Ancient Teeth Show Grooves Linked to Betel Nut Use, Study Finds

Researchers examining ancient human remains have identified unusual grooves in teeth that they say may be linked to the habitual use of betel nuts, according to a report by NPR News.

The findings, described in the report, suggest that the mysterious wear patterns found on the teeth could be evidence of long-term consumption of betel nuts, a plant seed known for its mind-altering properties.

Betel nuts remain widely used today in parts of Asia, where they are often chewed for their stimulant effects, NPR News reported. Health authorities have long warned about risks associated with the practice, including its links to oral health problems.

According to the report, the grooves discovered in the ancient teeth posed a puzzle for researchers before they connected the marks to patterns consistent with habitual betel nut chewing.

The research adds to a growing body of evidence on how ancient populations used psychoactive plants, offering insight into cultural practices that in some cases persist in modified form today, NPR News noted.

NPR News did not specify the exact origin, age, or location of the remains examined in the study, nor did it name the researchers or institutions involved in the findings as detailed in the available report.