News - Ancient Betel Nut Use Discovered on Sulawesi

In a groundbreaking discovery, archaeologists have uncovered the earliest known evidence of psychoactive substance use by hunter-gatherers on Indonesia's Sulawesi island. This revelation comes from a detailed examination of two ancient human skeletons dating back 25,000 years. The analysis, published in Science Advances, reveals unique patterns of tooth wear and damage, indicative of habitual betel nut consumption. The nuts contain arecoline, a compound with significant psychoactive effects. This evidence suggests that prehistoric populations engaged in the regular consumption of these substances long before the advent of agriculture. Betel nut use persisted throughout Asian history and remains prevalent across South and Southeast Asia today. The findings not only broaden our understanding of early human diet and culture but also reshape the timeline of psychoactive substance use in human history.