25,000-Year-Old Teeth from Sulawesi Reveal Earliest Known Betel Nut Drug Use

Archaeologists have identified the earliest known evidence of human drug use by analyzing teeth from a hunter-gatherer who lived in Indonesia between 16,000 and 25,000 years ago. The molars, discovered in a cave on the island of Sulawesi, show deep grooves consistent with habitual betel nut chewing. This finding surpasses the previous record held by 13,000-year-old beer residue from Israel. The study, published in Science Advances, was led by Adam Brumm, a professor at Griffith University. Betel nut chewing remains a widespread practice in Indonesia, other parts of Southeast and South Asia, India, and China, often mixed with slaked lime, plant leaves, and various flavorings. The authors note it is reputed to be the world's fourth most popular psychoactive substance after alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine. Documented health risks include cancer, cardiovascular disease, liver damage, diabetes, and infertility, as well as birth defects. A characteristic red tooth stain has been observed on nearly 5,000-year-old skeletons in Southeast Asia. In this case, wear patterns rather than color provided the evidence. Brumm suggests a 'negative feedback loop' where betel nuts caused dental damage yet also offered pain relief, making the habit difficult to abandon. The study pushes back the timeline of human drug use significantly and highlights the deep historical roots of a practice that continues today.