| Abstract: |
28 male operators of earth movers, with an average age of 30 years after chewing various quantities of betel not, volunteered to participate in a laboratory study of visual choice-reaction time, digit span, eye-hand coordination, pulse rate, and blood pressure. Analysis of variance identified a statistically significant increase in pulse rate only. Given no significant decrement in scores on any work-related measure discussion concerns the possible use of betel put at the work place and particularly as an antidore for drivers fatigue. Limitations of the study, implications of the findings, and suggestions for research are discussed. used burnt coral for lime. pg 452 here is conflicting evidence as to whether its properties are narcotic-like, stimulating or depressing. McCarthy (1933) referred tobetel nut as a primitive narcotic. Raghaven and Baruah (1956) described the alkaloids ofbetel nut as having narcotic effects. It betel nut is a narcotic, chewing it should be associated with narcotic-like behavior. Blum (1984:54) stated that narcotics generally depress the central nervious sytem. This depression leads to a significant reduction in pain and physical activity and creates drowsiness. pg 454 betel nut has also been described as a stimulant. Burton-Bradley (1966, 1979) suggested that betel nut, the main components of which are arecoline and arecaidine,acted as a central nervous system stimulant. Indeed, McCarthy (1933) observed himself after chewing only one betel quid and noted that his pulse rose 62 to 92 beats per minute and sustained that pulse for 5 minutes. The later addition of a second nut did not increase pulse beyond the level reached after chewing one nut. Only two published articles were found on the ffects of betel chewing on reaction time (Price and Gion 1974
Stricherz and Pratt 1976). pg 457 no pubihed research was found on the speed and duration of the quid effects, from the authors personal experience, observations, and informal discussions with experienced chewers, ...pschophysiological effects of betel quid chewing seem to occur within a few minutes after ingestion. pg 459 there was not signifcant difference in visual choice reaction-time, digit span, eye-hand coordination, and blood pressure.... Betel nut chewing had a significant influence, increasing pulse rate after chewing either 1 or 1.5 nuts. pg 461 These results confirm those of Frewer (1990) and McCarthy (1933) who also found that heart rate was significantly elevated at low dosages of betel nut. In other words, there is every likelihood that chewing betel nut may improve their state of arousal or alertness.
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