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Noni
( Morinda citrifolia )
Family
Rubiaceae
Synonyms
Indian mulberry, nono, Polynsian
bushfruit, painkiller tree, kura, bumbo, nhau
Character
Antibacterial, analgesic,
anticongestive, antioxidant, anticatarrhal, anti-inflammatory, astringent,
emollient, emmenagogue, laxative, sedative, hypotensive, blood purifier,
tonic
Description
Noni is technically called an
evergreen shrub or bush with rigid, coarse branches that bear dark, oval,
glassy leaves. White fragrant flowers bloom out of cluster-like pods which
bear creamy-white colored fruit that is fleshy and gel-like when ripe. The
flesh of the fruit is characteristically bitter and, when completely ripe,
produces a rancid and very distinctive odor. Noni has buoyant seeds which
can float for months in ocean water. While this herb may not technically
qualify as a product of the rain forest, it grows in tropical regions
throughout the world and has been the subject of intense current interest.
Phytochemistry
Noni contains an impressive array
of terpene compounds, L. asperuloside, aucubin and glucose, acytl
derivatives, caproci and caprylic acids. ( NOTE : Noni fruit has been linked
with the synthesis of xeronin in the body which ahs significant health
implications. The alkaloid content of the noni fruit is thought to be
responsible for its therapeutic actions. )
Traditional rain forest use
Virtually every part of this
Polynesian plant has been used for medicinal purposes in the South Pacific
for millennia. Noni juice has recently emerged as a valuable therapeutic
agent with significant anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties. Like
many other botanical medicines, noni has earned a legitimate place in
Nature's pharmacopoeia. Traditional applications of the noni plant
illustrate the wide variety of ways medicinal botanicals have been utilized
by primitive peoples. The following is only a partial list of the ingenious
ways in which virtually every part of the plant was used to treat disease
and injury:
• Poultices of noni fruit were
applied to swollen areas, deep cuts, boils, and inflamed joints for
immediate relief.
• Women across Asia used noni
fruit juice and bark decoctions to stimulate delayed menstruation.
• Noni was frequently utilized
for its antiparasitic activity.
• Respiratory ailments, coughs,
and colds were treated with noni.
• A juice made from pounding noni
leaves, roots and fruit mixed with water was administered for diarrhea.
Dried and powdered forms of the bark mixed with water and administered with
a spoon treated infant diarrhea.
• Small pieces of fruit and root
infused with water were given to kill intestinal parasites.
• Boiled bark decoctions were
given as a drink for stomach ailments.
• Coughs were treated with grated
bark.
• Charred unripe fruit was used
with salt on diseased gums.
• Pounded fruit combined with
kava and sugar cane was used to treat tuberculosis.
• Babies were rubbed with fresh,
crushed leaves for serious chest colds accompanied by fever.
• Eye washes were made from
decoctions of flower extracts for eye complaints
• Leaf infusions were
traditionally used to treat adult fevers.
• A mouthwash consisting of
crushed ripe fruit and juice was used fro inflamed gums in young boys.
• Pounded leaf juice was used for
adult gingivitis.
• Sore throats were treated by
chewing the leaves and swallowing the juice.
• Skin abscesses and boils were
covered with leaf poultices.
• Swelling was controlled with
leaf macerations.
• Heated leaves were often used
for arthritic joins and for ringworm.
Modern medicinal applications
Noni is used to treat arthritis,
atherosclerosis, bladder infections, boils, bowel disorders, burns, cancer,
chronic fatigue diarrhea, drug addiction, eye inflammations, fever,
fractures, gastric ulcers, gingivitis, headaches, hypertension, immune
weakness, intestinal parasites, kidney disease, menstrual disorders, pain,
respiratory disease, tuberculosis, tumors, and wounds.
Authentication
Noni has an impressive array of
terpene compounds that have exhibited natural antibiotic activity. Compounds
in the noni fruit have been linked to the synthesis of xeronine in the body,
which has significant healing properties. The alkaloid content of noni
exerts a number of therapeutic actions including anti-inflammatory actions.
Recent testing has found that certain noni compounds such as damnacanthol
have inhibited the growth of precancerous RAS cells.
Safety
Extracts of noni are considered
safe if used as directed, but pregnant or nursing women should consult their
physician before using any noni derivative. High doses of root extracts may
cause constipation. Taking noni supplements with coffee, alcohol or nicotine
is not recommended. They should be taken on an empty stomach for maximum
effectiveness. |
