Science
Ancient Indonesian skeletons show early evidence of drug use, study suggests
Researchers identified psychoactive traces and dental wear in Sulawesi remains dating back up to 25,000 years, according to The Guardian.
The short version
- Archaeological analysis of two pre-agricultural skeletons from Sulawesi revealed deep tooth wear and traces of the psychoactive compound arecoline.[The Guardian]
- Scientists suggest ancient foragers held abrasive betel nuts in their mouths, which may constitute the earliest known evidence of human drug consumption.[The Guardian]
- Laboratory tests using artificial saliva confirmed that soaking the nuts extracts enough arecoline to induce a mild high.[The Guardian]
Key facts
- Researchers examined two pre-agricultural skeletons from Sulawesi, one dated to approximately 7,000 years ago and the other between 16,000 and 25,000 years ago.[The Guardian]
- Dental examinations revealed deep grooves alongside residue of the psychoactive chemical arecoline.[The Guardian]
- Experiments demonstrated that immersing betel nuts in artificial saliva releases sufficient arecoline to cause a mild high.[The Guardian]
- Specialist Dr Elisa Guerra-Doce stated that the research represents the earliest identified evidence of psychoactive plant use worldwide.[The Guardian]
What remains uncertain
- The interpretation of betel nut sucking relies on evidence gathered from only two ancient skeletal specimens.[The Guardian]
- The precise age range of the older skeleton remains broad, spanning between 16,000 and 25,000 years old.[The Guardian]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.