S Agrahari, D Sharma, S Pal, US Pal and NP Yadav

The consumption of areca nut (Areca catechu) has been a cultural and social practice in many South Asian countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, the Philippines, etc., for a long time. In India, areca nut is generally used in the preparation of gutka and paan or betel quid. The composition of gutka includes tobacco, crushed areca nut and various spices, whereas the preparation of paan is accompanied by slaked lime, betel leaves and other flavouring agents, with tobacco being optional. The chewing of areca nut is addictive and may contribute to the development of various oral diseases or disorders, including Oral Submucous Fibrosis (OSMF). According to World Health Organisation statistics, more than 5 million people suffer from OSMF globally. In particular, the Indian population is the most affected among all South Asian countries; therefore, it is referred to as ‘Indian’ disease. The reason behind this predominant incidence in Indian natives and emigrants is clearly indicated by the habitual consumption of gutka and panmasala…read more on NOPR