Fact Check: Can Betel leaves cure bronchitis?

A social media post claims that Betel leaves can cure bronchitis.

Claim : A post on social media site X(formerly twitter) claims various benefits of bettle leaves including relieving cough, eliminating bad breath, preventing damage to the teeth, having immune boosting properties, treating ulcers, relieving itching & red eyes due to irritation and also having anti-cancer properties. Among them one such claim was that it can cure bronchitis.

The post can be accessed here.

Fact Check:

The claim is False.

What is Bronchitis? 

According to the American Lungs Association, “Bronchitis is the sudden development of inflammation in bronchial tubes—the major airways into your lungs. It usually happens because of a virus or breathing in something that irritates the lungs, such as tobacco smoke, fumes, dust and air pollution. (1)

Bronchitis can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term).

Acute bronchitis, which is very common, usually results, from an infection, and may be contagious. Most people recover after a few days or weeks. Chronic bronchitis is defined as lasting for at least three months and returning at least two years in a row. In chronic bronchitis, breathing can be more difficult because the airway lining stays inflamed, which leads to swelling and more mucus production.(2)

Causes of Bronchitis:

Speaking to the Medical Dialogues team Dr Kamal Kant Kohli, Chest Specialist explained  "Acute bronchitis typically results from airway inflammation due to viral infections such as the common cold, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), or COVID-19. Less commonly, it may be triggered by bacterial infections. Chronic bronchitis, on the other hand, often occurs as part of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which also includes conditions like emphysema and may coexist with asthma. Risk factors for chronic bronchitis include cigarette smoking, secondhand smoke exposure, advanced age, and exposure to certain fumes or dusts. Additionally, a family history of COPD, a personal history of respiratory diseases like asthma, cystic fibrosis, or bronchiectasis, and conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can also increase the risk."

Incidence of Bronchitis:

The recent 'Indian Study of Asthma, Respiratory Symptoms and Chronic Bronchitis' (INSEARCH) study of 85,105 men and 84,470 women from 12 urban and 11 rural sites reported the prevalence of chronic bronchitis to be 3.49% (4.29% in males and 2.7% in females) in adults > 35 years.(3)

What is betel Plant/leaf ?

Betel leaf, scientifically known as Piper betel, is a  part of the pepper family. Number of studies shows that  leaf extract, fractions, and purified compounds are found to play a role in oral hygiene, and may  have various properties including anti‑diabetic, cardiovascular, anti‑inflammatory/immunomodulatory, anti‑ulcer, hepato‑protective, anti‑infective, etc.(4) The beneficial effects of betel leaves and its products have traditionally exploited for the treatment of several diseases like bad breath, cuts, injuries, inflammations, cold cough, indigestion, etc.(5)

Can Betel leaf cure bronchitis?

Studies have shown that Betel leaf does have some anti-inflammatory properties but no scientific evidence support the claim that betel leaf can cure bronchitis.

Study by Chakraborty Piper betel is used to treat alcoholism, bronchitis, asthma, leprosy and dyspepsia. Anti‐ulcerogenic activity of Piper betel was attributed to its antioxidative property.(6)

Study by Rai et al reported Infusion prepared from the leaves and stems are supposed to be useful in treating indigestion, bronchitis, constipation, congestion, coughs and asthma.(7)

No scientific evidence or consensus in the medical fraternity supports the fact betel leaf can cure bronchitis.

Responding to the claim Dr Mrigakshi Agarwal, Pulmonologist, Sanjeevan Hospital explained " There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that betel leaf can cure bronchitis. Bronchitis, particularly the chronic form, is a serious respiratory condition often associated with long-term exposure to irritants, smoking, or underlying diseases like asthma or COPD .Betel leaf may in some cases offer some relief in reducing inflammation or helping with symptoms due to its antibacterial properties, but it should not be considered a cure. Effective management of bronchitis typically involves avoiding irritants, possibly using medications like bronchodilators, steroids, and antibiotics if an infection is bacterial. For chronic conditions, more comprehensive treatment plans including lifestyle changes and pulmonary rehabilitation might be necessary."

Medical Dialogues Final Take:

Betel leaf may in some cases provide temporary relief from some symptoms due to its soothing effects, but it is not a cure for the underlying causes of bronchitis. Hence the claim betel leaf can cure bronchitis is False.

References:

1.https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/bronchitis/learn-about-bronchitis.

2. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/bronchitis#:~:text=Bronchitis%20is%20a%20condition%20that,chronic%20(long%2Dterm).

3. Koul PA. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: Indian guidelines and the road ahead. Lung India. 2013 Jul;30(3):175-7. doi: 10.4103/0970-2113.116233. PMID: 24049249; PMCID: PMC3775194.

4.Toprani R, Patel D. Betel leaf: Revisiting the benefits of an ancient Indian herb. South Asian J Cancer. 2013 Jul;2(3):140-1. doi: 10.4103/2278-330X.114120. PMID: 24455591; PMCID: PMC3892533.

5.Banerjee, D. E. V. J. A. N. I., & Shah, B. (2014). Anti-proliferative activity of Piper betel leaf extracts on human lung cancer cell line (A549). International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 6(1), 432-435.

6.Chakraborty, D., & Shah, B. (2011). Antimicrobial, antioxidative and antihemolytic activity of Piper betel leaf extracts. International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 3(3), 192-199.

7.Rai, M. P., Thilakchand, K. R., Palatty, P. L., Rao, P., Rao, S., Bhat, H. P., & Baliga, M. S. (2011). Piper betel Linn (betel vine), the maligned Southeast Asian medicinal plant possesses cancer preventive effects: Time to reconsider the wronged opinion. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev, 12(9), 2149-2156.