Quantitative analysis of areca catechu (betel) nut flavanols (tannins) in relation to oral submucous fibrosis

The processed areca catechu (betel) nuts are popularly chewed in the Indian sub-continent. The significance of areca flavanol (tannin) in relation to oral submucous fibrosis and oral carcinogenesis has been reviewed. The quantitative analysis of ten different commercial nut samples from Bombay, India showed wide variations and a higher than average content of flavanols. These variations reflect their appeal and also influence the predisposition of these diseases. The incidence of oral submucous fibrosis and the nut flavanol contents from Bombay and Kerala were taken for comparisons.