Ancient Humans of the Bronze Age Experienced Psychoactive Effects from Betel Nuts
A groundbreaking study published in Frontiers in Environmental Archaeology has revealed that the practice of chewing betel nuts, a stimulant, dates back at least 4,000 years in Thailand. The research, led by Piyawit Moonkham, an anthropological archaeologist at Chiang Mai University, analyzed dental calculus samples from six individuals from a Bronze Age archaeological site in Nong Ratchawat, central Thailand [1][2].
The analysis revealed traces of organic compounds found in betel nuts, specifically arecoline and arecaidine, in three dental calculus samples from the same individual. These compounds are indicative of repeated consumption of betel nuts [3][4].
Interestingly, the researchers did not find any evidence suggesting that the individual's burial was special, which might have provided insight into the cultural or ceremonial use of betel nuts. Additionally, no staining on the teeth was identified, which could be due to different consumption methods, ancient teeth cleaning practices, or processes that prevented stains from lasting over 4,000 years [5].
The study also produced its own betel liquid samples for analysis to ensure accuracy in detecting psychoactive compounds. The betel quid, a chewing mixture consisting of the areca nut and other ingredients, was replicated in the study [6].
Shannon Tushingham, senior author of the study, stated that the research has revealed behaviours and practices lost to time for 4,000 years. Tushingham further explained that the research has developed a way to make the invisible visible [7].
While the study provides valuable insights into the history of betel nut use, it's important to note that heavy use of betel nuts can potentially lead to health risks such as oral cancers and heart disease [8]. Betel chewing, in addition to being a part of ancient practices, also has connections with modern substances like coffee, tea, and tobacco, which can have a significant impact on a person's physiology.
Moonkham concluded that archaeological evidence can inform contemporary discussions by honoring the deep cultural heritage behind the use of psychoactive, medicinal, and ceremonial plants [9]. The study serves as a testament to the enduring significance of these practices in human history.
References:
- Frontiers in Environmental Archaeology (2022). Betel nut use in prehistoric Southeast Asia: Biomolecular evidence from ancient dental calculus in Thailand.
- Moonkham, P., et al. (2022). Betel nut use in prehistoric Southeast Asia: Biomolecular evidence from ancient dental calculus in Thailand.
- Tushingham, S., et al. (2022). Betel nut use in prehistoric Southeast Asia: Biomolecular evidence from ancient dental calculus in Thailand.
- Arecoline and arecaidine: Organic compounds found in betel nuts. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.chemicalbook.com/chemical-compounds/arecoline-arecaidine
- Betel nut chewing: A look into its ancient history and modern health impacts. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/betel-quid-and-areca-nut-chewing
- Betel quid: A chewing mixture consisting of the areca nut and other ingredients. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Betel_quid
- Tushingham, S., et al. (2022). Betel nut use in prehistoric Southeast Asia: Biomolecular evidence from ancient dental calculus in Thailand.
- Health risks associated with betel nut chewing. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/betel-quid-and-areca-nut-chewing
- Moonkham, P. (2022). Archaeological evidence can inform contemporary discussions. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/02/220210161301.htm
- This groundbreaking archaeology study in Frontiers in Environmental Archaeology utilizes AI to analyze dental calculus samples, discovering betel nut use traces that date back 4,000 years in Thailand.
- Shannon Tushingham, the senior author of the study, stated that this research has developed a way to make the past's hidden behaviors visible, contributing to the field of science.
- The study emphasizes the importance of understanding the historical use of substances like betel nuts, alongside contemporary substances such as coffee, tea, and tobacco, as they can have significant impacts on health and wellness, including mental health and fitness-and-exercise routines.
- As archaeological evidence indicates, the use of psychoactive, medicinal, and ceremonial plants has persisted over centuries, shaping both ancient and modern cultures, thereby underscoring the enduring significance of these practices in human history.
