title: Areca nut and its role in oral submucous fibrosis.
abstract: Areca nut, commonly called as betel nut or supari, is a fruit of areca catechu palm tree, which is native of South Asia and Pacific Islands. The seed or endosperm is consumed fresh, boiled or after sun drying or curing. Chewing areca nut is thought to have central nervous system stimulating effect and along with this it is known to have salivary stimulating and digestive properties. According to the traditional Ayurvedic medicine, chewing areca nut and betel leaf is a good remedy against halitosis. It is also used for its deworming property. Along with these beneficial effects of areca nut one of its most harmful effects on the human body in general and oral cavity in particular is the development of potentially malignant disorder called Oral Submucous Fibrosis. The present paper discusses in detail the effects of the components of areca nut on pathogenesis of Oral Submucous Fibrosis. Key words:Areca nut, oral submucous fibrosis, potentially malignant disorder, supari.
authors: Reader. Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Yenepoya Dental College, Yenepoya University, Mangalore, Karnataka, India.
authors: Rachana V
authors: RV
authors: Prabhu
authors: Professor. Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Yenepoya Detal College and Hospital. Yenepoya University, Mangalore, Karnataka, India.
authors: Vishnudas
authors: V
authors: Prabhu
authors: Professor and Head. Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Yenepoya Dental College, Yenepoya University, Mangalore, Karnataka, India.
authors: Laxmikanth
authors: L
authors: Chatra
authors: Senior Professor. Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Yenepoya Dental College, Yenepoya University, Mangalore, Karnataka, India.
authors: Prashant
authors: P
authors: Shenai
authors: Professor. Department of Encodontics, Yenepoya Dental College, Yenepoya University, Mangalore, Karnataka, India.
authors: Nithin
authors: N
authors: Suvarna
authors: Professor. Department of Prosthodontics, Yenepoya Dental College,Yenepoya University,Mangalore, Karnataka, India.
authors: Savita
authors: S
authors: Dandekeri