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Browse Top 100 HerbsNoni (Morinda citrifolia) is a traditional folk medicinal plant that has been used for over 2,000 years in Polynesia. Traditionally, Polynesians had many medicinal uses for noni including for fevers, headaches, malaria, bone fractures, dislocations, gastrointestinal disorders, urinary ailments, worms, wounds, rheumatism, and hypertension (high blood pressure). All parts of the noni plant were utilized.
Although noni is a popular supplement, few clinical trials have been conducted on its uses. There is preliminary research supporting noni's popular use as an antioxidant, but more research is needed in this area to establish noni's effects.
Based on scientific analysis and review of Tahitian Noni® juice, the European Commission Health and Consumer Protection Directorate-General Scientific Committee on Food found that "although some nutritional benefits are claimed for Morinda citrifolia L. products, the data supplied and the information available to the Committee provided no evidence for special nutritional benefits of Tahitian Noni® juice which go beyond those of other fruit juices."
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.
Uses |
Grade* |
AntioxidantLaboratory studies indicated that Tahitian Noni® juice (TNJ) may have greater antioxidant activity than some commonly used antioxidants. Although human study suggests that TNJ does have antioxidant effects, whether TNJ protects smokers from oxidative damage is yet to be proven. More high quality studies are needed in this area. |
C |
Hearing lossNoni juice has been used for many years for a wide variety of indications in Southeast Asia, and noni juice may improve hearing in people with auditory dysfunction. Although results are promising, additional research is warranted in this area. |
C |
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Many complementary techniques are practiced by healthcare professionals with formal training, in accordance with the standards of national organizations. However, this is not universally the case, and adverse effects are possible. Due to limited research, in some cases only limited safety information is available.
Allergies
Avoid in individuals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to noni or its constituents.
Side Effects and Warnings
Overall, noni has had very few reported side effects. Although noni roots are known to contain liver-damaging anthraquinones, recent research indicates that noni fruit also contains anthraquinones.
There is one report of acquired coumarin resistance caused by increased vitamin K intake through ingestion of a noni juice product. However, the product appeared to be vitamin K fortified and contained >115 components from several plants. (Note: Noni juice/fruit itself is not a source of vitamin K; it would therefore be unsubstantiated to draw any conclusions concerning a potential warfarin/coumarin interaction with noni from this case report).
Noni juice may cause elevated lactate dehydrogenase and elevated transaminases.
Potassium concentrations of the noni juice samples were found to be similar to potassium levels in orange and tomato juice. Patients with kidney disease may wish to avoid noni products. Effects in individuals with normal kidney function are not known.
Use cautiously in patients with injuries or post-surgery, as noni may have antiangiogenic properties (prevent new vessel growth).
Avoid in patients with gastrointestinal disorders, as noni may decrease gastric transit time.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Noni is not recommended in pregnant or breastfeeding women due to a lack of available scientific evidence.
Adults (18 years and older):
There is no proven safe or effective dose for noni in adults. However, 1 ounce every 12 hours has been used. As an antioxidant 2 ounces of Tahitian Noni® juice twice daily for 30 days has been used; for hearing loss, 2 ounces of noni juice twice daily (morning and evening) for three months has been used.
Noni is likely safe when taken orally from preparations of fruits and leaves of the noni plant or when ≤10 grams of ripe noni fruit extract is taken daily for up to 28 days. Noni is possibly unsafe when ≥10 grams of ripe noni fruit extract is taken daily for more than 28 days.
Children (younger than 18 years):
There is no proven safe or effective dose for noni in children.