Urdu Report Desk
Scientists have discovered evidence suggesting that a 25,000-year-old human chewed betel nut, a finding that could significantly change our understanding of the history of psychoactive substance use.
Researchers from Griffith University believe the ancient hunter-gatherer lived on Sulawesi, an island in Indonesia, during the latter part of the Ice Age.
Evidence of Betel Nut Use
According to researchers, chewing betel nut can produce mild intoxicating effects and increase alertness. The practice remains widespread across parts of Asia and the Pacific region.
Professor Adam Brumm, who led the research, said betel nut is relatively unfamiliar in Western societies. However, it is among the most widely used psychoactive substances worldwide, following alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine.
The discovery challenges previous assumptions about when humans began using psychoactive substances.
A History Dating Back More Than 25,000 Years
Scientists had generally believed that humans began using psychoactive substances around 13,000 years ago, during the Neolithic period.
However, the new evidence from Sulawesi suggests that the practice may date back more than 10,000 years earlier than previously thought.
Ancient Human Remains Examined
During the research, scientists examined the remains of two early hunter-gatherers. One individual lived between 25,000 and 16,000 years ago, while the other dates back to between 7,600 and 6,300 years ago.
Researchers also identified unusual patterns of wear on the teeth of both individuals. These included deep, rounded grooves that were consistent with the habit of chewing betel nut.
The findings provide new insights into the early use of psychoactive substances and the practices of ancient human communities.
