Dejia Zhou
Dec 20, 2023
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Journal
Theoretical and Natural Science
Abstract
This paper investigates guvacoline, a compound found in betel nut, and its activity on acetylcholine level. Betel nuts are the chewable seeds of plant used in Chinese traditional medicine. It is commonly used all over southern Asia and the east African seaboard, being the fourth most commonly used drug in the world. It is known for being carcinogenic for throat cancer. Immediate symptoms of betel nut chewing indicate activation of the parasympathetic system, in which acetylcholine and acetylcholinesterase is involved. This paper predicts that guvacoline, found in areca nuts, increases free acetylcholine levels released from neurons by allosterically binding to acetylcholinesterase inhibiting it.