Ancient Evidence: Areca Nut Use Discovered 25,000 Years Ago

A groundbreaking study published in Science Advances reveals evidence of regular areca nut consumption in ancient Sulawesi, Indonesia, dating back 25,000 to 16,000 years—potentially the oldest documented use of a psychoactive plant by humans. Researchers identified distinctive chemical markers in human skeletal remains that indicate sustained, habitual use of this botanical substance. While the exact purpose remains unclear, the findings suggest ancestral populations may have used areca for social, ritualistic, or medicinal purposes. This discovery reshapes our understanding of human interaction with psychoactive plants and establishes a precedent for studying botanical medicines throughout human history. The research underscores how archaeological and chemical analysis can reveal ancient wellness practices.