Evaluation of pan masala for toxic effects on liver and other organs

The acute and chronic oral toxicity of pan masala (betel quid without betel leaf) was assessed in gavage studies in rats. Clinical parameters (liver and serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase, glutamic-pyruvic transaminase and alkaline phosphatase) and organ weights were measured. The results indicate that chronic feeding of pan masala impaired liver function, as indicated by changes in enzyme activity, and decreased relative weights of the gonads and brain.