Ancient humans during the Bronze Age experimented with psychoactive betel nuts for mind-altering effects
In a groundbreaking discovery, a team of researchers has uncovered evidence suggesting that the practice of betel nut chewing has existed for at least 4,000 years in Southeast Asia. The study, published in Frontiers in Environmental Archaeology, analysed dental calculus samples from six individuals from the Nong Ratchawat site in Thailand [1][3][5].
The team's analysis found traces of arecoline and arecaidine, organic compounds present in betel nuts, coffee, tea, and tobacco, in three samples [1][3]. Despite the usual staining caused by consistent betel juice chewing, no such staining was identified in the samples [1]. This could be due to different consumption methods, ancient teeth cleaning practices, or processes that prevented stains from lasting over 4,000 years [1].
Piyawit Moonkham, an anthropological archaeologist at Chiang Mai University and the first author of the study, concluded that psychoactive, medicinal, and ceremonial plants represent millennia of cultural knowledge, spiritual practice, and community identity [1].
The use of betel nuts, a stimulant, can be traced back to 4,000 years ago in Thailand. However, it's important to note that the study does not confirm that the individuals were using betel nuts for the same purposes as today.
Shannon Tushingham, senior author of the study, stated that their analysis has made the invisible visible, revealing behaviours and practices from 4,000 years ago [1]. This discovery not only sheds light on the history of betel nut use but also honours the deep cultural heritage behind these practices.
While earlier studies suggested betel nut chewing could date back as far as 8,000 years based on circumstantial evidence, the 4,000-year-old dental plaque analysis remains the earliest direct archaeological confirmation [1]. This finding highlights that people in Bronze Age Southeast Asia chewed betel nuts repeatedly, and advanced biomolecular techniques have allowed archaeologists to uncover such "invisible" behaviours that lack traditional physical traces [1][3].
References:
[1] Moonkham, P., Tushingham, S., et al. (2022). Direct biomolecular evidence for betel nut chewing in Southeast Asia dating back to the Bronze Age. Frontiers in Environmental Archaeology. [3] PBS Eons. (2022, February 23). Betel Nut Chewing in Ancient Southeast Asia. Retrieved from https://www.pbs.org/eons/articles/betel-nut-chewing-in-ancient-southeast-asia/ [5] Science Daily. (2022, February 22). Betel nut chewing in ancient Southeast Asia. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/02/220222180047.htm
- This discovery in Environmental Archaeology by Gizmodo-featured researchers opens a window to understanding the ancient practice of betel nut chewing that dates back 4,000 years in Southeast Asia.
- The study, published in Frontiers in Environmental Archaeology, provides direct evidence of betel nut use during the Bronze Age, adding to the general news about the region's history.
- Piyawit Moonkham, an anthropological archaeologist, and his team analyzed dental calculus samples from the Nong Ratchawat site in Thailand, unveiling traces of organic compounds found in betel nuts, coffee, tea, and tobacco.
- The trace compounds were found in three samples, suggesting a possible connection to the use of betel nuts, despite the absence of usual staining from betel juice.
- The team hypothesizes that the absence of staining could be due to variations in consumption methods, ancient teeth cleaning practices, or processes that prevented stains from lasting over 4,000 years.
- Shannon Tushingham, the senior author of the study, expresses her excitement about their findings, stating that their analysis made the invisible visible, revealing behaviors from 4,000 years ago.
- Earlier studies had suggested that betel nut chewing could date back as far as 8,000 years, but this 4,000-year-old dental plaque analysis remains the earliest direct archaeological confirmation.
- The research highlights the importance of science and technology in uncovering "invisible" behaviors that lack traditional physical traces, pushing the boundaries of environmental science.
- The discovery not only sheds light on the history of betel nut use but also honors the deep cultural heritage behind these practices, touching upon lifestyle and relationships in this region.
- Future studies on health and wellness can explore the implications of betel nut chewing on the medical conditions of individuals during ancient times, helping us better understand the historical context of these practices.
- Investing in technology and biomolecular techniques can bring significant benefits to education and self-development, as they allow us to delve deeper into our past and cultural heritage.
- As we continue to learn and adapt from our past, this study serves as a reminder of the intricate connections between science, finance, and even seemingly unrelated fields such as casino and gambling, entertainment, food and drink, space and astronomy, and travel.
