Effect of copper-based fungicide (bordeaux mixture) spray on the total copper content of areca nut: Implications in increasing prevalence of oral submucous fibrosis

Abstract

Background:Potentially malignant disorders like oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) often precede oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The rate of transformation of OSMF to OSCC ranges from 3 to 19%. OSMF is etiologically related to chewing of areca nut (betel nut), and the high copper content in areca nut plays an important role in the pathogenesis of the disorder. Even though many studies estimated and confirmed increased copper levels in areca nuts, studies tracing the source of the increased copper content are scarce. Interestingly, on review of agricultural literature, it was found that most of the areca nut plantations in South India commonly use a copper-based fungicide, bordeaux mixture (BM).Aim:The aim of the study was to estimate and compare the copper content in areca nuts from plantations with and without copper-based fungicide usage.Materials and Methods:Four areca nut plantations from Dakshina Kannada district, Karnataka (group A) and four plantations from Ernakulam district, Kerala (group B) were selected for the study. The plantations from Karnataka used copper-based fungicide regularly, whereas the latter were devoid of it. Areca nut samples of three different maturities (unripe, ripe, and exfoliated) obtained from all plantations were dehusked, ground, and subjected to atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) for copper analysis.Results:There was statistically significant difference in the copper content of areca nuts from both groups. The areca nuts from plantations treated with copper-based fungicide showed significantly higher copper levels in all maturity levels compared to their counterparts in the other group (P < 0.05).Conclusions:The high copper content in areca nut may be related to the copper-based fungicide treatment on the palms. These areca nuts with high copper content used in quid or commercial products may be responsible for the increasing prevalence of OSMF.

Development and Evaluation of an In Vitro Test System for Toxicity Screening of Aerosols Released from Consumer Products and First Application to Aerosols from a Hair Straightening Process

“…The so-called Bordeaux-solution is in use as a fungicide and is made responsible for effects on inhalation such as interstitial pulmonary lesions and fibro-hyaline nodules very similar to those found in silicosis. 28 Hence, both substances can be classified as positive controls in this in vitro inhalation model both for induction of cell toxicity and irritancy.…”

“…[25][26][27] Known effects include severe eye irritation, irritation of respiratory tract, severe irritation of mucous membranes, congestion, and lung inflammation, as well as degenerative changes in the lung. [28][29][30] SDS has applications in household products for cleaning and hygiene based on its…”

Serum aflatoxin B1 antibody titer, percent hemolysis and transaminases in oral submucous fibrosis

“…He reported that increased concentration of copper in ripened areca nut is due to its less moisture content compared with unripe areca nut. [ 58 ] The above facts demonstrate that the toxic component of areca nut, tobacco and Aflatoxin which target the hepatocytes as indicated by raised serum transaminases indicative of liver damage in OSMF. The combined effects of arecholine and AFB 1 on RBC might be responsible for increased percent hemolysis in OSMF and habitual control group [ Figure 1 ].…”

Greener Methods of Control for Microbial Diseases of Pomegranate Using Copper Oxide Nanoparticles and Betel Leaf Extract

“…Aseptically loopful of sample was taken and placed on DCPA selective medium (Peptone 3.5g%, K2HPO4 0.1g%, MgSO4.7H20. 0.05g%, Dichloran 0.004g% Chloramphenicol 0.02g% agar-1.5g%) (Petrini, 1986). Isolated fungi were subcultured aseptically on sterile PDA plates (potato-20g%, dextrose-2g%, Yeast Extract 0.01g%, agar-1.5g%) and incubated at 28ºC for 3 days.…”