Betel Quid without Tobacco: A Threat to Oral Health and Well-being in India

Year : 2025 | Volume : 16 | Issue : 03 | Page : 6 16
    By

    Nicky Kumar Jaiswal,

  • Mushahid ul Rehman,

  • Tahir Ahmed,

  1. Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacy, Desh Bhagat University, Mandi Gobindgarh, Punjab, India
  2. Student, Department of Pharmacy, Desh Bhagat University, Mandi Gobindgarh, Punjab, India
  3. Student, Department of Pharmacy, Desh Bhagat University, Mandi Gobindgarh, Punjab, India

Abstract

Betel quid without tobacco, a popular cultural product across India and other South and Southeast Asian nations, is often consumed for its refreshing stimulant effects during social and religious gatherings. Despite its deep cultural significance, the health hazards of betel quid – especially its strong association with oral cancers – are often overlooked. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has identified betel quid as a human carcinogen, and research from countries, such as India, Pakistan, and Taiwan, highlights a troubling link between its use and the increasing rates of oral cancer. India, with one of the highest oral cancer rates globally, faces significant public health challenges due to the widespread use of betel quid, especially in its tobacco-free form. The primary ingredient, areca nut, contains alkaloids and polyphenols that contribute to oxidative stress, inflammation, and DNA damage – critical factors in cancer development. Additionally, including lime further exacerbates these harmful effects by increasing the alkalinity of the mouth, promoting carcinogenesis. While tobacco is often mixed with betel quid in India and Pakistan, complicating the ability to assess the independent risks of areca nut and lime, Taiwan’s high prevalence of tobacco-free betel quid consumption provides clearer evidence of its potential dangers. This literature review critically examines both global and Indian perspectives on the health risks of betel quid use, shedding light on the emerging evidence linking it to cancer. Despite growing scientific awareness, the carcinogenic effects of non-tobacco betel quid remain largely neglected in public health campaigns. To reduce the burden of oral cancer, this review calls for increased awareness, more stringent regulations, and culturally sensitive interventions, particularly targeting vulnerable youth. Addressing the risks of betel quid consumption is essential for lowering oral cancer rates and improving public health outcomes across South and Southeast Asia.

Keywords: Betel quid, Areca nut, Oral cancer, Tobacco-free betel quid, Carcinogenesis

[This article belongs to Research and Reviews: A Journal of Dentistry ]

How to cite this article:
Nicky Kumar Jaiswal, Mushahid ul Rehman, Tahir Ahmed. Betel Quid without Tobacco: A Threat to Oral Health and Well-being in India. Research and Reviews: A Journal of Dentistry. 2025; 16(03):6-16.
How to cite this URL:
Nicky Kumar Jaiswal, Mushahid ul Rehman, Tahir Ahmed. Betel Quid without Tobacco: A Threat to Oral Health and Well-being in India. Research and Reviews: A Journal of Dentistry. 2025; 16(03):6-16. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/rrjod/article=2025/view=228185


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Regular Issue Subscription Review Article
Volume 16
Issue 03
Received 13/05/2025
Accepted 08/06/2025
Published 27/09/2025
Publication Time 137 Days
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