Noni fruit is a yellowish fruit harvested from the noni or Morinda citrifolia plant. Extracts from this fruit may be beneficial in the treatment of a number of medical conditions, including chronic fatigue syndrome, high blood pressure and diabetes. Additional research examining the safety and efficacy of noni supplements is necessary to validate the purported uses of this fruit. Despite the potential benefits this supplement may provide, use caution when beginning treatment with noni, as side effects may occur.
Liver Damage or Hepatoxicity
Health professionals with the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine explain that treatment with noni juice may cause liver damage, also called hepatoxicity. Your liver is a crucial organ that helps filter toxins from your body. Liver damage may result in permanent medical complications and may cause symptoms of jaundice, abdominal pain, excessive fatigue and itchy skin. If you exhibit any of these liver damage symptoms while taking noni supplements, contact your physician immediately for further evaluation and care.
High Potassium Levels
The high potassium content of this fruit may significantly elevate your potassium levels if you consume noni juice or supplements on a regular basis. If your blood contains too much potassium, you may develop a condition called hyperkalemia. University of Maryland Medical Center health professionals explain that elevated potassium levels may cause weakness, heart rate irregularities, unusual body sensations, breathing problems, nausea and vomiting, fatigue, or paralysis. Seek prompt care from your medical provider if you develop any hyperkalemia symptoms while you are receiving treatment with noni supplements.
Interactions With Medications
You should talk with your physician about any supplements or medications you are currently taking before beginning treatment with noni supplements. The use of noni supplements may decrease the efficacy of certain forms of cancer treatment, such as radiation or chemotherapy. Additionally, noni supplements may enhance the effects of blood thinners, such as warfarin, which may lead to bleeding or bruising problems. Concomitant use of noni supplements and certain blood pressure medications, such as ACE inhibitors or diuretics, should also be avoided.
Contraindications
If your kidneys do not function normally due to damage or disease, use caution when incorporating noni juice into your diet, the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center warns. Additionally, if you need to limit your potassium intake due to kidney problems, do not use noni supplements.
References
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Noni
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Noni
- MayoClinic.com: Noni Juice - Can It Reduce Cholesterol?
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Hyperkalemia
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Liver Disease - Common Characteristics of Liver Disease
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