A review: Nutritional and nutraceuticals properties of betel leaves (Piper betle L.)

Abstract

Piper betel (locally known as Paan) belongs to the Piperaceae or pepper family and many health benefits bonded with it. Betel leaves are highly nutritive and contain considerable amount of vitamins and minerals, especially calcium, iron, potassium and β-carotene. The betel leaves possess therapeutic activities such as antioxidant activity, anti-microbial, anti-ulcerogenic, anti-haemolytic activity, anti-diabetic, immune-modulatory, anti-inflammatory, gastro protective, radio protective and cytotoxicity activity. Most of the therapeutic activities of betel leaves are due to presence of antioxidants. Scientific research on the betel leaves revealed that due to its beneficial bioactivities it has a great potential to be used in developing commercial products of enhanced medicinal and nutritional value. Many products were developed by incorporation of betel leaves such as ladoo, cutlets, namkeen, khakhra and papad. Therefore, we can use betel leaves in our day to day life to reduce the risk of many diseases. It has great potential to be incorporate in development of value added products.