Areca catechu (Betel Nut Palm)

Areca catechu, commonly known as the betel nut palm, is a tropical palm cultivated throughout South and Southeast Asia. Its seed, commonly called areca or betel nut, contains alkaloids including arecoline as well as tannins and other bioactive compounds. The seed has a long history of traditional use, including as a stimulant and in preparations intended to expel intestinal parasites.

Areca catechu is not a conventional nutritional ingredient for horses. Its alkaloids are pharmacologically active and can produce significant physiological effects, so the safety margin is an important consideration. Although areca-derived materials have historical anthelmintic use in several species, modern controlled evidence in horses is limited and routine supplementation is not generally appropriate without veterinary or qualified formulation oversight.