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     The search for developing alternate uses for arecanut is based on finding best use for the various components of the nut, and its traditional, Industrial and medicinal uses.

1. ARECANUT
    Arecanut is already made available in the market with different varieties such as powdered quality, scented one, ‘gutkha’ and mava with tobacco mix, sweet and masala form and roasted small pieces in an attractive sachets. Still, there is lot of opportunity and potentiality of introducing, in the form of pieces or powder in different colors by adding its value with spices and chilly powder (Spicy and pungent arecanut) in a satches. In order to boost pan-beeda market in the domestic as well as foreign, long lasting ready made pans may be made available in the attractive healthy  packs or containers. Another possibility is existing that it could be developed as chewing gum. For this, necessary research may be undertaken. If it is achieved, market could be captured easily. Further, exploiting its physical and chemical properties, production of ideal mouth freshner could be thought of, to attract the attention of Multinational Companies. Aesthetically, attractive and imaginative novelties can be made from arecanut taking advantage of the natural color and having variation on the surface. For instance, it can be used for preparing toys for small babies, statues and different show case pieces by giving fine art touch on it. It can be also utilized in the production of various show case pieces, like paper weight. Considering its rich chemical and physical properties, already conducted pilot research in Mizoram State had promised that it could be useful in extracting liquor. Another experiment conducted in CFTRI- Mysore in Karnataka proved that it could be used in preparing beverage with betel leaves.

2. TANNINS (‘CHOGARU’)
    Tannins is obtained as a by-product from the process of preparing immature batelnuts for masticatory purposes. The sediments found in the tannin when it is dried, is called arecanut dust. Tannins in arecanut were being used for dyeing clothes and roaps and also used for tanning leather. It can be used as an adhesive in plyboard manufacture. Another possible use of areca tannins is as a safe food coloring agent. Black writing ink of acceptable quality may be prepared. Further, it is also useful in protecting house hold furniture. So that, necessary research may be undertaken to prepare acceptable wood oil with the help of tannins using it as a major ingredient. Department of chemistry of Delhi University and chemical Technology, University of Bombay had undertaken study to identify the properties of tannins to find out to its alternative uses.

4.    ARECANUT HUSK AND ITS UTILITY :
      Husk is the outer cover of the areca fruit which include 50-75 percent of the total volume and weight of the fruits. About 150000 tonnes of dry husk can be estimated annually in India. It is now every where in India being largely wasted except for being used as an inferior fuel, mulching and in manure. It was used in Indochina and Philippines for herbal tooth brushes. The biochemistry and physical properties of the husk have been studied by Baruah, Raghavan and Murthy (1957) and at the jute Technological Research Laboratory (JRIL) Calcutta. The husk is anatomically divided into 3 zones. The outer layer covered with cuticle, the middle layer which encloses the fibres, and the hard and stony inner layer addressed to the nut. JRTL having studied the physical properties of areca husk, identified its tenacity, fineness and textural rigidity. Based on the various tests, it proposed that fiber content could be used for making such items as thick, boards, fluffy cushions and non woven fabrics. Several studies have been carried out particularly in the Forest Research Institute (F.R.I.) Dehradun to see arecanut husk could be utilized for preparing hard board and plastics. As a result, it has been proved that plastic and hard boards of satisfactory strength and water repellent material can be made from areca husk. It can be also used in preparing boxes, cushioned envelops, soft boards, pillow, beds, etc., ‘The studies carried out at the Central Food Technology Research Institute (CFTRI) Mysore (Karnataka) proved that areca husk could be chemically pulped and  it can be used to prepare craft paper. However, to exploit the utility of areca husk, in this line, problems of transporting husk to the factory point and the high costs of chemicals required for digesting the husk are appeared to be major one while using it commercially. ‘Possibilities of producing activated carbon from the husk is offered promising result. Possibilities exist also for using areca husk as a manure, as it contains 1.0-1.1 percent N2, 0.4-0.5 percent P2O2 and 1.0 fl.5 percent K2o. Therefore, it could be a good organic manure if properly composted, however, advanced research is suggested, since it is resistant to microbial-degradation. Another possibility is that it can be used as raw material for preparing ready-made toys, flowers, garlands and decorative ornaments and many types of show case pieces.

            Arecanut has long history and reputation in India, China and Philippines as it has been extensively used as an anthelminitic in men and particularly in veterinary practices. The fresh nut has intoxicating properties and produces giddiness, the ripe nut is astringent and is now used only in veterinary practice as a vermicide. VAGBHATA’S (4th Century A.D.) reference to arecanut is probably the earliest reference in any text. He describes its use in the treatment of leucoderma, leprosy, cough, fits worms, anaemia and obesity. Arecanut is recommended as a Purgative and in an ointment for the treatment of nasal ulcers along with other ingredients. BHAVAMISRA(13th Century) recommended the use of arecanut for its appetizing and stimulating properties. Mr. WATT (1889) suggested that arecanut powder could be used as anthelmintic for dogs to expel tape worms and thread worms. NADAKARNI (1908) mentions that arecoline which is isolated from arecanut, resembles muscarine and produces a fall in a blood pressure. The trincture of nut is used for bleeding gums after diluting with water. The juice of tender leaves mixed with oil is applied in case of lumbago and decoction of the root cures sore lips. DESAI (1927) reported that roasted arecanut is useful in dysentery. CHOPRA (1933) mentioned that the nut is useful in bookworm infection. It is evident that, arecanut has long been in use as medicine in India along with other parts of the palm. The arecanut decoction had been found to be effective in taenia infections. It was used for the treatment of helminthic infection in both human beings and animals, in combination with other drugs. SIA. (1959) recommended arecanut decoction and magnesium sulphate as a purgative after a prior treatment with pumpkin seed powder. Arecoline contents of arecanut is used in an antisnoring composition, which was formulated into gargles and tablets. (KHOE, 1975) BASU, BASKAR and (1942) have reported that lime with nut chewing meets calcium deficiency of Indian diet.
        In view of the above, in brief, it can be summarized that arecanut and its components with other elements, could be used in human medicines like thread worms, tape worms, skin problems, cough, fits, anaemia, obesity, nasal ulsers, appetizing effect, blood pressure, bleeding gums, sore lips dysentery, hook worms, taenio infections helminthic infections, purgative effects and for calcium deficiencies. Apart from this, it can be also use din veterinary medicine in expelling worms, skin problems soaring, bleeding problems, bleeding gums, hook worms thread and tape worms. Even areca components could be used to prepare medicines in Synus, Gangrin, Herfis, Tooth-ache, Virus diseases. It could be a best medicine for itching problems due to skin diseases, so that effective blood purifier can be prepared.

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