Arecoline
Arecoline is a natural
organic compound which is an
alkaloid found in
betel nuts from the betel palm (
Areca catechu). It is an oily liquid that is soluble in water, alcohols, and ether.
In many Asian cultures, the betel nut is chewed to obtain a stimulating effect. Arecoline is the primary active ingredient responsible for the central nervous system affects which are roughly comparable to those of
nicotine, which has a similar chemical structure. Arecoline is known to be an agonist of
muscarinic receptors, which is believed to be the primary cause of its
sympathetic effects.
Arecoline has also been used medicinally as an
antihelmintic (a drug against parasitic worms).
