The effect of betel quid chewing on the Achilles tendon reflex time.

This study investigated the effect of betel quid chewing on the somatic motor pathway (Achilles tendon reflex time). The subjects, 48 healthy male volunteers, were divided into 4 groups: a control group; first-time chewers; occasional chewers; and habitual chewers. The Achilles reflex time (ART) of the subjects was taken 5 minutes after ingestion of the quid preparation and their pulse rate and respiratory rate were also recorded. The results show that betel quid chewing reduced the ART and increased the pulse rate and respiratory rate. It can be concluded that betel quid chewing causes a transient peripheral stimulation of the somatic motor pathway with a resultant hyperreflexia.