Studies on betel-nut ( Areca catechu): composition and fatty acids constituents

Abstract

Dried sliced arecanuts were obtained from a local market and powdered for analysis. The proximate composition was as follows: 51.24% carbohydrates, 22.17% lignin, 2.32% pentosans, 0.97% acetyl compounds, 2.51% ash, 11.28% moisture and 10.40% extractives. Trace amounts of phthalic acid, bis(2-ethylhexyl) ester were also found. The petroleum ether extract was analysed and lauric, myristic, palmitic and stearic acids were identified; their respective contents were 17.61, 55.54, 19.44 and 7.55%.