Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Betel leaves (Piper betle) have a long history of use in various traditional medicinal systems across South and Southeast Asia. One of their traditional uses includes the management of body odor. In Ayurveda and other folk medicine practices, betel leaves are believed to have deodorizing, antimicrobial, and astringent properties. They are sometimes applied topically in the form of crushed leaves or infusions, or added to bath water, with the aim of reducing unpleasant body odor. The rationale is largely based on the aromatic compounds present in betel leaves, such as eugenol and chavicol, which can impart a pleasant scent and may inhibit odor-causing bacteria on the skin.

From a scientific perspective, there is limited but suggestive evidence to support these traditional claims. Some studies have demonstrated the antimicrobial effects of betel leaf extracts against various bacteria, including those responsible for body odor (such as Staphylococcus species). However, direct clinical trials evaluating the effectiveness of betel leaf in reducing body odor in humans are lacking. Thus, while the traditional use is widespread and supported by preliminary laboratory studies, robust clinical evidence is still insufficient. The current rating reflects this gap between tradition and scientific validation.

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