Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Betel (Piper betle) leaves have been traditionally used in various cultures, especially in South and Southeast Asia, for a variety of medicinal purposes, including the treatment of jaundice in infants. In traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda and some folk practices, betel leaves are sometimes applied externally to the abdomen of infants believed to be suffering from jaundice, or occasionally, betel leaf extracts are used in home remedies. The rationale is often based on the belief that betel leaves possess detoxifying, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective properties. However, these practices are primarily rooted in tradition and anecdotal reports rather than rigorous scientific evaluation.

Scientific evidence supporting the use of betel leaves specifically for neonatal jaundice is extremely limited. Most available research on betel focuses on its antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, and there are no well-designed clinical trials validating its safety or efficacy for treating jaundice in infants. Additionally, neonatal jaundice is most often a result of immature liver function or underlying pathological processes, and the standard of care involves phototherapy or addressing the underlying cause, not herbal remedies. In fact, some components of betel leaf can be potentially toxic if ingested, especially in infants. Therefore, current evidence does not support the use of betel for this purpose, and its use persists mainly due to cultural traditions rather than scientific validation.

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