Can herbal pan masala chews help gutka, tobacco addicts make a safe switch?
16-Jul-24 05:05:56
Despite not being recommended, frequent consumption of pan masala is common. Can herbal chews made with Ayurvedic ingredients serve as an alternative? We find out.
In India, the habitual consumption of pan masala, and other smokeless tobacco products like gutka, is prevalent in both urban and rural areas, leading to significant oral health issues and an increased risk of diseases and malignancies. Their addictive nature makes quitting challenging.
According to a research study by the National Institutes of Health (2016), the prevalence of oral precancer conditions such as leukoplakia, submucous fibrosis, erythroplakia, and lichen planus was 3.17 per cent among non-tobacco pan masala users and 12.22 per cent among tobacco users. Another study by the Indian Journal of Cancer (2015) highlighted the genotoxic effects of pan masala while noting hepatotoxicity, characterised by elevated enzyme levels and disrupted carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, as well as nephrotoxicity, indicated by increased creatinine levels and sperm deformities.
“Nicotine and other psychoactive substances in pan masala stimulate the nervous system, leading to temporary increased alertness and feelings of euphoria, followed by addiction and withdrawal symptoms like irritability and anxiety,” said Dr Ravi Kumar Jha, pulmonologist at Fortis Escorts Hospital, Faridabad. He also said that “chronic use of pan masala can weaken the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections and diseases.”
Conventional pan masala includes catechu, betel nut, powdered lime, fennel seeds, cardamom, sweeteners, mint leaves, menthol, and various flavouring agents, with or without tobacco. Dr Sushama Sumeet, Ayurveda physician and senior research fellow at the Integrated Cancer Treatment and Research Centre (ICTRC) in Pune, also said that sweeteners like khajura or dates, rose petals, gulkand, along with tobacco, are used. “These ingredients have digestive properties, hot potency, and a pleasant odour. However, regular consumption, especially with tobacco, is not recommended,” she said.
In the wake of this, alternative herbal chews made with Ayurvedic ingredients, such as herbal pan masala and gutka, have been introduced, claiming to revolutionise chewing habits.
Herbal pan masalas contain ingredients like Kaunch beeja (Mucuna pruriens seeds), tamarind, amla, turmeric, cardamom, saffron, ashwagandha, Glycyrrhiza glabra, menthol, and other beneficial herbs. “It is free from tobacco and non-addictive,” said Sumeet. Ayurvedic practitioner Dr Dixa Bhavsar Savaliya noted that these blends keep you fresh, prevent foul odour, and aid digestion, serving as a potential replacement for tobacco users by helping manage withdrawal symptoms and addiction.
Brands like Aayush Wellness, Goodka, Uttar Pradesh’s Herbi Chew, and the Government’s CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP) offer such herbal mouth fresheners. They range from Rs 295 for a pack of five to Rs 395 for 50 packets. Goodka, approved by Maharashtra’s Food & Drug Administration (FDA), uses Ayurvedic herbs and seeds to make the product more chewable and enjoyable. “The product works on habitual eating of tobacco products which will help addict people to de-addict from tobacco,” Dr Rajas Nitsure from Goodka – Anantved Research Labs, Pune, told indianexpress.com.
Things to keep in mind
Dr Roohi Pirzada, a senior physician and critical care specialist in Mumbai, stated that herbal options are safer than cancerous gutka and pan masala, but cautioned, “No pan masala is safe, with or without tobacco. Healthier switches include herbal home remedies like chewing basil.”
Even though herbal pan masalas may not contain tobacco or nicotine, “they can still lead to oral health issues such as gum disease, tooth decay, and potentially oral cancer due to high levels of lime, betel nut, and other harmful ingredients,” said, Shivani Bajwa, functional medicine expert.
She also said that some herbal ingredients might have side effects, especially in high doses. “Long-term use can also lead to dependence on the product itself. The addictive nature of gutka and tobacco is not solely due to nicotine but also to behavioral and psychological factors. Switching to herbal pan masalas may not address the underlying addiction and behavioral aspects,” Bajwa said.
Advocating the use of herbal alternatives only to those who are “addicted to pan masala,” Dixa said that overconsumption is not advised. Sumeet concurred, recommending only “limited and infrequent consumption.”
What can help you?
The best option for your health is to quit altogether, Bajwa said.
Safer Alternatives
If you are looking for a safe alternative to tobacco and gutka, here are a few options:
*Seeds and nuts: Sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, fennel seeds, or even roasted chickpeas can provide a satisfying crunch and come with health benefits.
*Flavoured chewing gum: Sugar-free chewing gum in various flavors can help freshen your breath and provide something to chew on.
Fresh fruits and vegetables: Chewing fresh fruits and vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, or apples is a healthy and hydrating way to satisfy the urge to chew.
Herbal Pan Masala chew are touted to be an alternative for tobacco containing chews (representative) (Source: Freepik)
In India, the habitual consumption of pan masala, and other smokeless tobacco products like gutka, is prevalent in both urban and rural areas, leading to significant oral health issues and an increased risk of diseases and malignancies. Their addictive nature makes quitting challenging.
According to a research study by the National Institutes of Health (2016), the prevalence of oral precancer conditions such as leukoplakia, submucous fibrosis, erythroplakia, and lichen planus was 3.17 per cent among non-tobacco pan masala users and 12.22 per cent among tobacco users. Another study by the Indian Journal of Cancer (2015) highlighted the genotoxic effects of pan masala while noting hepatotoxicity, characterised by elevated enzyme levels and disrupted carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, as well as nephrotoxicity, indicated by increased creatinine levels and sperm deformities.
“Nicotine and other psychoactive substances in pan masala stimulate the nervous system, leading to temporary increased alertness and feelings of euphoria, followed by addiction and withdrawal symptoms like irritability and anxiety,” said Dr Ravi Kumar Jha, pulmonologist at Fortis Escorts Hospital, Faridabad. He also said that “chronic use of pan masala can weaken the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections and diseases.”
Conventional pan masala includes catechu, betel nut, powdered lime, fennel seeds, cardamom, sweeteners, mint leaves, menthol, and various flavouring agents, with or without tobacco. Dr Sushama Sumeet, Ayurveda physician and senior research fellow at the Integrated Cancer Treatment and Research Centre (ICTRC) in Pune, also said that sweeteners like khajura or dates, rose petals, gulkand, along with tobacco, are used. “These ingredients have digestive properties, hot potency, and a pleasant odour. However, regular consumption, especially with tobacco, is not recommended,” she said.
In the wake of this, alternative herbal chews made with Ayurvedic ingredients, such as herbal pan masala and gutka, have been introduced, claiming to revolutionise chewing habits.
Herbal pan masalas contain ingredients like Kaunch beeja (Mucuna pruriens seeds), tamarind, amla, turmeric, cardamom, saffron, ashwagandha, Glycyrrhiza glabra, menthol, and other beneficial herbs. “It is free from tobacco and non-addictive,” said Sumeet. Ayurvedic practitioner Dr Dixa Bhavsar Savaliya noted that these blends keep you fresh, prevent foul odour, and aid digestion, serving as a potential replacement for tobacco users by helping manage withdrawal symptoms and addiction.
Brands like Aayush Wellness, Goodka, Uttar Pradesh’s Herbi Chew, and the Government’s CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP) offer such herbal mouth fresheners. They range from Rs 295 for a pack of five to Rs 395 for 50 packets. Goodka, approved by Maharashtra’s Food & Drug Administration (FDA), uses Ayurvedic herbs and seeds to make the product more chewable and enjoyable. “The product works on habitual eating of tobacco products which will help addict people to de-addict from tobacco,” Dr Rajas Nitsure from Goodka – Anantved Research Labs, Pune, told indianexpress.com.
Things to keep in mind
Dr Roohi Pirzada, a senior physician and critical care specialist in Mumbai, stated that herbal options are safer than cancerous gutka and pan masala, but cautioned, “No pan masala is safe, with or without tobacco. Healthier switches include herbal home remedies like chewing basil.”
Even though herbal pan masalas may not contain tobacco or nicotine, “they can still lead to oral health issues such as gum disease, tooth decay, and potentially oral cancer due to high levels of lime, betel nut, and other harmful ingredients,” said, Shivani Bajwa, functional medicine expert.
She also said that some herbal ingredients might have side effects, especially in high doses. “Long-term use can also lead to dependence on the product itself. The addictive nature of gutka and tobacco is not solely due to nicotine but also to behavioral and psychological factors. Switching to herbal pan masalas may not address the underlying addiction and behavioral aspects,” Bajwa said.
Advocating the use of herbal alternatives only to those who are “addicted to pan masala,” Dixa said that overconsumption is not advised. Sumeet concurred, recommending only “limited and infrequent consumption.”
What can help you?
The best option for your health is to quit altogether, Bajwa said.
Safer Alternatives
If you are looking for a safe alternative to tobacco and gutka, here are a few options:
*Seeds and nuts: Sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, fennel seeds, or even roasted chickpeas can provide a satisfying crunch and come with health benefits.
*Flavoured chewing gum: Sugar-free chewing gum in various flavors can help freshen your breath and provide something to chew on.
*Fresh fruits and vegetables: Chewing fresh fruits and vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, or apples is a healthy and hydrating way to satisfy the urge to chew.
*Hard candy: Sugar-free hard candies can help freshen your breath and provide a temporary sweet taste.
SOURCE & CREDIT: THE INDIAN EXPRESS