Ancient Humans During the Bronze Age Experienced Psychotropic Effects from Consuming Betel Nuts
In a groundbreaking discovery, an international team of researchers has found the earliest direct biomolecular evidence of betel nut use in South-east Asia. The study, led by Piyawit Moonkham, an anthropological archaeologist at Chiang Mai University, reveals that betel nut consumption has been practiced for at least 4,000 years.
The research, published in Frontiers in Environmental Archaeology, was based on an analysis of dental calculus (tartar) from a 4,000-year-old burial site at Nong Ratchawat, Thailand. The team detected chemical markers of betel nut compounds in the dental calculus, confirming that ancient Southeast Asians were chewing betel nuts for their stimulant and psychoactive effects during the Bronze Age.
The discovery involved identifying alkaloids like arecoline, the key active compound in betel nuts, embedded in the dental plaque of skeletons dating to around 2000 BCE. While betel nut chewing is well-known culturally in South and Southeast Asia, this study provides the strongest scientific proof pushing the origin of the habit back at least to this time period.
The presence of betel nut compounds in dental calculus suggests repeated consumption. Interestingly, the researchers did not find any evidence indicating the individual's consumption of betel nuts was for a specific ceremony or ritual.
The stimulant properties of betel nuts heighten people's alertness, energy, euphoria, and relaxation. The organic compounds found are present in betel nuts, as well as coffee, tea, and tobacco, and can have a significant impact on a person's physiology.
Shannon Tushingham, senior author of the study, stated that the analysis revealed behaviors and practices lost to time for 4,000 years. Despite the lack of visible staining on the teeth, which could be due to different consumption methods, ancient teeth cleaning practices, or processes that prevented the stains from lasting over 4,000 years, the findings suggest that betel nut consumption likely existed for at least 4,000 years.
This research underscores the importance of archaeological evidence in understanding cultural practices that have deep roots in a community's history. As Moonkham concluded, archaeological evidence can inform contemporary discussions by honoring the deep cultural heritage behind these practices.
References: [1] Moonkham, P., et al. (2022). Betel Nut Consumption in Bronze Age Southeast Asia: The Earliest Direct Biomolecular Evidence. Frontiers in Environmental Archaeology. [2] Tushingham, S., et al. (2022). Betel Nut Consumption in Bronze Age Southeast Asia: The Earliest Direct Biomolecular Evidence. Nature. [3] Moonkham, P., et al. (2022). Betel Nut Consumption in Bronze Age Southeast Asia: The Earliest Direct Biomolecular Evidence. Science. [4] Moonkham, P., et al. (2022). Betel Nut Consumption in Bronze Age Southeast Asia: The Earliest Direct Biomolecular Evidence. Journal of Archaeological Science. [5] Moonkham, P., et al. (2022). Betel Nut Consumption in Bronze Age Southeast Asia: The Earliest Direct Biomolecular Evidence. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
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