Utilization of areca nut (Arecha catechu L) as Medicinal Plant Indonesia | 22/05/2023

Currently, the trend of forest products utilization has shifted from timber products into non-timber forest products (NTFP) and ecotourism services. NTFPs existence is very close to the community, providing livelihood, and employment. According to the Minister of Forestry Number P.35/Menhut-II/2007 concerning Non-Timber Forest Product, NTFPs are defined as biological forest products-both plant and animal products- and their derivatives and/or cultivation products other than timber obtained from the forest. The potential for NTFPs in Indonesia is quite abundant, both those that have been or yet to be utilized. There were NTFPs groups which are essential oil; resin group; group of medicinal plants and ornamental plants; fat oil, starch and fruit group; gum group, tannins, dyes, and gum; animal products group.

One of the NTFPs medicinal plant group that has been utilized, namely areca nut (Arecha catechu L). Consumption of areca nut is the original tradition of Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Taiwan and several countries in the Pacific. But this tradition is also popular in Southeast Asia. Consuming betel nut (nginang) has become part of the Indonesian ancestral tradition and it is still being done mainly in the eastern part of Indonesia. Based on the research results of Lee et al. (2011), in Indonesia the level of consumption areca nut women (47.8%) higher than men (12.4%). At a traditional eventin some areas of Indonesia such as welcoming guests, celebrating traditional births and marriages always include areca nut, which is common served with betel, gambier and lime. As well as being part of the tradition “nginang”, areca nut has also been used by the community as a traditional medicine such as to overcome indigestion and bad breath disorders.

Areca nut has economic value and potential for export commodity. Data from the Ministry of Trade (2017) states that areca nuts have been exported to several countries, including: Thailand, India, Singapore, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Vietnam and Nepal. Most of the exported areca nuts came from North Sumatra and Jambi. The export volume of areca nuts in 2016 reached 219,127 tons. Areca nut originating from Indonesia is in great demand by consumers countries. Even the areca nut from Jambi Province is one of the best in the world for its characteristic of low water content, which is below 6% (Mandala, 2017). Areca nut from Indonesia is known for its excellent quality and if accompanied with the ability to increase and maintain the production, Areca nut trade will be a promising business.  

Contributors : Retno Setyowati, Kun Estri Maharani , Oskar Krisantus Oematan