Review Article
Year: 2022 | Month: November | Volume: 12 | Issue: 11 | Pages: 251-254
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20221132
A Short Overview on Significance of Betel Leaf (Piper betle) And Its Applications
Avdhoot Pandit1, Prof. Dr. Abhijit Joshi2
1Research Assistant, Department of Ayurveda & Yoga, Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth, Pune, India
2Professor & Dean Faculty of Ayurveda, Department of Ayurveda & Yoga, Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth, Pune, India
Corresponding Author: Avdhoot Pandit
ABSTRACT
Betel leaf (Piper betle) is a well-known medicinal plant found in Asia. It belongs to the family Piperaceae. It has many commercial applications in medical field, industrial field, and pharmaceutical field. Betel leaf is an excellent source of antioxidants, phytochemicals and has cooling and refreshing properties. There are 90 varieties of betel leaf found all over the world, of which 45 varieties are found in India. It is cost-effective, safe, and easily available in any season. Betel leaf has many properties as anti-fungal, anti-septic, anti-microbial, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, anti-allergic, anti-fertility, anti-filarial, wound healing and anti-dermatophytic. It also prevents gastrointestinal infections due to its immunomodulatory effect. It may be useful in the treatment of diabetes by maintaining the blood sugar levels. Traditionally it is used in the religious ceremonies to celebrate the events. Betel leaf is widely used for chewing practices in most countries after commencement of the meal to improve digestion. Ayurveda suggests consuming betel leaf after the commencement of meal is wholesome as it promotes digestion, cleanses mouth, removes excessive cough and maintains weight. The review was conducted to recollect the benefits of betel leaf in order to portray the significance which will benefit the mankind.
Key words: Betel leaf (Piper betle), Tambul (Paan), anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic and food spoilage