Arecoline is an alkaloid primarily used in veterinary medicine as an anthelmintic agent to treat parasitic worm infections in animals. It is effective against various gastrointestinal parasites, helping to improve the health and productivity of livestock. In pharmaceutical applications, it may serve as a component in formulations to stimulate gastrointestinal motility and alleviate constipation due to its cholinergic effects. In research, arecoline is studied for its interactions with the central nervous system, particularly muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, providing insights into neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease (via potential modulation of dopamine systems) and other disorders. It has also been explored in traditional medicine for its stimulant and psychoactive properties, though human use is limited due to risks including cardiovascular effects, addiction potential, and carcinogenicity associated with betel nut consumption.