Comparative Analysis of Bioactive Molecules in Areca Nut Sourced in Andaman islands and Main Land India

Abstract

Introduction: Increased prevalence of tobacco related products has been observed in the island territory
of Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Chewing tobacco related products is more common than smoking. The
predominant component of chewable form is areca nut. Increase in addiction than the population in mainland
India could be attributed to the differences in chemical composition of areca nut. The present study intends
to delineate the differences in the chemical constituents of areca nuts sourced from Andaman Islands and
nuts sourced from India.
Methods: Alcoholic extract of areca nuts sourced from Mettupalayam, India and Port Blair, Andaman &
Nicobar Islands were prepared. Bioactive constituents were assessed using Gas chromatography-Mass
Spectrometer.
Results: Chromatogram obtained from GC-MS analysis of the areca nuts sourced from Mettupalayam,
TamilNadu, India & Andaman Islands revealed peaks for 13 and 3 bioactive chemical compounds respectively.
Conclusion: Remarkable differences have been noted in areca nuts sourced from Andaman Islands with
significant increase in the content of arecoline. Increased arecoline content could be the basis for increased
addictive nature