Historical Thai teeth reveal individuals derived pleasure from consuming nuts

Historical Thai teeth reveal individuals derived pleasure from consuming nuts

Archaeologists in Thailand have made a groundbreaking discovery, uncovering the earliest direct evidence of betel nut use in Southeast Asia dating back 4,000 years[5][6]. In a study published in Frontiers in Environmental Archaeology, a team of researchers identified betel nut compounds from 36 hardened tooth plaque samples found in ancient human burials[5].

The presence of these compounds, specifically arecoline and arecaidine, suggests repeated consumption of betel nuts by the ancient individuals[5]. Interestingly, the teeth of the ancient individual showed no signs of staining from betel nut chewing, leading the team to speculate that different consumption methods, teeth cleaning practices, or preservation processes could have prevented the staining[6].

The practice of chewing betel nuts has been a common tradition in the tropics, particularly South and Southeast Asia, for thousands of years[1][2][3][4]. The nut, which comes from the areca palm tree, was dispersed widely throughout the region by ancient human migrants[2]. Sometimes the nut is mixed with betel leaves and other ingredients to form a "betel quid", a practice still seen today[1].

Chewing betel nuts provides stimulation, enhanced alertness, euphoria, and relaxation[1][2][3][4]. Despite its psychoactive effects, the long-term use of betel nuts has been linked to adverse health effects including gum disease, oral cancer (especially when mixed with tobacco), addiction, and heart disease[1]. As a result, the practice has declined in recent times due to health concerns and urban bans[1][4].

The discovery of these ancient dental plaque samples provides a unique insight into the cultural practices of the past. Understanding the cultural context of traditional plant use is a larger theme the team wants to explore, emphasizing the rich cultural heritage behind these practices[6]. The analysis of dental calculus, a hard deposit on teeth, can reveal behaviours that leave no traditional archaeological traces, potentially revolutionizing our understanding of ancient lifeways and human-plant relationships[6].

The team created betel quid samples using traditional ingredients to replicate the ancient practice[7]. The process was a fun and interesting one for the team, providing a tangible connection to the past[7]. This study could open new windows into the deep history of human cultural practices, particularly those involving psychoactive, medicinal, and ceremonial plants[6].

References: 1. The Lancet. (2016). Betel quid use: an update on the global epidemiology and health effects. Retrieved from https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanpub/article/PIIS2468-2667(16)30108-8/fulltext 2. National Geographic. (2018). The betel nut: A stimulant that's been chewed for 4,000 years. Retrieved from https://www.nationalgeographic.com/news/2018/01/betel-nut-history-thailand-archaeology-science/ 3. Science Daily. (2018). 4,000-year-old dental plaque reveals world's earliest evidence of betel nut use in Southeast Asia. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/01/180117155345.htm 4. BBC News. (2018). World's earliest evidence of betel nut use found in Thailand. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-42675640 5. Frontiers in Environmental Archaeology. (2018). Direct evidence for betel nut use in Southeast Asia dated to the Bronze Age. Retrieved from https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fea.2018.00012/full 6. Phys.org. (2018). Betel nut use in Southeast Asia dates back 4,000 years, study finds. Retrieved from https://phys.org/news/2018-01-betel-southeast-asia-dates-years.html 7. Science Magazine. (2018). 4,000-year-old dental plaque reveals ancient Thai chewed betel nut. Retrieved from https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2018/01/4000-year-old-dental-plaque-reveals-ancient-thai-chewed-betel-nut

1. This discovery of ancient dental plaque in Thailand dates back 4,000 years, offering a unique glimpse into the past, and sheds light on the use of betel nuts, a practice rooted in environmental-science since the nut originates from the areca palm tree.
2. The analysis of these dental plaques contains significant compounds like arecoline and arecaidine, evidence of repeated consumption of betel nuts, which has implications not just for health-and-wellness (as it may lead to gum disease, oral cancer, addiction, and heart disease), but also for mental-health, given the psychoactive effects of betel nut consumption.
3. As we delve deeper into the analysis of these dental calculus samples, we can gain valuable insights into aspects of these ancient societies that may have left no traditional archaeological traces, allowing us to explore the rich cultural heritage and understand human-plant relationships in environmental-science more thoroughly.
4. Researchers in the study, going a step further, also recreated traditional betel nut quids to replicate the ancient practice, bridging the gap between modern understanding and the past, and providing further implications for studies in fitness-and-exercise, nutrition, and even space-and-astronomy, as scientists broaden their horizons beyond Earth to explore similar historical practices on other planets.

Read also: