Is Noni Juice Healthy?

Noni is often referred to as Indian mulberry and grows from a 3- to 6-meter shrub in southeastern Asia. This plant flourishes in both sandy and rocky environments and yields white or yellow noni, which have a relatively unpleasant odor in comparison to other fruits. The most common form of noni that is consumed is noni juice, which has several health benefits.

History

The noni fruit is native to Southeast Asia, and it spread throughout the Pacific Islands over time. Noni has a traditional use in Polynesian medicine. It has been used to treat wounds, regulate the menstrual flow, relieve coughs, aid with hypertension, act as a laxative and cure urinary tract infections, reports Creighton University Medical Center. Historical medicinal uses of noni incorporated the entire noni plant -- the leaves, fruit, stem, seed, flowers, bark and juice.

Nutritional Facts

Noni juice is a fat-free, low-sugar beverage that is mostly sold in small amounts for use as a dietary supplement. Each 15-mL serving -- approximately 2 tbsp. -- of noni juice contains approximately 35 calories, with about 1 g of sugar per serving. Noni juice also has essential vitamins and nutrients -- 1.5 mg of vitamin C, 140 mcg of niacin, 1 mg of sodium, .12 mcg of folate, 2 mg of calcium, 800 mg of magnesium, 35 mg of iron, 10 mg of potassium and 300 mcg of zinc. Nonetheless, the nutritional content of noni juice varies depending on its source.

Proposed Health Benefits

In the book "Reclaim Your Life," Carolyn Levett says that noni juice stimulates the production of serotonin in the brain, which can help sufferers of depression, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive behaviors and sleep deprivation. The active component in noni juice, called scopoletin, is an anti-inflammatory, antihistamine and antimicrobial that may lower blood pressure and help regulate sleep and hunger patterns. Noni juice also contains terpenes, selenium and phytonutrients, which may help encourage cell rejuvenation and protect against free radicals. Nonetheless, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved noni juice for medicinal use, nor does any substantial scientific data back these claims.

Bottom Line

Not enough evidence establishes noni juice as a healthy addition to your daily diet. Noni juice lacks clinical evaluation for its efficacy and safety for human use, despite its long history in folk medicine. This beverage is not without its risks either. Taken in excessive amounts, noni juice may cause liver damage if you take more than 2 tbsp. per day, Judy Graham warns in "Managing Multiple Sclerosis Naturally." The high potassium content may also be dangerous if you suffer from a kidney condition. If you are considering taking noni juice, you should consult your physician first.