Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Potentially malignant disorders (PMD) like oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) often precede Oral Squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). OSMF is etiologically related to chewing of areca nut (betel nut) and its commercial products, a habit prevalent in India and South-East Asia. The increased prevalence of OSMF in the last two decades or so corresponds with the increased processing and commercialization of areca nut products. This review aims to provide an insight into the production of raw areca nut, the chemical constituents and its various processed forms. Importantly, the role of specific constituents in the pathogenesis of OSMF is also discussed.