Journal of Natural Remedies

S. Krishnakumar , V. S. Geetha , A. Kuruvilla

Abstract

Objective: (1) To evaluate the local anesthetic activity of betel leaf and assess the effect of betel nut on such effect and (2) to observe local anesthetic activity after autoclaving the extracts of betel leaf. Materials and methods: Extracts of plain betel leaf with betel nut, with and without autoclaving, were tested for surface and infiltration anesthetic activities using rabbits and guines pigs. The results were compared with normal saline control and xylocaine drug control. Results: Betel leaf showed dose-dependant infiltration anesthetic activity comparable with xylocaine. As a surface anesthetic, the onset was as quick as xylocaine and the duration was shorter than xylocaine. Betel nut significantly reduced the infiltration activity and abolished the surface anesthetic activity of betel leaf. Autoclaving did not result in any loss of activity. Conclusion: Betel leaf has potent local anesthetic action both by surface and infiltration techniques. This effect is reduced by the addition of betel nut but not lost on autoclaving.

Keywords

Piper Betel, Areca Catechu, Local Anesthetic Activity

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N. Kaushik , V. S. Geetha , K. Alice

Abstract

Plain betel leaf extract is reported to produce local anesthesia by surface and infiltration techniques. Objective: (1) to explore the effect of betel leaf extract on conduction of nerve impulse and (2) to evaluate its potency as compared to 2% xylocaine. Materials & Methods: The extract (12 to 15 ml) was prepared by squeezing ground betel leaf paste. An in situ gastrocnemius-sciatic nerve preparation was made on both the legs of a pithed frog and necessary electrical and kymograph connections were made. Xylocaine or betel leaf extract (0.2 ml) was applied on the sciatic nerve of one side and the other side served as control. The response to the electrical stimulus given proximal to the site of application alternatively on both sides was recorded on the same drum, until there was no response. Then the drug was washed off and recovery recorded. Results: Betel leaf extract produced statistically significant conduction block anesthesia of slow onset (25 min as against 2 min with xylocaine) and fast recovery (2 min as against 44 min with xylocaine) . The extract was found to possess 25% of the local anesthetic activity of xylocaine. Conclusions: Betel leaf extract produced a conduction block anesthesia of slow onset and quick recovery. It is less potent than xylocaine in this regard.

Keywords

Piper betel, Conduction Block Anesthesia and Modified Technique

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