Studies on Variation in Arecoline Content of Arecanuts Collected from Different Parts of Karnataka

ABSTRACT: Arecoline is a nicotinic acid-based alkaloid found in the areca nut, the fruit of the areca palm (Areca catechu). It is an oily liquid that is soluble in water, alcohols, and ether. HPLC method is simple and rapid for determination of arecoline content in areca nut. Areca samples were collected from Shimoga, Davanagere, Chikkamagalur, Chitradurga, Dakshina kannada and Udupi districts of Karnataka, India. The collected areca samples were powdered and arecoline is extracted from samples collected from different hoblies of the districts. The extraction method was optimized to obtain pure arecoline before analysis to separate any interference in order to maximize the specificity and sensitivity of the method. The regionwise arecoline content has been compared. The concentration of arecoline varied from area to area depending on environmental factors, differential processing methods, age of the plantations, varietal differences etc.