Ancient chewers: betel nut use reaches 25,000 years ago
Summary and headline written by AI from the source article. How we work
Researchers studying remains from Sulawesi, Indonesia, determined that people chewed betel nut as early as 25,000 years ago.
The team examined teeth from two individuals, one dating back to between 25,000 and 16,000 years ago and another from 7,600 to 6,300 years ago. They found grooves on the molars of both skeletons, suggesting repeated contact with hard objects. Biomolecular analysis of the teeth also revealed evidence of exposure to areca nut, the source of betel nut.
The researchers believe these ancient people likely sucked on whole areca nuts to experience the stimulant effects of arecoline, a compound that can increase alertness and create mild euphoria. They suggest the practice may have begun as a way to relieve dental pain. The study shows that the later, more familiar practice of chewing betel quid, a combination of betel leaf, areca nut, and slaked lime, developed later.
Across Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, betel chewing became a central part of hospitality, ceremonies, and social interactions, with ingredients stored in ornate boxes. While less common today, traces of this tradition remain in language and cultural practices.
