Areca nuts contain multiple phytochemicals, which are known for their medicinal properties. Areca nuts are considered one of the most psychoactive substances similar to tobacco, but also have anti-inflammatory, antiageing, antidiabetic, and several other beneficial components. Although areca nuts are composed of alkaloids, polyphenols, steroids, tannins, fatty acids, and arecoline, the major alkaloid present in areca nuts is considered to be the primary contributor to oral cancer. However, several areca nut varieties are reported to be relatively safe for consumption. Apart from human consumption, areca nut and its components have been used for environmental remediation, synthesis of nanoparticles, as a source for nanocellulose, and also as a textile dye.