BETEL NUT RESIDUES IN ARCHAEOLOGICAL SAMPLES OF HUMAN TEETH FROM THE MARIANA-ISLANDS

Two tetrahydropyridine alkaloids, arecaidine and guvacine that are cha racteristic of betel nut (Areca catechu L.) have been detected in the deliberately stained labial surface of female teeth excavation on Rota , Mariana Islands. This was accomplished using selected ion monitoring techniques in conjunction with gas chromatography/electron impact-mas s spectrometry. These alkaloids were not present on the buccal surface of the teeth and indicate the use of betel nut to effect the staining .