The juice of the fruit Morinda citrifolia, more commonly known as noni, is commercially available in health food stores, along with freeze-dried extract in capsule form, and supplement powders. Holistic practitioners assert the substance as being effective for boosting the immune system and for treating chronic fatigue syndrome, high blood pressure and cancer. Laboratory and animal research indicates that while noni has potential for certain health benefits, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, human research is lacking.
Antioxidant Properties
Components of noni fruit and leaves, such as glycosides, show antioxidant effects when isolated from the plant, as explained by the MSKCC. Antioxidants may protect cells against damage caused by free radicals, which are waste substances produced when the body breaks down food. Free radicals also arise from exposure to environmental toxins such as tobacco smoke. Free radical damage may lead to heart disease, cancer and other illness.
Anti-Tumor Properties
Noni has anti-tumor properties, according to the MSKCC, and smokers who regularly consume noni juice may have a decreased risk of cancer. Additionally, a chemical compound known as damnacanthal, isolated from the noni root, may inhibit a process that changes normal cells into cancer cells, as explained by the American Cancer Society.
Anti-Inflammatory Benefits
Noni fruit, leaves and bark are used for inflammatory conditions. Leaves and bark are made into a tonic for treating urinary tract problems, as well as muscle and joint paint, according to the American Cancer Society. People apply mashed unripe noni fruit to the skin over broken bones. A study published in the January 2010 issue of "Phytotherapy Research" investigated the effects of noni on mice to determine whether the substance might have any benefit for human patients with arthritis. Mice that drank water containing a 10-percent solution of freeze-concentrated noni fruit puree showed reduced pain sensitivity comparable to mice fed the central analgesic drug tramadol.
Skin Benefits
Noni leaves and ripe fruit are used topically for treating facial blemishes, skin sores, cuts, wounds and skin infections. A study published in the September 2009 issue of "Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine" found that rats fed the ethanol extract of noni leaves experienced a 71-percent reduction in the wound area, compared to control animals that only experienced 57-percent reduction.
References
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Noni
- American Cancer Society: Noni Plant
- Phytotherapy Research: Analgesic and Anti-inflammatory Activity of Morinda Citrifolia
- Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Evaluation of the Wound-Healing Activity of Morinda Citrifolia
- MedlinePlus: Antioxidants
