Morinda citrifolia L (Noni) hasbeen used in folk remedies by Polynesiansfor over 2000 years, and is reported to have a broad range of therapeutic effects, including antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antitumor, antihelmin,analgesic, hypotensive, anti-inflammatory, and immune enhancing effects. In order to reveal the nutritional and medicinal value of the Noni plant, and to summarize scientific evidence that supports the Polynesians’ claim, a literature review and recent advances in Noni research is given below.
INTRODUCTION
Herbal and natural products of folk medicine have been used for centuries in every culture throughout the world. Scientists and medical professionals have shown increased interest in this field as they recognize the truehealth benefits of these remedies. “Let food be your medicine and let medicine be your food” was advised by the father of medicine, Hippocrates, over two millennia ago. It’s still true today that “you are what you eat.” Folk medicine in different cultures has a long history of ancestors creating primitive medicines during their struggles against natural calamity and disease.Tea is one of the first Chinese herbs mentioned in anncient literature. Tea supposedly originated in China, and was discovered to be an antidote for poisonous herbs by a great herbalist, Shen Nong, about 4700 years ago, when tasting unknown herbs to find plants with medicinal value. He is generally known as the “God of Agriculture” in China for his great achievements as both a pioneer and a leader in farming. His findings were compiled in a book in the Dong-Han dynasty (25-220AD) called “Shen Nong’s Herbs,” which isstill a classic herbal book today. While searching for food, the ancient found that some foods had specific properties of relieving or eliminating certain diseases, and maintaining good health. It wasthe beginning of herbal medicine. The same story occurred in Polynesia. Among the medicinal plants discovered by the ancestors of Polynesians, Morinda citrifolia L (Noni) is one of the traditional folk medicinal plants that has been used for over 2000 years in Polynesia .It has been reported to have a broad range of therapeutic and nutritional value.
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Plant Part Used | Traditional Medicinal Uses |
Leaves | Relieves cough, nausea, colic (Malaysia), tuberculosis, sprains, deep bruising, rheumatism, bone fractures, dislocations, hypertension, stomach ache, diabetes, loss of appetite, urinary tract ailments, abdominal swelling, hernias, vitamin A deficiency |
Fruit | Lumbago, asthma, dysentery (Indochina), head lice (Hawaii), wound poultice, broken bones, sores or scabs, sore throat, peeling and cracking of toes and feet, cuts, wounds, abscesses, mouth and gum infections, toothaches, appetite and brain stimulant food, boils, carbuncles, tuberculosis, sprains, deep bruises, rheumatism, stomach ulcers, hypertension |
Fruit | Regulate menstrual flow, urinary tract problems, arthritis |
Stem | Jaundice, hypertension |
Seed | Scalp insecticide, insect repellant |
Flowers | Sties |
Leaves, flowers, fruit, bark | Eye conditions, skin wounds, abscesses, gum and throat disease, respiratory ailments, constipation, fever, laxative |
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Key Components & Their Benefits |
Proxeronine & Proxeroninase | The building blocks our bodies use to manufacture Xeronine. With nutrient-depleted foods, where these building blocks are not available, our proteins can become reliant on inadequate substitutes such as sugar, caffeine, cocaine, or nicotine to do their work. In returning Xeronine to the body, Noni has been found to help break addictions to these substances. By promoting optimal protein functioning, Noni promotes massive cellular regeneration and hormonal balance. |
Scopoletin | Has anti-inflammatory, anti-histamine, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, lowers blood pressure, and binds to serotonin to help regulate sleep, hunger and temperature. |
Anthraquinone | Controls infectious bacteria such as Staphylococcus Aureus, E. Coli & Salmonella. |
Damnacanthal | Inhibits growth of pre-cancerous cells. |
Terpene | Helps with cell rejuvenation, thus increasing nutrient-toxin exchange. |
Phytonutrients & Selenium | Provide powerful anti-oxidant protection against free radicals. |
Rich in soluble and insoluble fiber | Soluble fiber helps cleanse the blood, decrease choloesterol, binds to fats and balances blood sugar levels. Insoluble fiber ("bulk") is important for colon health. |
Rich in amino acids | Amino acids are the buildings blocks for proteins, important for most body functions. The "essential" amino acids are the ones our bodies cannot make and we therefore must get from our diet. Noni contains 17 of the 20 known amino acids, including all 9 essential amino acids. |
Rich in essential fatty acids | Fatty acids are the building blocks of fats and oils. The "essential" fatty acids in Noni are the important poly-unsaturated fats that we must get from our diet. They maintain healthy skin, nerve cells, heart tissue and blood vessels and help balance mood. They keep cell membranes working properly and efficiently, improving the nutrient-toxin exchange. |
Important Overall Characteristics |
Adaptogen | An adaptogen is a substance that has a global balancing effect on all body systems. There are only 12 known adaptogens; of these 12, Noni is said to be the "premiere" adaptogen. |
Alkaline | Tissues degrade and disease thrives in an acidic environment. Noni promotes an alkaline body chemistry, the optimal state for good health. |
Anti-oxidant | Anti-oxidants, such as green tea, pycnogenol, and vitamin C, among others, are important in neutralizing "free radicals", or particles that cause DNA damage that can lead to cancer. Noni has recently been found to be the most effective of all known anti-oxidants. |
Low Glycemic Index | A 3:1 ratio of carbohydates to fiber in Noni helps balance blood sugar levels. |
Analgesic, Anti-inflammatory andSelective Cox II Inhibitor | Unlike typical pain relievers and anti-inflammatories, Noni decreases pain and inflammation while protecting stomach, kidney, and liver cells. |
Humectant | As a humectant, Noni helps tissues retain moisture. |
Immuno-Modulator | Noni intelligently supports the immune system, not just by boosting it, but by regulating it to suppress the allergic and auto-allergic responses. |
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DIGESTIVE SYSTEM | INTERNAL DISORDERS | EYES, MOUTH & THROAT |
Diarrhea
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Diabetes
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Eye infections
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Intestinal Parasites
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High Blood Pressure
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Inflamed, sore gums
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Indigestion
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Headache
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Sore throat with cough
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Stomach Ulcers
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Kidney and Bladder
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Gingivitis
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BONES & JOINTS |
Tumors
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Toothache
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Arthritis
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Fevers
| CHEST |
Broken Bones
| GENDER-SPECIFIC |
Cough
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Sprains
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Childbirth and Pregnancy
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Tuberculosis
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SKIN |
Menstrual Cramps
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Asthma
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Abscesses, Boils, Blemishes
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Regulate Menstruation
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Respiratory Afflictions
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Wounds, Infections
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Prostate Complaints
| TONIC TO SLOW AGIN |
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