Areca catechu (palm tree) nut chewing and seizures: An observational study
Farrah J Mateen1, Marco Carone2, Lhab Tshering3
1Neurological Clinical Research Institute, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 165 Cambridge St., Boston, MA 02114, USA; Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St., Boston, MA 02114, USA.
Epilepsy & Behavior : E&B
|July 22, 2017
Summary
Chewing Areca catechu nut (paan) was associated with a significant reduction in seizure frequency in people with epilepsy. This study suggests a potential link between this common psychoactive substance and epilepsy management.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Public Health
Background:
- Areca catechu nut (paan) is the fourth most commonly abused psychoactive substance globally.
- Epilepsy affects a significant portion of the global population, with varying management strategies.
- Understanding the impact of widely used substances on neurological conditions is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of chronic Areca catechu nut (paan) use on seizure frequency in individuals diagnosed with epilepsy.
- To analyze the association between paan chewing and epilepsy characteristics in a Bhutanese population.
Main Methods:
- A survey was conducted among 152 individuals with epilepsy (aged >14 years) in Bhutan.
- Data collected included self-reported Areca catechu use, demographics, epilepsy history, and seizure frequency.
- Multivariable regression models were used to analyze the relationship between paan chewing and seizure frequency, adjusting for confounders.
Main Results:
- Out of 152 participants, 50 (33%) were Areca catechu chewers.
- Chewers consumed an average of three nuts daily, with a median chewing duration of 62 months.
- Adjusted analysis revealed that Areca catechu chewers experienced 58.7% fewer seizures in the prior month compared to non-chewers.
Conclusions:
- Chronic Areca catechu nut (paan) use is associated with a statistically significant reduction in seizure frequency among people with epilepsy.
- The underlying mechanism may involve the stimulant or potential novel antiepileptic properties of Areca catechu.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the exact relationship and potential therapeutic applications.
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