Investigating how alcohol and menthol affect the metabolism of arecoline from betel nut.
Official title: Mechanisms of alcohol and menthol dependent pharmaco-neurological interactions with arecoline, an addictive and toxic areca (betel) nut xenobiotic
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston · NIH-11146668 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how arecoline, a substance in betel nut, interacts with alcohol and menthol to see if drinking alcohol affects how your body breaks down arecoline, which could be harmful, especially for people who use these substances together.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $387,189 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DA056544-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11146668 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who consume arecoline and alcohol, particularly those from migrant and refugee communities where arecoline use is prevalent.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not consume arecoline or alcohol may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the interactions between arecoline, a psychoactive substance found in betel nut, and other commonly abused substances like alcohol and menthol. It aims to understand how these substances affect the metabolism of arecoline, particularly focusing on how alcohol can inhibit its breakdown, potentially leading to harmful effects. The study will involve identifying the enzymes responsible for metabolizing arecoline and examining the consequences of its accumulation in the body when combined with alcohol and menthol. By shedding light on these interactions, the research seeks to improve health outcomes for individuals who abuse arecoline and alcohol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment options for individuals struggling with substance abuse involving arecoline and alcohol.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific interactions being studied may be novel, there is existing research indicating significant health risks associated with the combined use of psychoactive substances.
Where this research is happening
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University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Myers, Alan L — University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
- Study coordinator: Myers, Alan L
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.