Arecanut - Genomics of Cultivated Palms - page 67

and polyphenols. Arecanut leaf sheaths (43% cellulose) are used as paper boards [23] ,
animal feed, and eco-friendly edible plates. Hence, banning of areca use can eliminate
other beneficial uses of the plant. Chemopreventive interventions are being explored
for individuals susceptible to areca-induced oral carcinogenesis. Retinoids and green
tea are among the promising agents [24-26] that provide relief to patients. Although
a large percentage of oral carcinogenic lesions did respond to such treatments, recur-
rence of the lesions after terminating the chemopreventive regime has been observed
[27] , perhaps due in part to continuation of the addictive habit. Computational metabo-
lomics research is needed to identify the compounds that can provide effective long-
term relief to areca addictive oral cancer patients.
6.7 Road Map for Areca Genomics
Areca is a unique palm with multiple medicinal uses but abused for arecoline only.
Molecular markers (a limited number of RAPD and SSRs) are currently available. A
dwarf mutant areca palm was seen in Hirehalli at South Canara District of Karnataka,
India. It is a 40-year palm but attained only 4.57 m height and had compressed inter-
nodes with medium-size and slightly elongated nuts [28] . Dwarf palms have shorter
stature ( Figures 6.4 and 6.5 ) with compact internode than normal tall palms with long
internodes ( Figures 6.6 and 6.7 ). Central Plantation Crops Research Institute Regional
Station (CPCRI RS) at Vittal South Canara District of Karnataka, India, maintains
a large germplasm of the crop. The center also has developed many improved cul-
tivars and engages in breeding dwarf, early bearing, and high-yielding hybrids. A
large number of codominant markers have to be generated for characterizing diversity
Figure 6.4 Dwarf areca palm.