Biological effects of Areca catechu: The Areca nut has been known for a long time for its narcotic-analgesic, sedative and antidepressant properties (Dar and Khatoon, 2000; Pichini et al., 2005). In rural communities and regions where there is a food deficit, it is used as an appetite suppressant (Strickland et al., 2003). Lopez-Vilchez et al. (2006) reported a case of neonatal withdrawal syndrome in an infant born to a woman who was a chronic A. catechu nut user