Alternative Uses of Arecanut:Indigenous Medicinal Knowledge and Practices to Manage Diabetes

The future of areca nut depends upon the qualitative expansion of consumer base. There is a need to strengthen alternate uses. Since the time immemorial, Areca nut has been used in the preparation of medicines particularly in India and China. The present paper emphasizes the need to globalize indigenous knowledge and practices of rural and tribal inhabitants towards alternate uses of areca nut. Since diabetes is a global problem wherein, more than 40 per cent of people above 50 years of age are suffering from Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetic Mellitus (NIDDM), standardization of Indigenous knowledge could generate non conventional market. In this regard, socio-anthropological studies need to be initiated.

Socio-Anthropological studies have been carried out in the traditional areca nut farming regions; Sagar, Hosanagar taluks of Shimoga District and Siddapur taluk of Karawar district. The areca is characterized by coexistence of tribal and rural people. Areca nut is the major commercial crop supported by paddy and sugarcane. Evergreen forest and animal wealth together add to their traditional and folk medicinal knowledge.

The main objective was to find out traditional medicinal knowledge regarding areca nut and its related products with special emphasis on the management of diabetes locally called sihimutra. Fieldwork has been carried out through interview and counseling methods to elicit information. The findings were subjected to clinical test supported by age and sex differential case studies.

The product is called madhumeharista and re titled as Diareca syrup. The ingredients such as areca nut, beetle wine, lime, lemon and certain herbs are used after fermentation. The present clinical study tested the glycemic response among non-insulin dependent diabetic mellitus patients (NIDDM). After, 90 days of trial conducted on 125 patients in different age groups indicated the Level of control that ranged from 66.66 to 77.77 per cent. The mean response was at 68.92 per cent. Standardization of dosage was also carried out and varied with the degree of glycemic response and age group. The sex difference was not at significant level. No side effect has been noticed particularly with regard to blood pressure, respiratory and digestive functions.

Diabetes is a global problem. Majority of patients are after organic methods to manage their diabetes. Diareca could be introduced in the global market since its base is organic. This could also generate rural employment opportunities.

The paper also prompts certain action plans towards promoting market stability. Some of them are: focusing on medicinal and cosmetic values of areca nut, effective use of current propaganda or advertising techniques and media and strengthening corporate systems of research and development.