Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Betel (Piper betle) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, especially in South and Southeast Asia, for the management of digestive complaints, including dyspepsia (indigestion). In Ayurveda and various traditional folk practices, chewing betel leaves is believed to stimulate the secretion of saliva and gastric juices, thereby aiding digestion and relieving symptoms such as bloating, discomfort, and flatulence. Historical texts and ethnobotanical surveys frequently mention the carminative, stimulant, and digestive properties of betel leaves. The combination of betel leaves with areca nut and slaked lime, commonly chewed after meals in many Asian cultures, is thought to further promote digestive health. Scientific studies to date provide only limited support for these traditional claims. Some in vitro and animal studies have reported that betel leaf extracts possess antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and mild stimulatory effects on the gastrointestinal tract. However, robust clinical trials in humans that specifically evaluate betel for dyspepsia are lacking, and the evidence remains largely anecdotal or observational. Moreover, concerns exist about the long-term safety of betel chewing, especially when combined with areca nut, due to associations with oral and systemic health risks. In summary, the use of betel for dyspepsia is predominantly rooted in tradition, with some preliminary scientific indications of benefit, but substantial clinical evidence is lacking and concerns about safety remain.

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