Abstract:Areca catechu L. is a characteristic chewing food in China and is widely distributed in southern China and Southeast Asia. A large number of studies have shown that A. catechu L. has anthelmintic，digestion-promoting，antidepressant，anti-inflammatory，anti-aging，antioxidant，antibacterial，and other biological activities.However，in recent years，with the rapid development of the A. catechu L. industry，the potential health hazards of A. catechu L. have gradually attracted people's attention. Studies have found that long-term chewing of A.catechu L. can cause oral submucosal fibrosis. In addition，A. catechu L. also has reproductive toxicity，which can cause damage to cells and organs. This article reviewed the research on the chemical composition，biological activity，and toxicology of A. catechu L. in China and abroad in recent years，providing references for the edible safety，product development，and industrial development of A. catechu L. products.