = 100). Trace metals were measured using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer, while LOX gene variants were genotyped using the tetra primer amplification refractory mutation system (tetra ARMS) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. The results showed significant variations in serum and salivary Cu, Zn, Fe and Cr levels and serum Mn concentrations among the three groups (p < 0.0001). Serum Cu levels were significantly higher in OSMF patients, while serum Zn levels were significantly lower. Both serum and salivary Cu/Zn ratios demonstrated a statistically significant difference (p < 0.0001) and diagnostic potential to differentiate OSMF from chewers and controls. However, LOX gene variants did not show an association between OSMF and chewers, except for rs1800449 genotypes, which showed a significant and increased risk with the AA genotype in OSMF patients compared to controls (OR = 7.58; 95%CI 2.30-24.97). The study suggests that trace elements and genetic variants may impact the etiology of OSMF. The findings may aid in early diagnosis, suitable treatment, and as a prognostic indicator for disease progression.

Supplementation of dietary areca nut extract modulates the growth performance, cecal microbiota composition, and immune function in Wenchang chickens.

The study was aimed at evaluating the effects of areca nut extract (ANE) on the growth performance, cecal microbiota, and immunity of Wenchang chickens. For this study, 42-day-old healthy Wenchang chickens (n = 450) with similar body weight were chosen. The animals were randomly divided into five groups, with six replicates per group and 15 chickens per replicate. One group was fed a basal diet (control; CCK). The remaining four groups were fed a basal diet supplemented with varying ANE concentrations: 0.038, 0.063, 0.100, and 0.151 g/kg, with the groups denoted as CNT1, CNT2, CNT3, and CNT4, respectively. The feeding experiment lasted 35 days. The ligated cecum segments of the control and experimental groups were collected for metabolomic and metagenomic analysis, while the bone marrow samples were extracted for tandem mass tag (TMT)-based proteomic analysis. All the experimental groups exhibited significantly higher average daily gain (ADG) and significantly lower feed-to-weight (F/G) ratios than CCK. Metabolomic screening of the cecum contents revealed the presence of 544 differential metabolites, including several gut health-related metabolites, such as xanthine, hydroxy hypoxanthine, 2,5-dimethylhydrazine, ganoderic acid, and 2-aminohexanoic acid. Metagenomic analysis of the cecum contents showed an upregulation in the abundance of Prevotella spp. in the experimental groups. However, we observed no significant differences in the abundances of other cecal microbes at phylum and genus levels. Furthermore, we observed significant associations between Prevotella spp. and the differentially abundant metabolites, such as cherubins, thiaburimamide, and 3,4-dihydroxy-L-phenylalanine, (r)-mevalonate, 5-O-methylalloptaeroxylin, nalidixic acid, and deoxyloganin (p < 0.05). Proteomic analysis revealed that the differentially expressed proteins (such as interferon-induced protein with tetratricopeptide repeats 5 (IFIT5), MHC-BF1, and death domain-associated protein (Daxx)) in the bone marrow of the chickens were primarily enriched in the immune network for IgA production and B cell receptor signaling pathway. In conclusion, dietary ANE supplementation was found to enhance metabolic activity and energy utilization, improve growth performance, modulate cecal microbiota, and strengthen the immunity of Wenchang chickens.

STRATEGI PENANGANAN BERCAK DAUN CURVULARIA SP. PADA PEMBIBITAN KELAPA SAWIT DI INDONESIA

Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq) is one of the plantation crops that produces vegetable oil which has become the main ingredient and leading agricultural commodity in Indonesia. The quality of oil palm seedlings is a disease attack during the seedling stage. The most common disease found in oil palm nurseries is leaf spot disease. The aim of this research is to propose strategies for handling leaf spot in oil palm nurseries in Indonesia. This research is a literature study research. The data used comes from secondary data. Data collection methods use textbooks, journals and periodical. Data analysis is carried out by reading, collecting, citing information, concluding and interpreting the results obtained through relevant study materials. The results obtained that there are several strategies that can be used to treat leaf spot in oil palm nurseries in Indonesia, i.e. by carrying out photon energy irradiation which can increase plant resistance to various types of pathogens, developing organic fertilizer formulations and using biocontrol agent which is expected to help oil palm nurseries in suppressing leaf spot disease, using fungicides to prevent resistance, taking preventive measures to reduce the risk of spot disease on oil palm leaves, carrying out conservation fertilization using S2 (385 mesh), S3 (638 mesh), and S4 (644 mesh) sachets and applying liquid smoke areca nut in suppressing the growth of Curvularia sp.

The habit of indiscriminate spitting in betel chewing

Betel nut consumption is a customary practice in Simalungun society and is frequently observed during typical and routine events. Nevertheless, there persists a group of individuals who are inclined towards crude expectoration behavior, depositing residual betel within various locations, including public domains such as markets. The focus of this investigation is to conduct an in-depth inquiry into the antecedents of such indiscriminate spitting tendencies exhibited among traders of betel nuts within the Saribudolok Traditional Market, located within the jurisdiction of the Simalungun Regency. This qualitative investigation utilized a phenomenological strategy. Seven informants were interviewed. These include betel nut sellers, visitors or purchasers, healthcare practitioners, and market managers. Observations were also made by the researchers throughout the data collection process. The triangulation technique was employed to verify all the data collected through the interviews and observations. Additionally, the researcher utilized a matrix to categorize the data based on the research objectives and questions. The data analysis followed the Miles and Huberman model, revealing that the practice of carelessly spitting betel residue among traders who consume betel is due to inadequate knowledge of healthy and hygienic living habits as well as unawareness of the dangers associated with spitting betel residue. The lack of education provided by health workers on the hazards of careless spitting and the consequent risk of disease transmission also contributes to this behavior.

Performance, emission, combustion, exergy, exergoeconomic and sustainability analyses of EGR incorporated CI engine fuelled with areca nut husk nano-additive dosed plastic oil–water-diesel emulsion blend

This first-of-a-kind research emphasizes the influence of exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) on engine characteristics, and exergy, sustainability, and exergoeconomic aspects of compression ignition engine, powered by plastic grocery bag-extracted plastic oil-diesel-water emulsion blend dosed with bio-nano-additive extracted from areca nut husk (D10EPO-15 ppm). Three EGR rates (5%, 10%, and 15%) were incorporated at varying engine loads. At 100% load, the EGR incorporation reduced the peak heat release rate and peak pressure up to 6.5 and 5.6%, respectively, in comparison to the base fuel without EGR. Up to 5.2 and 9.1% reduction in exhaust gas temperature and nitrogen oxide emission (NOx) was noticed with the EGR incorporation. However, carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbon (HC), and smoke emissions increased with the EGR incorporation. Nevertheless, considering the overall characteristics, 5% EGR was the most suitable one to have a lower NOx (3.4%) with a minimum penalty on CO (4.3%), HC (5.4%), and smoke (3.6%) emissions as well as fuel consumption (3%), at full load. Amongst the three EGR rates, 5% EGR incorporation also has the highest exergy efficiency (20.9%) and sustainability index (1.26). Exergoeconomic analysis also revealed the favorability of 5% EGR, and at full load, 5% EGR showed the lowest specific exergy cost inflow rate (0.8957 $/hr), the lowest specific exergy cost rate for shaft work (75.27 $/GJ), the lowest relative cost difference (3.99), and the highest exergoeconomic factor (9.95%).

The effect of chewing-betel habits on blood glucose levels in the Karo ethnic community, Karo district

Background The chewing Betel habit is a hereditary tradition from the ancestors of the Batak-Karo tribe, Indonesia. Karo people believe that chewing betel habit is their unifier. The chewing-betel habit process begins with concocting a mixture of ingredients such as betel leaf, lime, gambier, areca nut, and with or without tobacco addition, then chewed slowly. This study aimed to analyze whether the habit of chewing betel can affect BGL in the Karo ethnic community in the Karo district. Methods In total, 48 participants from the Karo community were divided into 4 groups (n=12 per group), namely: I. non-T2DM participants without chewing betel habits; II. non-T2DM participants with chewing-betel habit; III. T2DM participants without chewing-betel habit and IV. T2DM participants with chewing-betel habit. The sampling technique was consecutive sampling. The data were collected by interviews and blood sampling (fasting and 2 hours postprandial (2hPP)). The collected data were analyzed by paired t-test, Independent sample t-test, Wilcoxon, and Mann-Whitney with a significance level of p-value &lt;0.05. Results This study showed that fasting BGL condition in group-I compared to group II (84.33±12.32 vs 81.00±4.84) mg/dl and group-III compared to group-IV (196.25±104.81 vs 150.00±42.45) mg/dl had no significant difference. Also, the BGL of 2hPP condition in group-I compared to group-II (111.25 ±22.62 vs 108.33±18.99) mg/dl, and group-III compared to group-IV (314.92±128.97 vs 229.25±58.26) mg/dl, in statistically there was no difference (p&gt;0.05). Although the data showed that group-III was higher than group-IV. Conclusion This study concludes that with or without chewing-betel habits affect blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes subjects (Groups III and IV).

Arecoline-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats: Screening of Abnormal Metabolic Markers and Potential Mechanisms.

Arecoline is a pyridine alkaloid derived from areca nut in the Arecaceae family. It has extensive medicinal activity, such as analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-allergic. However, the toxicity of Arecoline limits its application. Most current studies on its toxicity mainly focus on immunotoxicity, carcinogenesis, and cancer promotion. However, there are few systematic studies on its hepatotoxicity and mechanisms. Therefore, this research explored the mechanism of hepatotoxicity induced by Arecoline in rats and analyzed endogenous metabolite changes in rat plasma by combining network toxicology with metabolomics. The differential metabolites after Arecoline exposure, such as D-Lysine, N4-Acetylaminobutanal, and L-Arginine, were obtained by metabolomics study, and these differential metabolites were involved in the regulation of lipid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and vitamin metabolism. Based on the strategy of network toxicology, Arecoline can affect the HIF-1 signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, and other concerning pathways by regulating critical targets, such as ALB, CASP3, EGFR, and MMP9. Integration of metabolomics and network toxicology results were further analyzed, and it was concluded that Arecoline may induce hepatotoxicity by mediating oxidative stress, inflammatory response, energy and lipid metabolism, and cell apoptosis.

A Critical Interpretive Synthesis of the Role of Arecoline in Oral Carcinogenesis: Is the Local Cholinergic Axis a Missing Link in Disease Pathophysiology?

Arecoline is the primary active carcinogen found in areca nut and has been implicated in the pathogenesis of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and oral submucous fibrosis (OSF). For this study, we conducted a stepwise review process by combining iterative scoping reviews with a post hoc search, with the aim of identifying the specific mechanisms by which arecoline initiates and promotes oral carcinogenesis. Our initial search allowed us to define the current trends and patterns in the pathophysiology of arecoline-induced OSF and OSCC, which include the induction of cell proliferation, facilitation of invasion, adhesion, and migration, increased collagen deposition and fibrosis, imbalance in immune and inflammatory mechanisms, and genotoxicity. Key molecular pathways comprise the activation of NOTCH1, MYC, PRDX2, WNT, CYR61, EGFR/Pl3K, DDR1 signaling, and cytokine upregulation. Despite providing a comprehensive overview of potential pathogenic mechanisms of OSF, the involvement of molecules functioning as areca alkaloid receptors, namely, the muscarinic and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (AChRs), was not elucidated with this approach. Accordingly, our search strategy was refined to reflect these evidence gaps. The results of the second round of reviews with the post hoc search highlighted that arecoline binds preferentially to muscarinic AChRs, which have been implicated in cancer. Consistently, AChRs activate the signaling pathways that partially overlap with those described in the context of arecoline-induced carcinogenesis. In summary, we used a theory-driven interpretive review methodology to inform, extend, and supplement the conventional systematic literature assessment workflow. On the one hand, the results of this critical interpretive synthesis highlighted the prevailing trends and enabled the consolidation of data pertaining to the molecular mechanisms involved in arecoline-induced carcinogenesis, and, on the other, brought up knowledge gaps related to the role of the local cholinergic axis in oral carcinogenesis, thus suggesting areas for further investigation.

Progress of EGFR targeted therapy for oral cancer

Because of some uncertain factors such as eating habits and smoking, oral cancer has become one of the serious diseases of the oral and maxillofacial region. Especially in some Chinese cities where betel nut chewing is customary, the incidence of oral cancer has been high. Today, the main treatment methods are still traditional surgical excision, radiation and chemotherapy. However, with the development of medical technology, gene-targeted therapy has become the most important research object. Gene targeting technology is mainly targets the treatment of cancer organ cells, reducing the damage of traditional treatment methods on other areas without lesions. At present, the epidermal cytokine EGFR has been the most studied, and some research results have been put into clinical application. However, in terms of targeted therapy, the development of technology is still incomplete and immature. This article mainly discusses the pathogenic mechanism of EGFR in oral cancer, the synergistic effect of EGFR and other factors on the development of oral cancer, and the research results of EGFR-targeted therapy and combination therapy for oral cancer. The significance of this study is that based on these discussions, it provides reference opinions for treatment that can achieve a good prognosis for oral cancer patients and alleviate the pain of oral cancer patients, and evaluate the current development status of clinical application of EGFR targeted therapy for oral cancer. At present, the targeted therapy technology of oral cancer is still immature. In the future, the role of other factors in the development of oral cancer can be studied, and the influence of the combination of targeted therapy and other therapeutic methods on the treatment results of oral cancer can be studied.

Areca nut cultivators from Tamil Nadu: Is the nut their friend or foe – A questionnaire study

Objective: The present study was done to evaluate the awareness of people involved in cultivation of areca nut from Tamil Nadu on various oral and systemic health effects of chewing areca nut. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among areca nut cultivators from various districts of Tamil Nadu. People involved in the cultivation of areca nut were included in the study. 500 individuals participated in the study. They were instructed to complete a pre-tested questionnaire with 25 questions. Results: 58% of the participants were males and 42% were females. Dryness of the mouth from decreased production of saliva due to areca chewing was known to 57% of the study participants. 39% of the participants were aware of addiction. Oral cancer from areca nut chewing in various forms with/without tobacco was also known to 51% of them. 86% of them were prepared to quit the habit and 92% of them admitted that government has banned the sale of commercial pan masala products. Conclusion: The study evaluated the awareness of oral and systemic effects of chewing areca nut among people involved in cultivation of areca nut from rural parts of Tamil Nadu. Appropriate regulatory measures are critical for educating people from a variety of occupational and socioeconomic backgrounds in both rural and urban areas.

Comprehensive Assessment of Albumin and Uric Acid Levels in Oral Submucous Fibrosis: A Comparative Case-Control Study Involving Different Risk Groups.

Background Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a premalignant disorder that impacts the oral cavity and pharynx. Major risk factors for OSMF are attributed to the consumption of betel nuts or tobacco. These substances harbor various carcinogens that trigger the production of free radicals and reactive oxygen species. Antioxidants are pivotal in preserving cellular integrity and impeding the oncogenic transformation of body cells. In this context, albumin and uric acid, being primary antioxidants present in body fluids, bestow a defensive effect against this condition. Thus, the present study is designed to elucidate the differential concentration of albumin and uric acid between patient cases and healthy cohorts. Methodology This case-control study was conducted to evaluate the albumin and uric acid levels in individuals diagnosed with OSMF (cases) and compare them with healthy controls for a period of six months. A cohort of 100 individuals was partitioned into four groups, with each group comprising 25 individuals: Group I was made up of healthy individuals; Group II consisted of individuals who chew tobacco and areca nuts but are not affected by OSMF; Group III included individuals who only use tobacco without areca nuts and are afflicted with OSMF; and Group IV comprised individuals who consume a combination of areca nuts and tobacco and are diagnosed with OSMF. Biochemical evaluation was carried out using the BS-380 chemistry autoanalyzer (Mindray, Shenzhen, China), and the quantification of serum albumin and uric acid was performed by the uricase-peroxidase (POD) method with dihydroxybenzene sulfonic acid (DHBS). Results The study cohort of 100 individuals was made up of 70 males and 30 females, with an average age of 42.51 (11.62) years. The comparison of the mean concentration of serum albumin across all groups revealed that healthy controls exhibited the highest serum albumin concentration of 4.284 (0.618), with a statistically significant p-value (0.001) across all groups. A comparison of the mean value of serum uric acid among all groups showed that healthy controls had the highest value of serum uric acid (5.26±1.161), with a considerable p-value (0.001) between all groups. Conclusion The present study concluded that serum biomarkers assessed were high in healthy individuals and consumption of areca nuts, tobacco, and their products was significantly associated with low levels of albumin and uric acid. Therefore, both albumin and uric acid can be used as important biomarkers for uncovering oral premalignant lesions and conditions ahead of time and can also be used in mass screening.

Effect of steam explosion on the morphological, textural, and compositional characteristics of betel nut.

To reduce the adverse physical effects on the oral mucosa caused by excessive hardness of betel nut fibers, steam explosion was used to soften betel nuts. The effect of three operating parameters (pressure holding time, explosion pressure, and initial moisture content) on the morphology, texture, and chemical composition of the betel nuts was investigated. The fiber hardness and Shore hardness decreased by 56.17%-89.28% and 7.03%-34.29%, respectively, and the transverse tensile strength and fiber tensile strength also decreased by up to 60.72% and 24.62%, respectively. Moreover, the coefficient of static friction and moisture content increased. After steam explosion, the betel nut increased in transverse diameter, became darker and more yellow-red in color, and showed a damaged microstructure. The contents of free phenol and alkaloids decreased after steam explosion treatment, with free phenols and total alkaloids decreasing from 34.32 mg(GAE)/g and 7.84 mg/g to 21.58 mg(GAE)/g and 6.50 mg/g, respectively, after the A-50 s treatment condition. The steam explosion increased the quantity of phenols, alkaloids, and soluble solids released from the betel nut under the same simulated release conditions of the texture analyzer. The research also showed that increased pressure holding time and explosion pressure enhanced the explosion efficiency, while the initial moisture content was reduced the explosion efficiency. Therefore, steam explosion is an effective pretreatment approach to soften betel nut and facilitate healthy development of the betel nut industry.

Evaluation of Betel Nut Germplasm in Barishal Region

The field evaluation of betel nut germplasm was conducted at Regional Agricultural Research Station, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), Rahmatpur, Barishal all the year round during three consecutive years of 2019-22 to select suitable entry (ies) for releasing as new variety (ies) for Barishal region. Seven entries of betel nut viz., E1 (AC Rah-01), E2 (AC Rah-02), E3 (AC Rah-03), E4 (AC Rah-04), E5 (AC Rah-05), E6 (AC Rah-06) and E7 (AC Rah-07) were used as testing materials. The germplasm had been collected from different regions of Bangladesh since 1973. Three years average results showed that significant variations were observed among the evaluated betel nut germplasm. The maximum fresh and dry nut yield with husk (34.48 and 12.07 t/ha, respectively) was obtained from AC Rah-02 that was identical to AC Rah-01 (28.24 and 10.57 t/ha, respectively). Results revealed that the three years average yield performances of AC Rah-02 and AC Rah-01 were higher compared to that of other tested entries. Maturing condition of AC Rah-01 was late but early maturity was observed in AC Rah-02 and other tested entries. Nut shapes of AC Rah-01 and AC Rah-02 were oblong and oval, respectively. The laboratory analyses results revealed that alkaloids that caused oral cancer was less (3.95 mg/g) and the Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power that cures the disease was higher (10.20 mgAAE/g) in AC Rah-01. The amount of total alkaloids (1.35%) and Arecoline content (4.69 mg/g) that cause cancer in the mouth were lower in AC Rah-02. Considering yield potentiality, maturity condition (late and early), lower incidences of insect-pest and diseases, and biochemical properties (higher Antioxidant power and lower contents of Alkaloids or Arecoline), AC Rah-01 and AC Rah-02 have been selected as promising entries of betel nut towards releasing new varieties for Barishal region of Bangladesh. Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 47(3): 291-302, September 2022

Prevalence of Oral Submucous Fibrosis With Other Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders: A Clinical Retrospective Study.

Background Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a chronic, progressive, and potentially malignant oral disorder that causes scarring of the oral cavity, pharynx, and upper oesophagus. It is most common in Southeast Asia, but it is also found in other parts of the world.Oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) are a group of oral lesions that have an increased risk of developing into oral cancer. The study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of OSMFassociated with other OPMDs. The presence of multiple OPMDs existing in one patient is a significant finding, as it is associated with an elevated risk of developing malignancy. The risk of malignant transformation increases with the number of OPMDs present in a patient; patients with two OPMDs have a three to four times higher risk of developing malignancy than those with a single OPMD. Patients with three or more OPMDs have a 7-10 times higher risk and the risk of malignant transformation depends on the type of OPMD. Materials and methods The study was conducted in the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Chennai, India, to investigate the prevalence of OSMF with other OPMDs.The study team retrieved 630 case records of patients with OSMF from the electronic database between January 2018 and March 2023. All of the patients in the study had OSMF, as well as other OPMDssuch as leukoplakia, candidiasis, actinic cheilitis, dyskeratosis congenita, erythroplakia, lichen planus, sideropenic dysphagia (Plummer-Vinson syndrome), and discoid lupus erythematosus. Both clinical and histopathological examinations confirmed these diagnoses. Oral mucosal lesions without coexisting OSMF were excluded. The study was done on the basis of age group, habits, type of habits, associated coexisting lesions, and systemic condition. Results The patients were clinically examined and diagnosed. Of the 630 cases, 10% had OSMF with OPMDs. The most common OPMDs associated with OSMF were leukoplakia (86%), followed by candidiasis (12%) and both leukoplakia and candidiasis (2%). Based on gender, the incidence of OSMF was higher in males compared to females with 67% and 33%, respectively. Conclusion OSMF is more likely to develop into malignancy; the widespread use of areca nut products in India has contributed to the rising incidence of OSMF. Accumulating epidemiological data can help to identify high-risk populations for prevention and control measures. Earlier oral cancer diagnosis and treatment can increase the likelihood of a favourable outcome.