The Arecanut Research and Development Foundation (ARDF), Mangalore, has formulated two Ayurveda based medicinal products in which areca is one of the main ingredients. The attempt was a result of finding alternate use of arecanut.

According to a press communiqué, the foundation has formulated a syrup using areca as one of its ingredients and a herbal concoction to control diabetes and as fat reduction for obese people. Both the formulations have been development by mixing medicinal herbs with areca.

The release further maintained that the preliminary tests were conducted at the SDM Ayurveda College in Udupi, and that the tests confirmed the curing power of the two formulations.

The foundation has been conducting research on the alternative uses of areca for the past few years. The new products could have a variety of medicinal uses, according to the press communiqué.