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Updated: Jul 13, 2026

Source and Route of Pyrrolizidine Alkaloid Contamination in Tea Samples
Published on: September 28, 2022
Genotype-dependent profile and developmental dynamics of pyridine alkaloids in Areca catechu L
S V Ramesh1, K Sharanya2, Raveena Natakkakath Kaliyathan2
1Division of Physiology, Biochemistry and Post-Harvest Technology, ICAR-Central Plantation Crops Research Institute, Kasaragod, Kerala, India. ramesh.sv@icar.org.in.
Abstract:
Areca nut (Areca catechu L.) is a major tropical palm crop cultivated widely across South and Southeast Asia, with India being the largest producer. Despite its economic importance, systematic characterization of alkaloid dynamics across genotypes and developmental stages remains limited. This study quantified the temporal profiles of four key pyridine alkaloids-arecoline, guvacoline, guvacine, and arecaidine- in 15 arecanut genotypes from 6 to 12 months post-anthesis. Arecoline levels generally declined with maturity, while the varieties 'Mangala', 'Sumangala', and 'Madhuramangala' consistently maintained higher concentrations throughout the developmental stages. Guvacoline exhibited progressive accumulation with a peak at 9-10 months, with 'Mangala' showing the highest content. Arecaidine followed a biphasic pattern, with varieties 'Mohitnagar' and 'Mangala' accumulating the greatest amounts. 'Shatamangala' and 'Sirsi' remained low in most alkaloids throughout development. Significant genotypic variation and distinct developmental trajectories were observed, identifying 'Mangala' as the most alkaloid-rich genotype. To contextualize these alkaloid patterns within overall seed composition, physicochemical properties, fatty acid profiles, antioxidant activity, and total polyphenol content were also evaluated across genotypes. These findings provide a biochemical basis for cultivar selection, value addition, and breeding strategies aimed at optimizing arecanut alkaloid composition.
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