Changes in polyphenoland arecoline contents in Areca catechu genotypes during maturity

The consequence on different maturity stages and genotypes on polyphenol, condensed tannins and arecoline content of arecanut were investigated. The content of polyphenol, condensed tannins and arecoline showed significant differences among months and decrease in content of polyphenol was found during fruit attaining maturity or ripe stage in arecanut genotypes. The arecanut genotypes showed a marked increase in condensed tannins (CT) content beginning from the 3 month (very tender stage) while a marked decrease 20% to 40% in CT was observed in semi ripe and fully ripen stages. The ratio of CT to total polyphenol (TP) was found to be 40–50% for entire growth period which gives an indication of the relative proportions of CT. Ripe arecanut showed high arecoline content than unripe arecanut. Moderate arecoline content was recorded in at semiripe stage (6 month) in arecanut. With respect to arecanut maturity stages, tender nut stage (6–7 month) may be ideal stage for arecanut chewing purpose which also showed lower arecoline content and this stage may also be ideal for optimum extraction of polyphenol and CT for pharmacological uses.