Noni is a plant of the Pacific Islands, whose inhabitants eat noni as a staple food and use it for many diseases. Recently, the noni tree has become more popular due to the discovery of health benefits in its fruit. Although some people continue to call noni fruit the vomit fruit because of its smell. Be careful when using noni, as many advertising claims about noni are greatly exaggerated.
The article is based on the findings of 54 scientific studies
The article quotes authors such as:
- University of Illinois College of Medicine, Department of Pathology, USA
- Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy, University of Hawaii at Hilo, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo Brazil
Please note that the numbers in parentheses (1, 2, 3, etc.) are clickable links to peer-reviewed scientific studies. You can follow these links and read the original source of information for the article.
What is noni?
Noni or Morinda citrifolia is a tree from the Rubiaceae family that grows in South Asia and Oceania (South Pacific region). If you travel to the islands of Oceania, you may find wild noni trees ( Morinda citrifolia
), growing along the island's lava flows.
You can recognize them by their oval leaves, tubular white flowers, bulbous white fruits - and a terrible stench
.
The fruit of the plant has been described by travelers as the most disgusting fruit in the world .
(, ) When the Polynesians moved from Southeast Asia to the Pacific Islands, they brought the noni plant with them. They ate the fruit to survive during times of famine, and their healers used the fruit to treat common illnesses.
such
as a cold or flu
. (, )
Cheese-smelling fruit or vomit fruit
Noni fruit can be called a fruit that smells like cheese.
or even
vomit fruit
;
That's how bad it tastes and smells. This unfortunate aroma can be attributed to compounds called ketones .
One such ketone, 2-heptanone, is also partly responsible for the distinctive smell and taste of edible blue cheese. (, ) Many researchers have also attributed an “oily, sour smell” to noni. Butyric acid
Found in odorous substances such as rancid butter, Parmesan cheese and vomit. (, )
Misleading Information About Noni
Nowadays, noni juice is sold with claims to treat everything from arthritis to AIDS. Supplements made from the juice and powder of the plant's fruit have been credited with reducing fatigue, treating arthritis, supporting general health, reducing the risk of diabetes, aiding in digestion, and improving skin health.
Many of the purported health benefits found on plant product labels and promotional websites are deeply unfounded
,
which prompted the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to issue warnings to manufacturers of noni supplements
.
In addition, some manufacturers have failed to demonstrate manufacturing quality standards during inspection, and their products are likely adulterated. For example, one manufacturer incorrectly described the intended effects, while another did not decipher the composition of the capsules.
Such shady production and marketing methods cast a great shadow of doubt on the possible health benefits of this fruit. They also undermine some legitimate efforts to study the plant. We decided to dig deeper to discover which benefits are well backed by science .
What are the benefits of Noni fruit?
The benefit of this exotic fruit for women lies in its tonic and strengthening properties. During difficult periods, the fruit helps to even out the emotional background, prevent anemia and reduce pain. During menopause, the fruit has a beneficial effect on the thyroid gland.
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Consuming noni is useful for taking care of beauty. Since the fruit contains large amounts of vitamins, its use quickly improves the condition of the skin, and the hair becomes stronger and thicker.
For men, the fruit is useful because it strengthens the vascular system and improves blood circulation. This not only reduces the risk of early heart attacks and strokes, but also has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the reproductive system. Blood flow in the pelvic organs accelerates, accordingly, potency increases and the ability to conceive increases.
What are the benefits of Noni juice?
All the valuable substances of the exotic fruit are concentrated in the juice of morinda fruits, so it brings even greater benefits. The drink helps:
- cope with fungal and viral infections;
- quickly cure a cold or flu;
- eliminate pain from sore throat or diseases of the oral cavity;
- cope with cough;
- cleanse the skin of rashes;
- improve night sleep and stabilize the functioning of the nervous system;
- get rid of chronic fatigue and apathy;
- normalize digestion.
Juice allows you to replenish vitamin deficiencies in the body and recover faster from illnesses.
Benefits of Noni juice for smokers
Smoking has an extremely negative impact on human health; in particular, heavy smokers almost always have high cholesterol levels. This weakens blood vessels and increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
According to research, noni juice from Thailand reduces blood cholesterol levels. Antioxidants in the composition cleanse the blood and strengthen blood vessels. Although juice cannot completely neutralize the negative effects of smoking, it reduces the likelihood of developing dangerous diseases.
Drinking the drink is useful for smokers to strengthen blood vessels
The drink made from the fruits of morinda is not consumed instead of water and other drinks, but is drunk as a medicine in small quantities. Begin the course of drinking juice with small dosages; for a week, drink 1 small spoon of juice twice a day on an empty stomach. During this time, the body gets used to the new product, and with a careful start of treatment, you can check without unnecessary risk whether there is an individual allergy to the juice.
In the second week of use, the dosage is increased to 200 ml. The juice is also taken twice a day shortly before meals.
In the third week, the dosage is left unchanged, but the number of daily doses is reduced and the drink is drunk only once a day, for prevention.
Take the drink in small portions - like medicine, not like water
It is recommended to drink the juice in small sips and without haste. During the period of drinking the drink, you should add more vegetables and fruits to your diet, which will enhance the beneficial properties of noni.
Can I take it during pregnancy and breastfeeding?
Pregnant women are not recommended to take this exotic drink. Despite its beneficial properties, noni can lead to internal bleeding during pregnancy, which can pose a danger to the fetus.
Important! You should not use the juice during breastfeeding. While noni may be beneficial for a young mother, the child is highly likely to react negatively to the product - with allergies and colic.
Is it possible to give Noni juice to children?
The vitamins and minerals in the product may be very useful for the child's body. The properties of noni will strengthen the baby’s immunity, replenish energy reserves and protect the child from colds.
However, a child should be given healthy juice no earlier than 1-2 years, after the baby has successfully become familiar with all the main fruit and vegetable juices. If you are prone to allergies, it is better to postpone introduction to noni until 3-4 years. For the first time, a child can be given just a few drops of healthy juice; subsequently, the dosage can be increased to 15 ml.
Attention! Exotic fruit juice has strict contraindications. In order not to harm the child’s health, you should first consult with a pediatrician regarding noni.
Is it possible to take Noni juice if you have diabetes?
A drink made from citrus leaf morinda is approved for use for diabetes of any type. In moderate quantities, juice does not lead to an increase in glucose levels, but improves the functioning of the pancreas and increases tissue sensitivity to insulin. While drinking the drink, blood vessels are strengthened and metabolism is accelerated, which helps avoid complications of diabetes.
If you have diabetes, the drink is not prohibited, but you need to be careful
Noni should be consumed in small dosages if you have diabetes. It is necessary to closely monitor the level of glucose in the blood at the very beginning of taking the drink, this will allow you to understand how the body reacts to the new product.
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Noni Juice, Extract and Supplement
Noni juice
and
dry powder
from this plant
are
the most accessible forms of supplements sold online. If you live in the tropics, then you can find fresh fruits of the plant yourself. Morinda citrusifolia trees can also be easily found in the forest.
Preparation of traditional noni juice from the fruits of this tree
Traditional Noni juice compared to the commercial version
The fruit has a wide range of traditional uses among the Polynesian people, and there are many indigenous methods for making noni juice. Traditionally, very ripe fruits were washed with water and placed in barrels, where the fruit juice formed, percolated and fermented for 2 months or more. This juice very sour and dark brown in color.
. This is the juice that is used in traditional Polynesian medicine and in the diet of local residents. (, )
Prepared Traditional Fermented Noni Juice (Dark Cinnamon)
Commercial fruit juice may be freshly squeezed but not fermented. This produces a sweeter, less acidic juice that may not contain those active compounds
, which are found in a traditional fermented product. Commercial juices are also often pasteurized, which kills beneficial microorganisms or degrades beneficial compounds. (, )
In addition, the US FDA has indicated that many manufacturers do not even have the proper means to produce high-quality juice or identify its ingredients. The ingredients listed below have been discovered through rigorous scientific research. This does not in any way guarantee that commercially available noni products will contain them.
Video: Noni juice, application and reviews
Taking it daily, you can achieve an improvement in your general condition, increased immunity, increased performance, and chronic fatigue and drowsiness will go away. The juice can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 months. An unopened bottle has a shelf life of 1.5-2 years.
- Leaves
Brew like tea. Freshly used to cure arthritis. To do this, wrap the diseased joint with leaves. For headaches, apply to the forehead and temples. The leaves are components of medications for the treatment of the following pathologies:
- rheumatic pain;
- dysentery;
- abdominal pain;
- swelling of the joints;
- tumor due to filariasis.
Tea cannot be called tasty, so it is consumed exclusively as a medicine or combined with other ingredients to improve taste.
- Root
They are ground and made into various seasonings for food to improve digestion. Powder from the roots is also used in the preparation of smallpox creams.
- Extracts
Natural extract from this fruit is used to create moisturizing creams for the skin. The extract can also be found in the form of dietary supplements. They have a positive effect on metabolic processes in the body.
- Fresh fruits
- It is useful to eat fresh, but no more than 3 pieces per day. This will saturate the body with useful substances, strengthen the immune system, and increase endurance. It is also good as a prophylactic against a number of diseases mentioned above. But you should not overuse it, as it has a pungent and unusual taste and can lead to unpleasant sensations in the stomach. Use seedless fruit. When you bite into it, you can feel the taste of hot pepper in your mouth.
- This fruit can also be used in cosmetology. Like a scrub, the pulp is applied to the skin and rubbed in with massage movements. Helps smooth out wrinkles and uneven skin. You can use the pulp in the form of a paste as a whitening mask. Apply before bed for 30 minutes, rinse with warm water. After several treatments, the skin becomes much lighter.
- Freshly squeezed juice from the fruit can be used as an anti-inflammatory, healing agent on the skin. To do this, the juice is applied directly to pimples or rashes, acne.
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Composition of the noni fruit
The chemical composition of the fruits of this plant, its flowers, leaves, bark and wood are surprisingly different. Some chemicals are found in only one part of the plant, while others are common throughout the tree. ()
The noni fruit is about 90% water, and most of the remaining solids consist of sugars, proteins and dietary fiber. The fruit is rich in potassium , sulfur , calcium and phosphorus ; it also contains vitamin C and provitamin A
. ()
Scientists have identified numerous anthraquinone glycosides in the fruit. Of these, Damnacanthal, Scopoletin and Rutin are of particular interest for further medical research. (, )
Damnakantal
(damnacanthal) has anti-cancer potential and is present in the fruits, roots, wood and seeds of the plant. ()
Skopoletin
(scopoletin) is a member of the coumarin class, present throughout the plant, including the fruit, and can kill microbes and lower blood pressure. ()
Rutin –
flavonoid present in the leaves. It helps lower blood pressure and blood glucose levels. ()
Composition of noni juice and advertising of the manufacturer of this juice
Mushrooms on noni leaves and fruits
The leaves and fruits of the plant are home to various beneficial mushrooms
.
These fungi produce active compounds that would not otherwise be present in the plant or its fruit. In turn, these active compounds have shown the ability to kill lung cancer , prostate cancer , and breast cancer .
() These active compounds from mushrooms have been found in traditional noni juice
, which has undergone a long (at least 2 months) fermentation. Commercial juice, especially pasteurized juice, may not contain the same beneficial microbes or compounds from mushrooms. ()
Health Benefits of Noni
Noni fruit (Morinda citrus folia) has shown positive results in aiding weight loss in at least one study, but many of these studies are under serious criticism because their funding comes from companies that grow and sell such fruits. Larger and more reliable studies are required to confirm or refute the effectiveness of noni.
Noni fruit and juice are considered safe for consumption, but there is no official approval for the use of this plant for any medical or health purpose, and there is no guarantee of the quality of any product or dietary supplement. Talk to your doctor before using noni to discuss any possible contraindications or incompatibilities with your medications.
Immune activation
In cell, animal and human studies, noni juice and extracts from the plant activated the immune system
. In the only available human study, 24 participants drank 330ml of juice every day for 8 weeks. As a result, these people experienced a 30% increase in the activity of immune natural killer NK cells and an increase in the level of interleukin IL-2 in the blood. (, )
This small study provided some preliminary evidence that the juice is a stimulant for the human immune system, but the experiment suffers from a small sample size of participants and the lack of a placebo group. (, )
Noni juice
enhances neuroimmune interactions and cell survival pathways while suppressing inflammation , which is beneficial during aging.
(source) Some scientists suggest that noni's antioxidant properties are at least partly responsible for this boost to the immune system. Note, however, that these scientists work for Morinda Inc., the company that produces this juice.
. ()
In mice, noni extract increased activity by up to 50%
immune T and B cells and leukocytes involved in the body's response to infection.
Moreover, this immune surge in activity did not increase inflammation
. (, )
Help with weight loss
As part of a weight loss program, including exercise and calorie restriction, noni juice may be helpful in helping people lose weight.
The one study on this topic didn't include a control group of participants, so it's unclear exactly how much the juice contributed to weight loss compared to calorie restriction and exercise. This research was also funded and provided by Morinda Inc., the manufacturer of noni juice, which suggests a high risk of bias.
. ()
Improving physical endurance
Pacific Islanders traditionally ate noni fruit before fishing and long ocean voyages, believing it would help them last longer in the ocean. Modern research can confirm similar facts: 200 ml/day of noni juice reduces fatigue by 21% in 40 trained athletes. However, this study was also conducted by employees of Morinda, Inc., the manufacturer of this juice
. (, )
Athletes who drank noni juice also showed a decrease in blood counts, which are associated with muscle damage. This result suggests that the juice may improve physical endurance by protecting muscles during exercise. ()
Lower blood pressure
High blood pressure is one of the biggest risk factors for developing cardiovascular disease. In animal and human studies, noni fruit and its extract reduced blood pressure
. In a clinical study, those who drank the juice showed a decrease in blood pressure after one month of consumption. However, the study was not blinded, as participants knew they were drinking juice from this plant, and there was no control group of subjects. (, , )
Noni fruit and leaf extracts
appears
to lower blood pressure better than fresh fruit or juice. The leaves contain high levels of rutin, a flavonoid commonly found in tea and apples; the fruits contain scopoletin, a coumarin commonly found in fenugreek and other medicinal plants. Both substances alone reduced blood pressure in experiments on rats. (, , , , , , )
Reducing cholesterol levels
High blood cholesterol is another important risk factor for developing cardiovascular disease. Eating noni fruit or drinking the juice can lower your cholesterol levels. ()
In rat and human studies, fruit juice significantly reduced total cholesterol levels
,
LDL cholesterol and blood triglycerides
. This was confirmed in a study of 132 long-time smokers who drank the juice every day for a month. The best results were achieved by those who had higher initial cholesterol. (, )
Diagram of the possible mechanisms of action of scopoletin in reducing alcoholic fatty liver (mice studies) (source)
In another study with healthy non-smoking people, non juice failed to reduce cholesterol. The authors suggested that the cholesterol-lowering benefits of juice may be limited to people with high cholesterol. ()
Preventing Nausea
After surgery, some people are at risk of nausea and vomiting. This painful condition increases stress and prolongs recovery time after surgery, and scientists don't understand exactly what causes the condition. ()
In one clinical study, people at high risk of post-operative nausea were given 150 to 600 mg of noni fruit extract an hour before surgery. Those who took 600 mg of the extract were 40% less likely to experience nausea than people who received a placebo
. This is a significant reduction, especially considering that all participants in the experiment were classified as high risk. (, )
There are currently no clinical studies on whether noni prevents other types of nausea.
Skin health
In traditional Polynesian medicine, noni fruit was applied to cuts, sores and other wounds to aid in healing. Massaging extracts and juices into the skin can reduce inflammation, acne, and signs of skin aging. However, such human studies on this topic have so far been small and of relatively low quality. (, , )
Diabetic rats drinking noni juice showed significantly faster healing of small wounds than control animals. The extract also reduced skin allergies and skin inflammation in mice. (, )
Reducing cramps during menstruation (menstrual cramps)
Polynesian women ate unripe noni fruits, roots or leaves of the plant to prevent or cope with menstrual cramps. Only one clinical study has examined this ability. In this study, the fruit extract slightly reduced inflammatory markers but had no effect on menstrual pain or bleeding. (, , )
However, the authors of this study report several limitations to their work: a low dosage of the extract was used and there were people during the study who were unable to follow the instructions. The study also used fruit extract rather than mature fruit, roots or leaves. (, , )
Animal studies (no evidence for humans)
No clinical evidence supports the use of noni or any of the products from this plant for any of the conditions listed in this section. The following is a summary of existing animal and cell research that should serve as a guide for further study. However, the studies listed below should not be interpreted as supporting any benefit of noni on these health outcomes.
Reduced pain sensitivity
In a mouse study, noni reduced pain sensitivity almost as much as tramadol, an opioid analgesic. Other animal studies have confirmed this result, demonstrating an increase in pain tolerance similar to morphine and up to 3 times greater than the effect of placebo. (, )
This pain reduction occurred without side effects or dependence. Because the most powerful traditional pain relievers (opioids) have a significant risk of addiction and other problems, further research into natural alternatives would be beneficial. ()
But this does not mean that we should draw any conclusions. First, relatively high doses of noni juice (10-20% of the animals' total diet) or extract (1.6 g per kilogram of body weight) were required to achieve these results. Scientists have not yet studied the pain-relieving effect of noni in humans, but it is currently being examined in studies on the topic of arthritis. (, )
Scientists do not fully understand how noni may work to reduce pain. However, some of its active compounds have been isolated and studied. One protein (termed McLTP1) binds to opioid receptors in mice. Rutin, found in the leaves and fruits of the plant, also increases the effectiveness of the pain-relieving drug naproxen. (, , )
Other compounds in noni reduce inflammation and may help relieve pain. The polysaccharide molecule blocks inflammation caused by serotonin, histamine and bradykinin. The specific mechanism for this effect is unknown, although plant extracts containing Damnacanthal may directly block the histamine H1 receptor. (, )
Antiviral and antibacterial activity
Traditional Polynesian medicinal practitioners used noni to fight infections of all kinds, from the common cold to intestinal parasites. People ate the fruit, drank the juice, or applied the leaves directly to the wound to prevent or treat infection. Modern research has shown that noni has antimicrobial, antiviral and antiparasitic activity, but so far only in test tubes. (, )
Bacteria and fungi
In test tubes, the leaf extract killed several types of bacteria ( Escherichia coli
,
Bacillus subtilis, Proteus vulgaris
and
Staphylococcus aureus
). Some may become resistant to antibiotics, and new antibacterial drugs are in high demand. (, , , )
In numerous studies, freeze-dried extract of ripe noni fruit blocked the growth of candida (thrush, Candida albicans)
, the fungus responsible for yeast infections.
Preliminary data are promising, but these results have not yet been replicated in animals or in human clinical studies
. (, )
Parasitic infections
Perhaps the most promising and potential use of noni is in creams containing extracts from the plant's stem to combat drug-resistant leishmaniasis. Leishmania
is a parasite spread by sand flies. It invades host macrophages and causes ulcers on the skin, nose, and mouth; More serious infections can cause “black fever,” which kills about 20,000 people every year. (, )
In both cell and animal studies, noni extracts alter cells host to Leishmania
, and kill the parasite. In mice, the extract also reduced the formation of the characteristic skin ulcers associated with leishmaniasis. ()
Two human studies have taken this topic a little further. The extracts were prepared into a cream and applied to skin ulcers of people with leishmaniasis. All participants using stem extract
, received
some improvement in the size of the ulcers
.
Leaf and fruit extracts have not been shown to be effective; Only the extract from the stem reduced ulcers
. ()
Noni can also suppress roundworm infections . In one study, an extract from the fruit killed most of the roundworms that infect domestic chickens. The alcohol-based extract was found to be more effective than the water-based extract. ()
Some veterinarians recommend giving noni to dogs, cats, and horses to kill intestinal and heartworms. They caution that the effect has not been proven to be entirely suitable for this application; however, it may support other treatments or preventive measures. ()
Viruses
The plant has shown some ability to kill viruses. The extracts prevented the growth of hepatitis C virus and Epstein-Barr virus in human cells. However, this is a very early study that has not been replicated in animals or humans. ()
Help with addiction treatment
Some preliminary research suggests that noni may help people with addictions cope with their withdrawal symptoms. In a mouse study, those animals that were given the fetus were less likely to seek out heroin. Noni's potential to reduce cravings and help people avoid relapse should be further explored. ()
In another study, noni extract showed some anti-anxiety withdrawal properties in mice. If this property is confirmed in humans, it could help with withdrawal. ()
Cancer
Like most of the beneficial properties of this plant, its antitumor potential has yet to be determined in humans.
In one study, mice with terminal cancer were given either noni juice or a placebo. Those mice who received the juice lived more than 2 times longer. ()
Studies in cells and in rats show that noni can prevent carcinogenic chemicals from binding to the DNA of cells and damaging them. Its components prevented the growth of malignant tumors and improved survival rates in rats. (, , )
Damnacanthal from the plant may be the most promising anti-cancer compound. In test tubes, it blocked several pathways that drive tumor growth and metastasis (including C-Met and NF-kB). It also activated the anti-malignant cell signaling pathway (p53). (, )
Scopoletin from noni also blocks NF-kB in tumor cells. Meanwhile, beneficial fungi that grow on the plant's leaves kill tumors in the laboratory, but the compounds responsible are unknown. (, )
Fruit extract capsules also improved physical function and reduced pain
and
fatigue
in people with primary cancer. In a study examining proper dosage, 51 patients with primary cancer took extracts at different dosages. A dose of 8 g/day reduced severe fatigue and pain, and also improved physical condition. (, )
Noni may support quality of life during cancer treatment, but more definitive studies are lacking. ()
General properties of the fruit
Despite the unpleasant smell and unusual taste, this fruit has many beneficial qualities. Among them are the following:
- has a rejuvenating effect;
- has a positive effect on performance;
- effectively used in the treatment of oncology;
- normalizes blood pressure;
- has a calming effect on the nervous system;
- helps in the fight against depression;
- improves sleep;
- excellent pain reliever;
- maintains normal immunity of the body;
- ensures proper functioning of the endocrine system;
- copes with inflammation;
- good antioxidant;
- strengthens hair, has a positive effect on the skin;
- fights bacteria and fungi;
- reduces the amount of bad cholesterol and blood sugar;
- has a positive effect on the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract;
- helps men with sexual impotence.
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It is used to treat certain diseases and prevent their development.
Side effects and safety
Noni fruit is most likely safe. Some people eat them as a staple food without any side effects. The fruit is believed to not cause allergic reactions
.
However, its safety in pregnant women and children is unknown
due to a lack of high-quality studies. (,, )
There have been four cases of serious liver toxicity associated with noni juice. However, in all cases, other factors (eg, multiple sclerosis medications) may have been involved; the juice may also have been poorly prepared. If you are taking drugs that cause toxic liver stress
, then you should not use any noni products. (, )
People at risk for high potassium levels
(hyperkalemia), such as those with kidney disease,
should also avoid noni
. The juice from the plant has a potassium concentration of 56.3 mEq/L, which is similar to the potassium concentration in orange or tomato juice. (, )
Limitations and Cautions for Using Noni
As with many traditional medicinal plants, modern research on noni is lacking. Many beneficial features have only been demonstrated in cells or animal studies. Meanwhile, many scientific papers on noni juice do not indicate what type of juice was used in the experiments (traditionally fermented, commercially fermented, freshly squeezed, pasteurized or not, etc.)
Unfortunately, the true benefits (or lack thereof) of noni fruits, juices, and extracts are unclear due to the high risk of bias in many studies. Most of the accumulated evidence on this plant comes from very few, small, low-quality studies by a handful of scientists. The most prominent of these researchers work for Morinda Inc., which produces noni juice and has a clear financial incentive to publish only positive results.
The plant's fruit has a strong cultural history of benefit among Polynesian and Southeast Asian peoples. Let us hope that modern science will soon shed light on the exact mechanisms of its beneficial effects.
