Скачать или смотреть 🌿 Ancient Highs Scientists Find World’s Oldest Betel Nut Traces in Bronze Age Teeth

A groundbreaking study reveals chemical traces of betel nut—a natural stimulant—in 4,000-year-old dental plaque from Thailand, offering the earliest direct evidence of psychoactive plant use in Southeast Asia. Here’s why this discovery rewrites history:

🔍 Key Findings:
✔️ Biomolecular proof: Arecoline & arecaidine detected in Bronze Age teeth (Nong Ratchawat site)
✔️ No stains? No problem: Advanced plaque analysis uncovered habits invisible to traditional archaeology
✔️ Recreated ancient "chews" using betel nut, limestone paste, and leaves for comparison
✔️ Cultural significance: Betel chewing may date back millennia earlier than previously thought

🦷 Why Dental Plaque Matters:

"Chemical time capsule": Preserves plant compounds for thousands of years

Reveals rituals, trade, and daily life without relying on artifacts

Could detect other ancient psychoactives (tobacco, coca, etc.)

🌏 Bigger Implications:

Challenges assumptions about early drug use in Asia

Connects modern traditions to deep cultural roots

Method could revolutionize studies of ancient diets & medicine

📜 Study: Frontiers in Environmental Archaeology (DOI: 10.3389/fearc.2025.1622935)

#Archaeology #Anthropology #BetelNut #BronzeAge #SoutheastAsia

💬 Should we rethink how ancient cultures used stimulants?
[👍] Yes – it was likely widespread!
[👎] No – this is just one case

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