High performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) was used in determining the content of arecoline,and the effects on blanching and drying.The results showed that,when Areca catechu was blanched in boiling water,arecoline content rapidly falling at 10 to 30 s.When Areca catechu was blanched in boiling water after 40s,the loss rate of arecoline reached at maximum degree of 40%.Then the loss rate was slow down.As blanching temperature increased,the content of arecoline gradually reduced.The loss of arecoline is significant at 70℃ blanching.Compared arecoline content in the blanching water,the major loss was water soluble arecoline at low-temperature.When the temperature rises above 80℃,water-insoluble loss started.In the process of drying,the longer the drying time or the higher the drying temperature,the lower the content of arecoline.Areca catechu drying curve showed that arecoline content reduction was associated with Areca catechu moisture evaporation.The more intense of evaporation,the lower the arecoline content.Drying Areca catechu under 50℃ till absolute dry,its loss rate was about 30%.Therefore,arecoline has the following characteristics at higher temperature:easy decomposing,easy dissolving in water,and can be volatilized with water vapor.