Noni, or Morinda citrifolia, is a small, evergreen shrub that grows throughout the tropical regions of the Pacific Ocean. The extracts from the leaves and fruits of the noni plant have been made into capsules, tablets and teas. These are used for a variety of medicinal purposes. Noni products are generally safe to use. However, most noni products are rich in potassium and thus may be harmful to renal insufficiency patients. Consult a doctor before using noni juice for a health condition.
Cancer Treatment
Although, the efficacy of noni treatment has not been demonstrated clinically, noni plant extracts have shown anti-tumor and antioxidant properties in the laboratory.The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine is funding research projects to prove the cancer-fighting properties of noni extracts. Until then, noni extracts should be used only under the supervision of a doctor.
Liver Health
According to a study published in the November 2008 edition of the journal "Plant Foods for Human Nutrition," Noni juice may protect the liver from the harmful effects of extrinsic toxins by inhibiting inflammatory response and by suppressing the activity of liver enzymes. Although, major side effects have not been reported, it is best to talk to a health care professional before using noni extracts and juices.
Infections
Ethanol extracts of noni leaves can induce paralysis and death of human parasitic nematode worms. Noni leaf extracts are also almost as effective as rifampicin for inhibiting the growth of tuberculosis bacteria, according to an article published in the December 2002 edition of the journal "Acta Pharmacologica Sinica." Another article published in the 2006, Issue 3 of the "American Journal of Chinese Medicine" states that noni extracts may provide therapeutic benefits to patients suffering from candida and other fungal infections by inhibiting the growth of the fungi. Most of these results, however, have been demonstrated in the laboratory only and the clinical data demonstrating the antimicrobial activity of noni leaves is lacking. Noni extracts, therefore, may not substitute prescription medications.
Arteriosclerosis
Noni extracts may also help prevent arteriosclerosis by preventing the oxidation of lipoproteins, which leads to the formation of blocks in the arteries. The antioxidant properties of noni leaves may also protect the heart cells from free-radical mediated damage, thereby promoting a healthy heart. It is, however, best to consult a physician before using noni leaves for cardiovascular health.
References
- NCCAM: Noni
- "Plant Foods for Human Nutrition"; Liver Protective Effects of Morinda citrifolia (Noni); Mian-Ying Wang et al; November 2008
- "Acta Pharmacologica Sinica"; Morinda citrifolia (Noni): A literature review and recent advances in Noni research; WANG Mian-Ying et al; December 2002
- "The American Journal of Chinese Medicine"; An extract of Morinda citrifolia interferes with the serum-induced formation of filamentous structures in Candida albicans and inhibits germination of Aspergillus nidulans.; Banerjee S et al; 2006
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Noni
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