About Milan Supari And Our Products

ABOUT US & OUR PRODUCTS

About Milan Supari

Milan Supari is one of India's most loved food products. It is one of the first - if not the very first - flavoured supari product in India. It was launched in 1962 in Mumbai (then Bombay). The popularity of Milan Supari quickly spread all over the country, and also to many international markets - almost everywhere there is an Indian population. There are many reasons why Milan Supari is such a popular breath freshener - it has a unique taste that freshens the mouth after a meal, and it stimulates the flow of saliva which contributes to cleansing of the mouth.

Our Other Food Products

Since 1962 we have been processing Indian speciality food products like Supari, Elaichi, Betel Spices etc under several brands like Milan, Amrita, Bhairvi, Inci Vinci, Jhankar, Radhika etc. Our most famous product is Milan Sugandhi Supari but we also manufacture several other products like Amrita Mouth Freshener, Jhankar Flavoured Dry Dates, Milan Meetha Pan Mix and Inci Vinci Sugandhi Saunf.

About Supari

“The economic produce is the fruit called ‘betel nut’ and is used mainly for masticatory purposes. It is used in India in several socio-religious ceremonies. Its cultivation is concentrated in South Western and North Eastern regions of India. Arecanut industry forms the economic backbone of nearly ten million people in India and for many of them it is the sole means of livelihood.”

Source: ARECANUT – Published by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (A Government of India Institution). In the Foreword Dr. G. Kalloo (Deputy Director General – Horticulture and Crop Science)

Supari is commonly called betel nut, though it is botanically classified as a seed. The Supari fruit grows on palm trees and requires rainfall and specific soil requirements. It is an important crop for farmers and agriculturists in India who alternate supari crops with other produce like pepper. Supari (arecanut) is grown all over India, and also across South East Asia. Of these - Indian Supari is of the finest quality and commands the highest premium in price. Supari has been a part of India's culture, diet and traditional medicinal systems (like the Ayurveda & Unani) for centuries. It is a part of the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India and Unani Pharmacopoeia of India. Arecanut / Supari is also a part other other traditional medicinal systems like Siddha, Hamdard and Chinese Pharmacopoeias.

Arecanut / Supari is known to have several beneficial properties like:

Astringent: contraction of body tissues, typically used to reduce bleeding from minor abraisions.

Aphrodisiac: a food, drink or drug that stimulates sexual desire.

Anthelmintic: used to destroy parasitic worms.

Carminative: medicine for relieving flatulence (excess gas)

Dentifrice: a paste or powder for cleaning teeth.

Sialogogue: a drug that promotes the secretion of saliva.

Stimulant: a substance that raises the physiological or nervous activity of the body.

Supari in Indian Languages

Sans: Kramuka, Gonti, Assam: Tamel, Tamul, Beng: Supari, Eng: Areca nut, Betal nut, Guj: Sopari, Hindi: Supari, Chaalia, Kan: Adika, Kash: Supari, Spari, Mal: Adakku, Pakku, Mar: Supari, Pophal, Ori: Gua, Punj: Supari, Spari, Tam: Kamugu, Pakku, Pakhumaram, Tel: Paka Chekka, Vakka, Urdu: Fufal, Choalia (Source: The Indian Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia)

Scientific Classification

Kingdom: Plantae Clade: Angiosperms Clade: Monocots Clade: Commelinids Order: Arecales Family: Arecaceae Subfamily: Arecoideae Tribe: Areceae Subtribe: Arecinae Genus: Areca L. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Areca)

Botanical drawing - Köhler's Medizinal-Pflanzen – by Franz Eugen Köhler, (1897) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Areca)

Milan Supari - Product Safety

A few concerned consumers have called in / written to us asking about our products - specially with reference to Gutka, Mawa, Kharra and other prohibited goods. We are happy to state in writing that we do not manufacture any Gutka, Mawa or Kharra. We do not use any tobacco, nicotine, magnesium carbonate, mineral oils, heavy metals or any other prohibited or objectionable or harmful ingredients in our products.

Our products are manufactured under license from the governing food authorities (currently the FSSAI, previously the PFA Act) and are processed as per the standards prescribed in the law. We use common foods like arecanut (supari), fennel (saunf), dry dates (kharek), cardamom (elaichi) etc, with permitted ingredients like sugar, natural food colour, sweeteners and our proprietary flavours to create products that are enjoyed by all.

Over the last several decades the food authorities have drawn our products (over 50 samples of Milan Supari Products collected from Mumbai, Pune, Simla, Ratnagiri, Jalgaon, Kopregaon, Yavatmal, Amravati, Vadodara, Ulhasnagar, Ahmednagar, Nasik, Bhavnagar, Solapur, Gondia, Sangli, Karad etc) for analysing from all over the country, and none were found to violate the laws - 100% of our products were found to conform to legal standards.

Reports of Supari / Arecanut in peer reviewed medical journals.

Arecanut has been a part of several traditional medicinal systems as we have mentioned above, however it is also regularly studied worldwide by researchers of modern medicine and several peer reviewed papers are published every year discussing the therapeutic features of arecanut. We have listed some of them below along with a brief introduction.

A Review on phytochemical and pharmacological potential of areca catehu L. seed - M. Senthil Amudhan and others (2012): ABSTRACT: Arecanut seed has been used for medicinal properties more than 2000 years in South Asian countries. In fact, various pharmacological activities have been found in the arecanut seed extract or its constituents. Prevention of oxidative stress induced diseases is an urgent problem in all over the world. Traditional use of the plant for medicinal properties is to be documented for their possible use as future medicines or drugs. There is a need for identifying native natural plant sources to acquire to their recognized medicinal properties, which may widen them to use as new therapeutics for various diseases. In the present article, it has been described about usefulness of arecanut as an herbal drug and its therapeutics application prospects. CONCLUSION: This article provides an overview of many characteristic of arecanut seed and therapeutic effect of phytochemical effect of its biochemical on various disease conditions. Arecanut seed biochemical compounds have been recently recognized as functionally active molecules, possessing antioxidant, antidiabetic, antiallergic and other useful properties, as well as exert protective effects against cardiovascular and other diseases. As mentioned in article that further studies are required to know the underlying mechanisms and type of biochemical compounds involved in this beneficial effect and to ensure these studies, it would enable for utilization in modern medicine. International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Research

Areca Catechu: enfolding of historical and therapeutic traditional knowledge with modern update - Mohammed Rashid and others (2015): ABSTRACT: Areca catechu has been in use as a social drug from the time immemorial and chewed usually by at least 10% of the world’s population. Areca catechu commonly known as supari consists of dried ripe nuts and belongs to the family Palmae which is cultivated in tropical India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, South China, the East Indies, the Philippines Islands and part of East Africa (including Zanzibar and Tanzania). Large quantities are exported from Madras, Singapore, Penang and Sri Lanka. Areca nut (seed) contains tannin, gallic acid, gum and alkaloids, viz. arecoline, arecaine, arecaidine, guvacoline, guvacine and choline and various minerals such as copper, calcium, phosphorus, and iron. It also contains vitamin B6 and vitamin C. In Unani Medicine, it is used for stomatitis, bleeding gums, gingivitis, conjunctivitis, glaucoma, leucorrhoea, antiperspirant, urinary disorders, anorexia, diarrhoea and improves foul breath. Experimental studies of A. catechu showed antioxidant activity, hypoglycemic activity, anti-depressant activity and anti-HIV activity etc. The present review is an attempt to compile and explore comprehensively the ethnomedicine uses, phytochemical properties and pharmacological uses of Areca catechu. CONCLUSION: This article provides an overview of many characteristic of areca nut and therapeutic effect of phytochemical effect of its biochemical on various disease conditions. Areca nut biochemical compounds have been recently recognized as functionally active molecules, possessing antioxidant, hypoglycemic activity, antiallergic and other useful properties, as well as exert protective effects against cardiovascular and other diseases. As mentioned in article that further studies are required to know the underlying mechanisms and type of biochemical compounds involved in this beneficial effect and to ensure these studies, it would facilitate for utilization in modern medicine. International Journal of Pharmacognosy

Supreme Court and High Court observations.

"We are dealing with a commodity which is consumed by the ordinary man in houses, hotels, marriage parties and even routinely...

... Is supari eaten with relish by man for taste and nourishment ? It is. And so it is food. Without carrying further on this unusual argument we hold that supari is food within the meaning of s. 2(v) of the Act"

Source: Pyarali K. Tejani vs Mahadeo Ramchandra Dange And ... on 31 October, 1973 Supreme Court of India

"But the detailed study made in this regard by the Department of Agricultural Economics, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore at Annexure-A, it has found that there is medicinal and nutritive value in the arecanut and also British Dental Journal depicts that there is no such harm in chewing betelnut... Arecanut is rich and contains essential nutrients such as calcium, phosphorous, Iron, Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, protein, Carbohydrate and fat etc. And it is also said to be neutralizes the hyper acidity, absorbs the gases in the gastro intestinal tract and even cures gastric ulcer. It also controls Dysentery, Diarrhea, Heart Burn, Urinary stones, Jaundice, excessive passing of flatus, flatulent, colic etc. It also strengthen the gums and the teeth and cleanses and deodorizes the mouth. Arecanut is used as a stimulant and an appetizer and also said to be used as a purgative and also a detailed study re-, veals that it is more useful as medicine as well as appetizer. Even there said to be reference to the betelnut in the ancient verbs as to its importance as medical value as well as other advantages as appetizer and having antiseptic character, etc... In the book entitled "Medicinal Secrets of Your Food" by Dr. Aman, the importance of arecanut is highlighted which also depicts that no such harm is caused in consumption of betelnut or supari. Even in the book published by the Indian Drug Research Laboratory, namely "Pharmacological properties of arecanut" the arecanut is held to be anthelmitic, activises cardiovascular system and also having anti-microblal activities. Ultimately it is held that the use of arecanut or supari is shown to be not harmful in various research studies being conducted."

Source: The Malnad Areca Marketing ... vs Union Of India (Uoi) And Anr. on 4 April, 2007 Karnataka High Court

References

“Vaidya Yoga Ratnavali (Formulary of Ayuvedic Medicines) published by IMPCOPS – The Indian Medical Practitioners’ Co-operative Pharmacy and Stores Ltd” and is described as Astringent, Aphrodisiac, Anthelmintic, Nervine Tonic, Emmenagogue, Vermifuge and Taenifuge.
“Indian Medicinal Plants Used in Ayurvedic Preparations” by A. C. Dey (Retired Research Officer - Forest Research Institute and Colleges, Dehra Dun. Ex. Survey Officer – Survey of Medicinal Plants, CCRIMH, and Ex-Member of ISI – Vegetable Tanning Section). The actions of Arecanut are anthelmintic, aphrodisiac, astringent, cardiac, carminative, dentifrice, digestive, emmenagogue, intoxicating, laxative, nervine tonic, stimulant and vermifege. It is also described as useful in the inflammation of the eye, used as collyrium, leucorrhoea, strengthens the gums, sweetens the breath and removes urinary disorders. It is also a masticatory known throughout the country.
“Unani Pharmacopoeia (Formulary of Unani Medicines) published by IMPCOPS – The Indian Medical Practitioners’ Co-operative Pharmacy and Stores Ltd” where it is listed as an ingredient of Majoon-e-Suparipak with applications as an Aphrodisiac, Uterine Tonic, for consistency of Glandular Secretions, for Leucorrhhoea and Uterine Disorders.
“Hamdard Pharmacopoeia of Eastern Medicine” edited by Hakim Mohammed Said where Arecanut is listed as a Nut and as a Seed, and is found in East and South India. It is listed as an Emmenagogue (medicine that promotes menstrual discharge) along with Onion, Garlic, Soya, Saffron, Turmeric etc. It is a major ingredient in recipes of Hab-Hamal, Hab-e-Limun, Halwai Suparipak, Sunun Poast Mughilan, Ma’jun Suparipak and Ma’jun Mochras. The application of these recipes is for or as the following: (1) Anti-syphilitic and Anti-rheumatic if caused by Syphilis. (2) As a kidney and gall-bladder tonic (3) Aphrodisiac (4) Anti-gonorrhoic (5) Anti-leucorhoic (6) Counteracts quick seminal emission (7) To induce pregnancy (8) As a dentifrice or tooth-powder and gum-tonic.
“The Complete Book of Home Remedies” by Hakeem Saheb H. Abdul Hameed (Head, Hamdard Dawakhana and Laboratories) The use of Arecanut is mentioned as a dentifrice, to relieve thrush and as an anti-diarrhoea remedy.
Village Physician – A Hamdard Publication Dentifrice, for thrush, diarrhoea, for stomach and intestines, leucorrhoea, for spermatorrhoea, premature ejaculation and tenuity of semen.
Arecanut is also referred to in Siddha Medicine. In the book – “Formulary of Siddha Medicines published by IMPCOPS – The Indian Medical Practitioners’ Co-operative Pharmacy and Stores Ltd. it has been listed for the following properties – Astringent, Aphrodisiac, Anthelmintic, Nervine Tonic, Emmenagogue, Vermifuge and Taenifuge.
“The Dictionary of Indian Medicinal Plants” published by The Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow lists the uses of Arecanut as anthelmintic, nervine, astringent, emmenagogue, aphrodisiac, in diarrhoea due to debility, urinary disorders, in lumbago, checking pyrosis of pregnancy and watery vaginal discharge.
“Indian Medicinal Plants” by Kritikar and Basu The nut (Arecanut) is digestive, astringent, diuretic, cardiotonic, emmenagogue, useful in the inflammation of the eyes, giddiness, gleet, removes pus. Used in checking diarrhoea from debility, for urinary disorders, stimulant, nervine tonic, for bowel complaints and ulcers and so on.
“Green Remedies - The Healing Power of Herbs” by Dr. S. Suresh Babu and Dr. M. Madhavi Arecanut uses – cooling, astringent, diuretic, digestive, anthelmintic, aphrodisiac, nervine tonic, emmenagogue.
Practical Bazaar Medicines by G. T. Birdwood MA, MD (Cantab), MRCS, LRCP, DPH, Lieut-Col., Late Civil Surgeon, Lucknow, Late Principal – Agra Medical School. Astringent, carminative, vermifuge, to check diarrhoea, to check tapeworm, as a tooth powder.
Vegatable Materia Medica of India and Ceylon by Emmanuel Roberts, FRFP&S (Glas.), Member of the Royal College of Surgeons of England, Licentiate of the Ceylon Medical College. Astringent, for weak gums, lotion for chronic ulcers, chronic diarrhoea, dysentery, diarrhoea of psilosis.
Herbal Drugs Industry Edited by R. D. Chaudhari Produces stimulant and exhilarating effect on nervous system, nervine tonic, emmenagogue, mildly astringent and veterinary uses.
A Modern Herbal by Mrs. M. Grieve (FRHS) Astringent, dentifrice, taenifuge for tapeworm, laxative.
Plantation Crops by KV Peter Use of arecanut constituents and by-products (Tannins, Fat, Alkaloids, Areca Husk) Anthelmintic, anti-bacterial property, blood-sugar lowering effect.
Medicinal Plants of India and Pakistan by JF Dastur (FNI) Laxative, carminative, aphrodisiac, nervine tonic, masticatory, strengthens gums, checks perspiration, anthelmintic, calculous affections, urinary disorders, heartburn of pregnancy and vaginal discharg
Commercial Drugs of India by Dutt Chewing (masticatory), astringent, carminative, anthelmintic, affections of teeth and gums.
Natural Plant Products by Amsar Private Limited Anthelmintic, liver disease, diarrhoea from debility.
Arecanut Catechu L. – Dr. K. M. Nadkarni’s Indian Materia Medica with Ayurvedic, Unani-Tibbi, Siddha, Allopathic, Homoepathic, Naturopathic and Home Remedies, Appendices and Indexes Volume-1. Dried nut is a stimulant, astringent and taenifuge… it is a powerful sialagogue and anthelmintic… powder of the dried nut in 10 to 15 grain-doses with equal parts of sugar will check diarrhoea due to debility; it is also useful in ordinary disorders… with two tolas of fresh lemon juice makes an excellent vermifuge… expulsion of tapeworms… as a taenicide and as a myotic… useful for bleeding gums and may be used as an injection for stopping watery discharges from the vagina; also useful in checking the pyrosis of pregnancy… the young nut is useful in the bowel complaints of men…
Elixirs of Life by Mrs. C. F. Leyel, Officier de l’Academie Francaise Fellow of the Royal Institute “After they (seeds) are dried they are prescribed to increase the flow of saliva, to lessen perspiration, and to sweeten breath, and strengthen the gums. As a masticatory the nuts have a very ancient reputation and they form the basis of many tooth powders. One of the Chinese names for this nut is Hai-chang-tan, which means ‘anti-malarious panacea’, and shows the use to which it has been put by the Chinese, who also prescribe it as a infallible tape-worm remedy. Its use as an anthelmintic is historic both in China and India, where it has proved equally satisfactory as an astringent in tropical dysentery.
Home Remedies by Swami Sivananda Uses: astringent, carminative, stimulant and vermifuge, diarrhoea due to indigestion, diseases that are associated with urine, worms in the bowels, diseases of teeth and gums, leucorrhoea. The books also lists recipes for the above treatments
Standard for Arecanut Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia.
Unani Formulary - Selected Pages with Arecanut Supari.