Betel Nut

(Betel Nut)
Sanskrit: पूग • Botanical: Areca catechu Linn.

Puga (Betel Nut/Supari) is the fruit of the Areca Palm, widely cultivated in Southern and Eastern India. The nut is chewed with Betel leaf (Paan) after meals as a digestive. It is astringent and anthelmintic. The ripe nut is harder and more astringent than the tender nut. Supari contains the alkaloid Arecoline which has anthelmintic properties. The dried nut is processed in various ways - boiled, cut, and flavored. It is an important social and cultural item in India. Fresh tender betel nut (Chikni Supari) is sweeter and less astringent. Excessive use can stain teeth red and cause oral submucous fibrosis with long-term use. The nut is used in veterinary medicine as a dewormer. Chemical composition includes 15% tannins and the alkaloid Arecoline. Dose: 1-2 masha; as mouth freshener after meals. Verses: 13.

Ayurvedic Properties

Taste (Rasa)
Astringent (Kashaya), Sweet (Madhura)
Quality (Guna)
Heavy (Guru), Dry (Ruksha)
Potency (Virya)
Cold (Sheeta)
Post-digestive (Vipaka)
Pungent (Katu)
Key Constituents
Arecoline (alkaloid), Tannins (15%), Guvacine, Arecaidine, Fat
Also Known As
English: Betel Nut, Areca Nut
Sanskrit: पूग, क्रमुक, गुवाक
Hindi: सुपारी

What is Betel Nut (Puga / पूग)?

Puga (Betel Nut/Supari) is the fruit of the Areca Palm, widely cultivated in Southern and Eastern India. The nut is chewed with Betel leaf (Paan) after meals as a digestive. It is astringent and anthelmintic. The ripe nut is harder and more astringent than the tender nut. Supari contains the alkaloid Arecoline which has anthelmintic properties. The dried nut is processed in various ways - boiled, cut, and flavored. It is an important social and cultural item in India. Fresh tender betel nut (Chikni Supari) is sweeter and less astringent. Excessive use can stain teeth red and cause oral submucous fibrosis with long-term use. The nut is used in veterinary medicine as a dewormer. Chemical composition includes 15% tannins and the alkaloid Arecoline. Dose: 1-2 masha; as mouth freshener after meals. Verses: 13.

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 6

Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

  • Krimighna (anthelmintic)
  • Ruchya (appetizer)
  • Mukhashodhaka (mouth cleanser)

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 6

Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.