Areca Alkaloids and Schizophrenia

Areca catechu Linn. is a slim monoecious palm belonging to the Arecaceae family. This plant, native to South East Asia, has been used since time immemorial time for its psychotropic and therapeutic properties. Areca fruits and seeds contain various biochemical substances including polyphenols, fats, vitamins, and parasympathomimetic alkaloids. Areca consumption can produce psychostimulant effects such as euphoria, well-being, and increased capacity to work. However, chronic consumption has been associated with various diseases such as oral precancer and cancer, metabolic syndrome, bronchospasm, and myocardial infarction. In the 1970s, some authors hypothesized the use of areca as antipsychotic for the treatment of schizophrenia. Clinical studies currently available suggest that areca consumption can produce some benefits in schizophrenic patients. In this chapter we describe the pharmacological properties of this plant, focusing our attention on the correlation between schizophrenia and areca consumption.