Chemical Components and Biological Activities of Areca catechu L.

Abstract

Areca catechu L. is a palm plant, widely distributed in the tropical and subtropical districts, such as southeast Asia and Hainan, Taiwan, Hunan and Fujian in China. Some studies on the chemical components (alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, triterpenes, fatty acids, etc.) and biological activities (anti-bacterial, anti-viral and antitumor, anti-oxidation, anthelmintic action, effects on the nervous system and effects on the digestive system) have been reported. This review briefly describes the research progress of the chemical components and biological activities of Areca catechu L, to provide the reference to the researchers. *Correspondence to: Jianping Yong, Xiamen Institute of Rare-earth Materials, Haixi Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China, Tel: +86-591-63173162, E-mail: jpyong@fjirsm.ac.cn