[Research progress on Areca catechu]

Areca catechu, a plant of the Arecaceae family, is an important medicinal resource in China, with its various medicinal parts exhibiting distinct therapeutic values. Among them, Arecae Semen(the dried ripe seeds of A. catechu) ranks first among the four major southern medicines. Arecae Pericarpium(the dried pericarp of A. catechu) and Arecae Flos(the dried male flower buds of A. catechu) are also used as traditional Chinese medicines(TCMs). Modern studies have shown that different medicinal parts of this plant are rich in alkaloids, represented by arecoline, and polyphenolic compounds. These components exhibit diverse pharmacological effects, including promoting gastrointestinal motility, antidepressant effects, antioxidant effects, lipid-lowering effects, anthelmintic effects, and antibacterial activities. This article systematically reviews the chemical constituents and pharmacological activities of Arecae Semen, Arecae Pericarpium, and Arecae Flos, and summarizes the toxic side effects and underlying mechanisms of A. catechu products, aiming to provide a scientific basis for the comprehensive development and rational clinical application of A. catechu as a medicinal resource.