Noni

Related Terms

(-)-3,3'-bisdemethylpinoresinol, (+)-3,3'-bisdemethyltanegool, (+)-3,4,3',4'-tetrahydroxy-9,7'alpha-epoxylignano-7 alpha,9'-lactone, 1,5,15-tri-O-methylmorindol, 2-methoxy-1,3,6-trihydroxyanthraquinone, 2-O-(beta-D-glucopyranosyl)-1-O-hexanoyl-beta-D-gluropyranose, , 2-O-(beta-D-glucopyranosyl)-1-O-octanoyl-beta-D-gluropyranose, 5,15-dimethylmorindol, 5,15-O-dimethylmorindol, 6alpha-hydroxyadoxoside, 6beta,7beta-epoxy-8-epi-splendoside, 9-epi-6a-methoxy geniposidic acid, Al, alizarin, alkaloids, americanin A, amino acids, anthraquinone, anthraquinone glycoside, asperuloside, asperulosidic acid, atchy (Hindi), ?-sitosterol, beta-sitosterol 3-O-beta-d-glucopyranoside, borreriagenin, cada pilva (Malay), caproic acid, caprylic acid, carotene, catechin, citrifolinin A-1, citrifolinin B epimer a, citrifolinin B epimer b, citrifolinoside, citrifolinoside A, cytidine, deacetylasperuloside, deacetylasperulosidic acid, deacetylasp erulosidic acid, dehydromethoxygaertneroside, d-glucose, dilo'k (Pijin), d-mannitol, epicatechin, epi-dihydrocornin, eugenol, flavone glycosides, Indian mulberry, iridoid glycoside, isoscopoletin, kaempferol, kaempferol-3-O-?-L-rhamnopyranoysyl-(1-6)-?-D-glucopyranoside, kura (Fijian), kuti, ladda (Chamorro), L-asperuloside, linoleic acid, lucidin, maddichettoo (Telugu), manganese, manja-pavattay, Mengkudu, methyl alpha-d-fructofuranoside, methyl beta-d-fructofuranoside, molagha, Morinda citrifolia, Morinda citrifolia fruit juice concentrate, Morinda citrifolia L., Morinda citrifolia Linn, morindacin, morindone, murier d'Inde, najalanun, nakura, narcissoside, nen (Chamorro), niacin, nicotifloroside, nolom, noni berry, noni juice, nonijuice, nono (Cook Islands Maori), nonu (Tongan, Wallisian, Futunian, Niuean, Tokelauan, Tuvaluan), nonu togi (Samoan), noona (Tamil), nordamnacanthal, nowoi (Bislama), octanoic acid, Okinawa noni juice (ONJ), pinoresinol, potassium, proxeronine, quercetin, riro (Tok Pisin), Rubiaceae (family), rubiadin, rubiadin-1-methyl ether, rutin, saponin, scandoside methyl ester, scopoletin, selenium, Tahitian NoniT Equine EssentialsT, Tahitian Noni? Leaf Tea, te non (Gilbertese), terpenoids, uercetin, ursolic acid, vanillin, vitamin A, vitamin C, yelotri.
Select combination products: Tahitian Noni? juice (Morinda citrifolia fruit juice from fruit puree, grape juice concentrate, blueberry juice concentrate, natural flavors), Thrive Adaptogenics, Thrive Adaptogenics Extra, Thrive Adaptogenics Family, Thrive Adaptogenics Max, Thrive Adaptogenics Original (Morinda citrifolia fruit juice from fruit puree, grape juice concentrate, blueberry juice concentrate, natural flavors), Thrive Adaptogenics Pure.

Background

Noni is a plant that has been used in folk medicine for over 2,000 years in Polynesia. The Polynesians used noni as food, as well as for its antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antitumor, anti-parasitic, pain-relieving, blood pressure-lowering, anti-inflammatory, and immune effects.
Noni is a popular supplement. Many studies have reviewd the use of noni; however, strong human evidence is lacking. One trial suggests that noni may benefit people with nausea after surgery. Early research suggests that noni may have antioxidant, cholesterol-lowering, and anticancer activity. Although promising, more high-quality studies are needed.
Cases of liver damage in humans have been reported following noni juice consumption. However, the European Food Safey Authority (EFSA) states that strong evidence is lacking to support an association between noni juice consumption at dietary intake levels and liver problems. More research on the safety of noni is needed.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *


One trial shows that noni extract may reduce nausea after surgery. Higher doses (600 milligrams) may be most effective. More research is needed to confirm these early findings.

B


One trial shows that noni extract may reduce nausea after surgery. Higher doses (600 milligrams) may be most effective. More research is needed to confirm these early findings.

B


Studies suggest that Tahitian Noni? Juice, which contains noni fruit puree, grape juice, and blueberry juice, may have stronger antioxidant activity than some commonly used antioxidants. In healthy people, Tahitian Noni? Juice may decrease markers of oxidative stress. Tahitian Noni? Juice may also have significant antioxidant benefits in smokers. Further high-quality research is needed on the effects of noni alone.

C


Studies suggest that Tahitian Noni? Juice, which contains noni fruit puree, grape juice, and blueberry juice, may have stronger antioxidant activity than some commonly used antioxidants. In healthy people, Tahitian Noni? Juice may decrease markers of oxidative stress. Tahitian Noni? Juice may also have significant antioxidant benefits in smokers. Further high-quality research is needed on the effects of noni alone.

C


Noni has been studied for possible benefit in people with cancer. Early research suggests that noni may improve physical function, pain, and fatigue. Noni may decrease the amount of structures in the body that lead to cancer. However, further high-quality research is needed before firm conclusions can be made.

C


Noni has been studied for possible benefit in people with cancer. Early research suggests that noni may improve physical function, pain, and fatigue. Noni may decrease the amount of structures in the body that lead to cancer. However, further high-quality research is needed before firm conclusions can be made.

C


Early research suggests that noni juice, combined with physical therapy, may improve neck pain and flexibility in people with cervical spondylosis. Although promising, further high-quality study is needed in this area.

C


Early research suggests that noni juice, combined with physical therapy, may improve neck pain and flexibility in people with cervical spondylosis. Although promising, further high-quality study is needed in this area.

C


Noni juice may enhance exercise performance in athletes. Although promising, more high-quality research is needed on the potential effects of noni alone.

C


Noni juice may enhance exercise performance in athletes. Although promising, more high-quality research is needed on the potential effects of noni alone.

C


Early research suggests that Tahitian Noni? Juice may reduce bleeding and inflammation in people with gum disease. However, it lacks an effect on bacteria levels in the mouth. Further high quality research is needed in this area.

C


Early research suggests that Tahitian Noni? Juice may reduce bleeding and inflammation in people with gum disease. However, it lacks an effect on bacteria levels in the mouth. Further high quality research is needed in this area.

C


Noni juice has been used for many years for various conditions in Southeast Asia. Limited research has reviewed the use of noni juice for hearing improvement. Although some benefit was found, further study is needed before conclusions can be made.

C


Noni juice has been used for many years for various conditions in Southeast Asia. Limited research has reviewed the use of noni juice for hearing improvement. Although some benefit was found, further study is needed before conclusions can be made.

C


Limited human research shows that Tahitian Noni? Juice may reduce blood pressure. Lab research suggests that noni may slow or stop the activity of angiotensin converting enzyme, which increases blood pressure. However, further high-quality research is needed to determine the effects of noni alone.

C


Limited human research shows that Tahitian Noni? Juice may reduce blood pressure. Lab research suggests that noni may slow or stop the activity of angiotensin converting enzyme, which increases blood pressure. However, further high-quality research is needed to determine the effects of noni alone.

C


According to traditional folk medicine, noni may lower cholesterol. Early research in smokers suggests that Tahitian Noni? Juice may reduce cholesterol and triglycerides in smokers. Although promising, further study is needed before a firm conclusion can be made.

C


According to traditional folk medicine, noni may lower cholesterol. Early research in smokers suggests that Tahitian Noni? Juice may reduce cholesterol and triglycerides in smokers. Although promising, further study is needed before a firm conclusion can be made.

C


Tahitian Noni Juice may have antioxidant benefits and may affect immune activity in healthy people. Noni may decrease malondialdehyde (MDA), a marker of oxidative stress, and may enhance immune function. Although promising, further high-quality research in this area is needed.

C


Tahitian Noni Juice may have antioxidant benefits and may affect immune activity in healthy people. Noni may decrease malondialdehyde (MDA), a marker of oxidative stress, and may enhance immune function. Although promising, further high-quality research in this area is needed.

C


Early study suggests that people with hip or knee osteoarthritis may experience better quality of life with noni juice consumption. More high-quality research is needed in this field.

C


Early study suggests that people with hip or knee osteoarthritis may experience better quality of life with noni juice consumption. More high-quality research is needed in this field.

C


Applying a one percent noni ointment to the skin may help treat Leishmania major infection. More high-quality research is needed before firm conclusions can be made in this area.

C


Applying a one percent noni ointment to the skin may help treat Leishmania major infection. More high-quality research is needed before firm conclusions can be made in this area.

C
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)
In adults, the highest estimated intake of noni is 624 milliliters daily. However, information suggests that the typical average adult intake of noni is 161 milliliters of M. citrifolia fruit juice. The highest estimated intake of M. citrifolia leaf material in adult males is 1.29 grams daily (equal to 18.4 milligrams per kilogram of body weight in a 70 kilogram person).
As an antioxidant, Tahitian noni juice has been taken by mouth.
To treat cancer, noni has been taken by mouth as: homemade noni juice; 2-10 grams of noni daily (as 500 milligram capsules of freeze-dried noni fruit extract); and two 2 gram noni capsules twice daily, increasing by 2 grams daily to a maximum of 12 grams four times daily.
To treat cervical spondylosis (abnormal wear of the neck bones/cartilage), noni juice has been taken by mouth for four weeks with physical therapy.
To treat hearing loss, 2 ounces of noni juice has been taken by mouth twice daily for three months.
To improve immune function, Tahitian noni juice has been taken by mouth.
To prevent nausea after surgery, doses of 150-600 milligrams of noni extract (containing 1.716-8.712 micrograms of scopoletin) have been taken by mouth one hour before surgery.
To treat parasite infections, one percent M. citrifolia ointment has been applied to sores and ulcers three times daily for up to six weeks.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Noni fortified with vitamin K may affect the risk of clotting when taken with drugs that affect the risk of bleeding. Some examples include aspirin, anticoagulants ("blood thinners") such as warfarin (Coumadin?) or heparin, anti-platelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix?), and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin?, Advil?) or naproxen (Naprosyn?, Aleve?).
Noni may affect blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using medications that may also affect blood sugar. People taking drugs for diabetes by mouth or insulin should be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments may be necessary.
Noni may cause low blood pressure. Caution is advised in people taking drugs that lower blood pressure.
Noni may interfere with the way the body processes certain drugs using the liver's "cytochrome P450" enzyme system. As a result, the levels of these drugs may be decreased in the blood, and may cause decreased effects or potentially serious adverse reactions. People using any medications should check the package insert, and speak with a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, about possible interactions.
Noni may interact with A2R blockers, ACE inhibitors, agents that affect the immune system, agents that harm the liver, agents that prevent blood vessel formation, agents that promote urine flow but do not promote potassium elimination, agents that treat gum disease, agents that treat nausea and vomiting, anti-arthritis agents, antibiotics, anticancer agents, anti-inflammatory agents, anti-parasite agents, antiviral agents, cholesterol-lowering agents, dental agents, metabolic enzymes, neurologic agents, pain relievers, potassium salts, rantidine, stomach agents, and UDP-glucuronosyl transferase (UGT) enzymes.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

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Beh HK, Seow LJ, Asmawi MZ, et al. Anti-angiogenic activity of Morinda citrifolia extracts and its chemical constituents. Nat.Prod.Res. 2012;26(16):1492-1497.
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