Noni is the common name of the "Morinda citrifolia" plant, a small tree that grows throughout the tropical regions of the Pacific. Other names for the plant include morinda, Indian mulberry, hog apple and canary wood. The tree produces a fleshy, yellow-white fruit that has a long history of use in traditional medicine.
Composition
Noni contains caproic and caprylic acids, two chemically related fatty acids that are found in oils. It also contains multiple carbohydrates in the polysaccharide family, including galactose, arabinose, rhamnose and glucuronic acid. Glycosides, compounds bound to a sugar, found in noni include Rutin, 6-O-(beta-D-glucopyranosyl)-1-O-octanoyl-beta-D-glucopyranose and asperulosidic acid. Damnacanthal is a phytochemical in noni that selectively inhibits enzymes that regulate cell growth. Some laboratory studies on damnacanthal suggest that it may be useful in halting the growth of cancer cells.
Preparation
Noni leaves and fruit have been used topically in Polynesian medicine as a treatment for joint pain and skin conditions. The juice of the noni fruit is fermented or eaten fresh. The noni fruit has a pungent smell that most people find unpleasant. The juice is often mixed with other fruit juices to make the beverage more palatable. Capsules, tablets and teas containing noni are also available.
Health Effects
In studies funded by the National Cancer Institute and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, researchers have shown that noni has antioxidant properties. It may stimulate cells of the immune system and inhibit key regulatory proteins in tumor cells. However, these studies have not yet been repeated in humans. The Food and Drug Administration has cautioned the manufacturers of noni juice against citing unsubstantiated health claims about the benefits of noni.
Cautions
Patients with conditions that affect kidney or liver function shouldn't take noni. Since the juice is high in potassium, large quantities may cause hyperkalemia in people with renal conditions. Talk to your doctor about possible interactions if you take diuretics, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers. Noni juice may inhibit the effectiveness of Coumadin.
