Noni is not a citrus fruit. It belongs to the Morinda plant genus, which, in turn, is part of the Rubiaceae family -- the same one coffee comes from. The citrus genus, on the other hand, descends from the Rutaceae family. Like citrus, noni is an edible fruit with demonstrated healthful properties. But do not use it in place of prescribed therapy unless your doctor recommends it.
Noni and Citrus
Noni's botanical name, Morinda citrifolia, explains why you might confuse it with a citrus species. Morinda is a compound noun that means "Indian mulberry," a reference to the similarities between the mulberry and the noni fruit. "Citrifolia" is also the combination of two words: citrus and folia. "Folia" is the plural of "folium," a leaf-like structure. Noni is not a citrus plant, but its foliage looks like citrus leaves.
Noni Overview
Noni is a tropical shrub native to Polynesia, a region in the Central Pacific Ocean that includes Hawaii, Samoa and the Cook Islands. The plant is also adapted to southern Asia. The evergreen noni plant is cultivated commercially and the fruit harvested for fermented and fresh-juice production. The alternative-health industry processes the fruit into powders, capsules and pills for dietary supplementation.
Health Benefit Claims
The promoters of noni juice and supplements claim the fruit can enhance cancer treatment, fight chronic fatigue syndrome, control diabetes, numb pain, stimulate the immune system and lower blood pressure. In traditional medicine in its native habitat and in Asia, noni is used for fevers, vision, skin conditions and intestinal problems.
Scientific Evidence
According to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, non-human studies indicate noni extract aids in the elimination of fungal infections, stops tumors and balances the immune system. Noni fruit and leaves also contain antioxidants, substances that neutralize free radicals. These are molecules that form as a byproduct of digestion and when you are exposed to environmental toxins.
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