Synopsis

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

Betel, particularly the leaves of Piper betle, has been traditionally used in various cultures throughout Asia for its medicinal properties, including the treatment or prevention of infections—some of which are viral in nature. Traditional Ayurvedic and folk medicine texts note the use of betel leaves for their antimicrobial, antiseptic, and immune-supporting properties. The leaves are often chewed, applied as poultices, or used in decoctions to address a range of ailments, including those thought to be caused by "bad air" or contagious agents, which today might be understood as infections. While these practices are widespread historically, direct references to viral infection are rare, as the concept of viruses is modern.

Modern scientific studies have identified various phytochemicals in betel leaves, such as chavicol, eugenol, and hydroxychavicol, with demonstrated antibacterial and antifungal activity. Some in vitro research suggests possible antiviral effects—such as inhibition of certain viruses (e.g., herpes simplex virus)—but the evidence is preliminary and not robustly validated in clinical settings. Most support for betel’s antiviral use thus remains based on traditional knowledge rather than conclusive scientific evidence. Therefore, while traditional use is well-established, scientific validation for treating viral infections specifically is currently limited.

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