What Does Noni Mean?

Noni is a Polynesian shrub with bumpy, yellowish-white fruit that has been a part of traditional medicinal treatments for many years, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York. This plant is an evergreen cultivated in Hawaii and other Polynesian locales and sold all over the world. Before taking noni or any other medicinal herb or supplement, talk to your health care provider.

History

Traditionally, noni was used by Polynesian healers to treat diabetes, high blood pressure, indigestion, and liver problems, among other ailments. The leaves were applied to the forehead to relieve headaches or wrapped around joints to relieve pain. The noni fruit also was eaten--raw or cooked. The plant's roots were used as a red dye and the bark as a yellow dye.

Benefits

Noni juice is used as a general tonic and to treat cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular disease, reports the National Center for Complementary & Alternative Medicine. Noni also is used to treat chronic fatigue syndrome and to boost the immune system and overall health.

Effects

The NCCAM website describes the results of studies on the effects of noni in fighting tumors, stimulating the immune system and as an antioxidant. As of 2010, the NCCAM is funding studies of noni in treating cancer, specifically prostate cancer. The National Cancer Institute is funding research on noni as a prevention for breast cancer. The U.S. National Library of Medicine contains research that supports the idea that noni is an effective treatment for diabetes as well as a powerful antioxidant.

Warning

Generally, as a supplement, noni is considered to be quite safe. However, noni is rich in potassium. People who are on potassium-restricted diets should not use noni. Diabetics should read the noni product labels carefully, since many add sugar to improve the taste. People with liver problems should avoid noni because it may make the problem worse. The site also reports that a few noni juice manufacturers have been warned by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration to stop making unsubstantiated claims about the effects of their products. Noni juice also may interfere with the actions of some cancer and chemotherapy drugs. Discuss taking noni with your pharmacist or health care provider if you are undergoing treatment for cancer.

Types

Noni is widely available in juice form. Sometimes noni juice is combined with other fruit juices such as grape juice as well. The leaves and fruit are often made into teas, tablets or capsules as well.