The Journal of Phytopharmacology 2024; 13(3):220-229 DOI:10.31254/phyto.2024.13305

Research Article

Pharmacognostic evaluation and development of quality control parameters for Fufal (Areca nut)

Usha Devi¹ , Shoeb Ahmed Ansari¹ , Asma Sattar Khan¹ , Anees Ahmad² , Mohammed Wasim Ahmed¹ , Rampratap Meena³

Usha Devi,Shoeb Ahmed Ansari,Asma Sattar Khan,Anees Ahmad,Mohammed Wasim Ahmed,Rampratap Meena

1. CCRUM-Drug Standardization Research Institute (DSRI), PCIM & H Campus, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh- 201002 India
2. CCRUM – Regional Research Institute of Unani Medicine, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, J&K- 190006 India
3. Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine (CCRUM), 61-65 Institutional Area, Janakpuri, New Delhi- 110058 India

*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.

Received: 19th December, 2023 / Accepted: 8th May, 2024 / Published : 1st June, 2024

Abstract

Seed of Areca catechu commonly known as ‘Areca nut’ or ‘Betel nut’ belongs to Arecaceae family. It is native to Malaysia and cultivated in subtropical region of South China and India for their economically important seed crop. Areca nut is reddish to light yellowish brown, hard, ovoid, ellipsoidal or globose, internally are mottled with ruminated brownish endosperm tissue alternating with white tissue. In the Indian traditional medicine system Areca nut has been considered one of the important single drug which is therapeutically useful in a number of formulations of Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani preparation. The presence of bioactive phytochemicals in medicinal plants is mainly responsible for various pharmacological properties. It has been widely accepted that medicinal plants are safe and effective treatments for various diseases and ailments. Several pharmacological activities such as antimycotic, antifungal, antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, hypoglycemic and antioxidant activities are attributed to it. In classical literature of Unani system of medicine, Areca nut is commonly called ‘Fufal’ and considered astringent, diuretic, emmenogogue, nervine tonic. Local application is useful in acute inflammation, trachoma, sialorrhea, gingivitis and as a tonic for heart. In the current scenario, standardizing herbal materials at a rapid pace has become a major challenge due to the growing demand for herbal medicines. Although herbal drugs are generally effective, and their effectiveness can be impacted by adulteration and lack of standardization. The present study is focused on authentication of the Areca nut by developing different pharmacognostic standards such as macroscopy, microscopy, physicochemical analysis and HPTLC fingerprinting. The majority of the market sample are either contaminated by cancer-causing fungi or adulterated with harmful chemicals, pesticides, and heavy metals that known to cause several health problems on human beings. So, the drug was also evaluated for several quality parameters, like heavy metals, microbial load, aflatoxins, and pesticides. The current study data can serve as reference standards for verifying Areca nut's purity, safety, and effectiveness.